The benefits and harms of rosehip broth — 6 proven properties

Rosehip decoction is a strong natural anti–inflammatory and antioxidant drug that has been used in folk medicine for centuries. Our ancestors appreciated this drink, as they believed that it allows you to preserve youth and strengthen human health.

Modern scientists also confirm the benefits of taking a decoction of rosehip. The drink increases the body's resistance to external pathogens, reduces the risk of developing cancer and any chronic diseases.

6 medicinal properties

Let's consider the main beneficial properties of rosehip broth for our body (based on scientific sources of information).

1. It is saturated with nutrients

Rosehip fruits have contains a lot of nutrients with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. They are effective in preventing chronic diseases of all organs, as well as proliferative processes.

The plant is also rich in vitamins (A, E, C, B1, B2, PP) and minerals (calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron and potassium). However, some vitamins lose their biological properties when exposed to high temperatures.

9 useful properties of rosehip can be found here →

2. It has an anti-inflammatory effect

Spanish scientists installed that rosehip contains polyphenols and galactolipids. These substances inhibit acute and chronic inflammation and can be used for the manufacture of medicines in the future.

In practice studied only rosehip extract. Its use made it possible to almost completely eliminate the pain caused by arthrosis of the hip joints, which increased the amplitude of active and passive movements. There was also a decrease in swelling of the periarticular tissues.

The anti-inflammatory components of rosehip can reduce the risk of developing chronic and autoimmune diseases, mainly from the gastrointestinal tract (Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, etc.).

3. Fights free radicals

Free radicals are "aggressive" molecules that can damage body cells and initiate the growth of malignant tumors.

Rosehip fruits contain a lot of polyphenolic compounds, carotenoids and a small amount of vitamins C and E. Similar composition allows consider rosehip a powerful antioxidant.

When taking the decoction, the effect of free radicals, as well as some toxic substances on kidney and liver cells, as well as decreases the probability of malignant degeneration of any tissues in the body.

4. Strengthens the immune system

Rosehip saturated vitamin C, which improves the functioning of the immune system . A significant part of the vitamin is preserved even during heat treatment.

According to foreign studies, vitamin C stimulates production and supports the functional activity of cells of the immune system, increases the resistance of barrier tissues (mucous membranes, skin) to the introduction of foreign agents (bacteria, viruses, fungi, toxic substances).

An additional advantage of the drink is the normalization of metabolic processes. Without a well-coordinated metabolism, the work of the immune system is impossible.

5. Reduces blood sugar levels

Experiments on rodents demonstrate that the intake of rosehip and any products based on it leads to a decrease in the concentration of glucose in blood plasma.

The plant's action is based on the ability to increase the sensitivity of peripheral tissues (muscles, fat depots) to insulin, which leads to effective utilization of sugar from the bloodstream.

The positive action was marked even in mice suffering from type II diabetes mellitus, which is based on insulin resistance (decreased sensitivity of peripheral tissue receptors to insulin).

It is important to note that the effect of rosehip is not related to gender hormonal mechanisms and is equally pronounced in men and women.

Possible harm

Rosehip broth is a valuable, but not harmless product. It also has contraindications and can cause harm to health.

The following side effects may occur when taking it:

1. Exacerbation of chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Rosehip increases the production of hydrochloric acid by the cells of the gastric mucosa, which, through direct and indirect mechanisms, can lead to an exacerbation of chronic gastritis, pancreatitis, peptic ulcer, as well as increase the risk of liver disease.
2. Impaired liver and kidney function. When taken in excess volumes, the development of insufficiency of these organs is possible.
3. Decrease in the effectiveness of certain medicines. It is not recommended to use contraceptive medications (estrogens) and flufenazine when taking a decoction of rosehip.
4. Allergic reactions. Are caused by the sensitization of the body to certain components of rosehip. They are more often mild, and anaphylaxis is extremely rare.

Rosehip decoction should not be taken by women during pregnancy. It can increase the likelihood of edema, gestosis and toxicosis.

Step-by-step Recipes

Consider the two most common drink recipes – decoction and infusion of rosehip. They are quite simple to cook at home from improvised ingredients.

1. Decoction

Will be required:

• 100 grams of rosehip fruits;
• 20-50 grams of sugar;
• 1,000 ml of water;
• A few slices of lemon.

Recipe:

1. Thoroughly rinse the rosehip fruits.
2. Bring the water to a boil and add the berries.
3. Cover the dishes with a lid and cook over medium heat for about 10 minutes.
4. Drain the broth, add sugar, squeeze lemon juice.
5. Let it brew for about 10-12 hours in any dark place. It is advisable to close the drink tightly with a lid. The broth is ready.

Rosehip broth should be taken in small quantities – 50-100 ml 2-3 times a day.

The duration of storing the drink in the refrigerator after cooking is up to 5 days. Exposure to light (especially sunlight) should be avoided, this leads to the destruction of ascorbic acid.

2. Infusion

Necessary:

• 7-10 dried rosehip fruits;
• 600 ml of water.

You will also need a thermos or any replacement vessel.

Cooking scheme:

1. Thoroughly rinse the rosehip fruits.
2. Rinse the walls of the thermos with boiling water, put the berries on the bottom.
3. Boil the water and pour it into a thermos. Close the lid tightly.
4. Let the future drink brew for about 8-12 hours.
5. Strain the infusion from the fruit. The drink is ready.

It is recommended to take the infusion 1-2 times a day (in the morning) – 100 ml. In the absence of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, it is possible to use the drink on an empty stomach.

The shelf life of the infusion is up to 24 hours, then the biological properties begin to fade.

Conclusion

1. A decoction or infusion of rosehip is a healthy drink rich in vitamins, antioxidant and anti–inflammatory substances.
2. Regular intake reduces the risk of developing type II diabetes mellitus and other chronic diseases, malignant tumors, and also helps strengthen immunity.
3. The decoction has a number of contraindications that must be taken into account before taking it. The medicinal drink is contraindicated for pregnant women.