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ROSEHIP
Rosehips have a long history of usage in Europe from
early Christians who crafted the first rosary beads from rosehips to
Viking invaders who used rosehips as a source of vitamin C to keep
them healthy on their epic voyages. During the Second World War
British schoolchildren were given the job of collecting rosehips
from hedgerows to make into rosehip syrup as a source of vitamin C
that was difficult to obtain from food normally imported due to the
German U boat blockade. Even today rosehips are still an important
part of the traditional Scandinavian food such as rosehip soup with
cream and rosehip marmalade.
The Benefits of Rosehip
Osteoarthritis -
recent studies published in the Scandinavian Journal of
Rheumatology, showed that 82% of those people with arthritic pain
showed a reduction in pain when given rosehip extract for three
weeks. Patients also showed a reduction in their use of NSAID's.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
- a far more serious disease than the osteo form but has shown
improvements in patients' sore joints when rosehips have been taken
continuously for six months,
Cardiovascular Support -
rosehips have been linked with keeping the heart and circulation
healthy with research indicating that rosehip extract can reduce the
oxidation of LDL (bad) cholesterol as well as exerting their
anti-inflammatory effects on the blood vessels.
Urinary Tract Infections
- rosehips have been used to help prevent urinary tract infections.
Immune Support -
the hips from the dog rose contain between 10 and 50 times the
amount of vitamin C of an orange. Used regularly rosehip can help to
build the body's defence against colds and flu. catarrh, sore
throats and chest infections.
Properties
Glycoside of mono and diglycerol -
a little known component of the rosehip that exerts the
anti-inflammatory effect by reducing white blood cell production
that is in turn responsible for the inflammatory response at the
site of irritation.
Vitamins -
one of the richest sources of vitamin C. rosehips also contain
vitamins B1, B2, B3. E and K
Others -
contains malic and citric acid. pectin, tannin, carotene, flavonoids,
fatty and volatile oils, and proteins. Malic acid helps to detoxify
the body of aluminium and is often used to support people with
fibromyalgia (another rheumatic disorder).
Contra-indications / Precautions
Excessive intake can result in gastric upset.
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