Do you like getting roses? I’m partial to yellow roses, but much too practical to encourage my husband to buy them for me.  But now I’ve discovered a better way to enjoy them – in rosehip seed oil!  If you didn’t already know it, rosehip seed oil has a long history in natural medicine and contains many health benefits. It’s  benefits are almost as varied as roses themselves, but this oil doesn’t get the credit it’s due.
It is extracted from the seeds of wild/native rose bushes, primarily in Chile. If  sustainability of this bush concerns you, don’t worry, there can be up to one million rosehip seeds on a single wild rose bush.
Some facts about rosehip oil you may not know:
- Rosehips are the red bud that replaces the rose bloom after it loses its petals
- They are a tart fruit and depending on the variety, they contain more vitamin C than an orange
- According to Livestrong.com, studies show it may reduce hyper pigmentation and stretch marks in pregnancy (see precautions below)
- Hydrates the skin
- It should always be used with a carrier oil such as jojoba, olive, or almond oil
- It has anti-inflammatory properties
- It may alleviate the symptoms of osteoarthritis and arthritis
- Contains healing properties for skin problems like rosacea  or eczema
- It can be made into a tea and used to fight urinary tract infections
- May help fight diabetes
- Rose hip may have preventive properties for heart disease and high blood pressure
- It has anti-aging properties and may help fight wrinkles and age spots
- Good for dry and damaged hair
- It may be used in massage oil
You can purchase rosehip seed oil as an essential oil, in a tablet or a powder. We carry all three! You can even purchase a rose oil spray to help relieve anxiety and lift your mood. Besides, it smells lovely!
As with any product you ingest or put on your skin, there are a few precautions you should know of when using rosehip seed oil:
- Always consult with your doctor if you are pregnant or nursing before using rosehip oil
- Always try a patch test first before using an essential oil – even natural products can cause allergic reactions
- It can interfere with birth control effectiveness
- It can interfere with drugs that thin the blood
- It may increase iron absorption in the body
Are you surprised by all the beneficial properties of rosehip oil? No wonder it’s gaining so much popularity. The next time you’re wondering about a good multi-purpose essential oil, consider rosehip seed oil – you’ll be glad you did!
If you’ve used rosehip seed oil, we’d like to hear about it! Post a comment below.
Resources and References:
http://www.mountainroseherbs.com/learn/oilprofile/rosehiporganic.php
http://www.livestrong.com/article/188614-how-to-make-rose-hip-oil/
http://www.examiner.com/article/rosehip-seed-oil-mother-nature-s-anti-aging-secret
http://www.ehow.com/about_5499637_rose-hips-side-effects.html
http://www.livestrong.com/article/414529-rose-hip-seed-oil-uses/
http://www.greenmedinfo.com/article/rose-hip-powder-significantly-alleviates-symptoms-osteoarthritis
http://altmedicine.about.com/od/herbsupplementguide/a/Rose-Hip.htm
http://nutrispire.wordpress.com/2013/04/23/health-benefits-of-rosehips/
