Rose hips come from the rose plant and can be used to make tea. This tea is easy to brew and is full of antioxidants, has protective properties, and may even fight skin aging. Rosehip tea is an herbal tea made from the pseudo-fruits of the rose plant. It has a delicate, floral flavour that’s slightly sweet with a distinct tart aftertaste. Rose hips have been linked to numerous benefits, including improved immunity, heart health, weight loss, and skin aging.
Here are 8 health benefits of drinking rosehip tea.
- Rich in antioxidants
Antioxidants are substances that protect or reduce cell damage caused by molecules called free radicals. Consuming foods and beverages rich in antioxidants may protect against chronic conditions like heart disease, cancer, and type 2 diabetes. In a study on the antioxidant contents of six fruit extracts, rosehip was found to have the highest antioxidant capacity. More specifically, it has been found to contain high levels of polyphenols, carotenoids, and vitamins C and E, all of which have powerful antioxidant properties.
The amounts of these antioxidants in rose hips can vary greatly, depending on the plant species, time of harvest, and altitude at which the plant was grown. Interestingly, plants from higher altitudes tend to have higher antioxidant levels. Additionally, research shows that dried rose hips may offer fewer antioxidants than fresh varieties. As rosehip tea can be made with either, you may get more antioxidants by using fresh rose hips instead of dried ones or tea bags.
- May support a healthy immune system
One of the most impressive benefits of rose hips is their high concentration of vitamin C. While the exact amount varies by plant, rose hips have been shown to have among the highest vitamin C content of all fruits and vegetables. Vitamin C plays many essential roles in your immune system, including:
- stimulating the
- production of white blood cells called lymphocytes, which protect your
- body against infection
- enhancing the
- function of lymphocytes
- helping maintain your skin’s protective barrier against outside pathogens
In addition to vitamin C, rose hips contain high levels of polyphenols and vitamins A and E, all of which help strengthen and protect your immune system.
- May protect against heart disease
Due to its high concentration of antioxidants, rosehip tea may benefit heart health. Studies suggest a relationship between vitamin C intake and heart disease risk. One review of 13 studies found that supplementing with at least 500 mg of vitamin C per day was associated with a significant decrease in LDL (bad) cholesterol and blood triglycerides, two risk factors for heart disease. Additionally, observational studies have linked insufficient vitamin C intake to an increased risk of dying from heart disease.
- May aid weight loss
Research suggests that rosehip tea may aid weight loss. Studies show that rose hips from the Rosa canina plant are high in an antioxidant called tiliroside, which may have fat-burning properties. In an 8-week study in mice prone to obesity, those fed a high-fat diet containing 1% rosehip extract gained significantly less body weight and stomach fat than animals that did not receive the supplement. Human research shows similar results. In a 12-week study in 32 adults with excess weight, taking 100 mg of rosehip extract daily significantly decreased body weight and stomach fat, compared with the placebo group.
Rose hips are also high in flavonoids. These antioxidants have been shown to reduce blood pressure in people with elevated levels and improve blood flow to the heart.
- May protect against type 2 diabetes
While the exact mechanism is unclear, some research suggests that rose hips may protect against type 2 diabetes. In a study in mice on a high-fat diet, supplementing with rosehip powder over 10–20 weeks significantly decreased blood sugar levels, fasting insulin levels, and fat cell growth in the liver — three risk factors for type 2 diabetes. As with weight loss, current research is limited to rosehip extract, and more studies on the relationship between rosehip tea and type 2 diabetes risk are needed.
- May reduce inflammation and pain
Rosehip tea is high in compounds with anti-inflammatory effects, including polyphenols and galactolipids. Galactolipids are the main types of fat in cell membranes. Recently, they have been studied for their strong anti-inflammatory properties and potential to reduce joint pain.
In a review of three studies, supplementing with rosehip significantly reduced joint pain in people with osteoarthritis. Furthermore, those receiving rosehip were twice as likely to report improved pain levels, compared with the placebo group. Another 4-month study in 100 people with osteoarthritis found that those who supplemented with 5 grams of rosehip extract daily experienced significantly less pain and increased hip joint mobility, compared with the control group.
In fact, 65% of the participants in the rosehip group reported some reduction in pain. Rosehip extract has also been suggested to aid rheumatoid arthritis, though research is limited, and high-quality human studies are lacking. Keep in mind that research on rose hips’ anti-inflammatory benefits has focused on concentrated extract rather than tea.
- May fight skin aging
Collagen is the most abundant protein in your body and responsible for providing elasticity to your skin. Vitamin C has been shown to promote collagen synthesis and protect skin cells against sun damage, both of which can help keep your skin looking tighter and more youthful. As rosehip tea is high in this vitamin, drinking it could benefit your skin.
Additionally, rosehip tea contains the carotenoid astaxanthin, which may have anti-aging effects, as it helps prevent the breakdown of collagen. Other carotenoids in rosehip tea may benefit skin health as well. In particular, vitamin A and lycopene are known to protect skin cells against sun damage.
An 8-week study in 34 people showed that those who consumed 3 grams of rosehip powder per day experienced fewer crow’s feet wrinkles, as well as improved skin moisture and elasticity. However, it’s unclear whether drinking rosehip tea would have the same effect on skin health.
- Easy to brew at home
Rosehip tea has a tart flavor similar to that of green apple and can be made from the pseudo-fruits of any rose plant. Still, it’s recommended to avoid using rose hips from a plant that’s been sprayed with a pesticide that isn’t labeled safe for human consumption. Rose hips look like miniature red or orange apples and are found just below the flower petals of roses. Fresh rose hips can be used for tea by first rinsing them well to remove any dirt and debris.
Next, place 4–8 rose hips in a cup (240 ml) of boiled water. Let the tea steep for 10–15 minutes and then remove the fruits. Dried rose hips can be used as well. You can either dry fresh rose hips yourself or buy pre-dried, loose-leaf rosehip tea.
To brew, place 1–2 teaspoons of dried rose hips in an infuser and submerge it in a cup (240 ml) of boiled water. Steep for 10–15 minutes and then remove the infuser. If you find the tea too tart, try adding a sweetener like honey to help balance out the flavor. Rosehip tea tastes delicious both freshly brewed and iced.
By Kelli McGrane, MS, RD (Healthline)