Rosehip tea is a natural drink you can make from the fruit of the rose plant. The fruit is the rounded part of the plant that’s found right below the petals. From it, people get the seeds of the plant, essential oil, and extracts for medicinal and cosmetic purposes.
What are its main benefits? How safe is it to use? In recent years, researchers have conducted several studies on its health effects. For this reason, experts currently believe that it contributes to the prevention of some diseases. Below, we explain this in detail.
Health Benefits of Rosehip Tea
Many of the benefits of rosehip tea have been documented in scientific literature. For example, a study published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences highlights that rose hips have antioxidant activity, which is associated with their phytochemical composition, which includes substances such as:
- Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)
- Vitamin E
- Polyphenols
- Healthy fatty acids
Now, that doesn’t mean that this product cures diseases or miraculously helps improve health. Simply that, in the framework of a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle, it can contribute to well-being. Below, discover its main benefits.
1. Contributes to a Healthy Immune System
Due to its vitamin C and flavonoid content, rosehip tea is considered a natural supplement to boost immune system functions. A study published in the Chemistry Central Journal highlights that the plant contains significant amounts of ascorbic acid, polyphenols, and other phytochemicals that help boost the body’s defenses.
On the other hand, a study experts conducted on animals that was published in the scientific journal BioImpacts found that supplementation with a concentrated rosehip extract helped improve immunity. However, no solid evidence demonstrates these effects in humans.
2. Improves Digestive Health
Drinking rosehip tea isn’t enough to relieve digestive system diseases. Nevertheless, due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, it seems to relieve pain in the case of abdominal cramps, heartburn, and bloating, among other discomforts.
In this regard, an in vitro study published in Botanics: Targets and Therapy highlights that rose hips contain pectin and other types of fiber that help improve digestion and nutrient absorption. Additionally, flavonoids help form effective digestive enzyme complexes to help break down food efficiently.
3. Reduces Inflammation and Pain
Its analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects aren’t the most powerful and experts are still studying them. Despite this, rosehip seems to be useful against inflammatory problems that cause pain, including arthritis. According to information published in Australian Family Physician, substances such as polyphenols and galactolipids are responsible for this effect.
4. Protects the Skin from Premature Aging
The consumption of rosehip tea is associated with better skin health for several reasons. Firstly, its vitamin C content, which promotes collagen synthesis and protects cells against sun damage, as a study published in the journal Nutrients explains.
On the other hand, the plant contains a substance known as astaxanthin, which seems to have anti-aging effects. Research published in the medical journal Clinical Interventions in Aging found that supplementation with rosehip helps prevent collagen breakdown. Therefore, it can help improve skin conditions.
Rosehip Tea Precautions
Currently, scientific evidence hasn’t found serious side effects in the majority of healthy adults who use rosehip tea. However, anecdotal data comments that some people may experience nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, and, also, insomnia, especially when they consume it excessively.
Now, due to its concentration of vitamin C, experts believe that it can increase the risk of kidney stones. In addition, due to its composition, it can negatively interact with antacids, estrogens, lithium, fluphenazine, and warfarin.
Due to the lack of studies on its safety and efficacy, experts don’t recommend supplementation with rosehip tea in pregnant and lactating women. Also, if you suffer from any particular disease, it’s best to consult your doctor before taking it.
