Rose Hip
Rosa canina
B Limited clinical evidenceA fruit rich in vitamin C. A special rose hip powder helped reduce pain in knee and hip osteoarthritis in small clinical studies.
Image: Herbadex Botanik Stüdyosu · Özel Üretim
On this page
At a glance
Rose hips are the fruit of the dog rose (Rosa canina). Fresh hips are very rich in vitamin C, but drying and boiling destroy much of it. A meta-analysis of small trials using a standardised powder of shells and seeds found a modest reduction in osteoarthritis pain. There is no clinical evidence that it strengthens immunity.
Updated: October 15, 2026
ℹ Compiled from standard pharmacognosy references and clinical literature summaries where no formal EMA monograph exists.
What is it used for?
B Limited clinical evidence
Limited clinical evidence: Supported by small-scale human clinical studies, though sample size and study quality are limited.
How do we rate evidence levels? →Standardised rose hip powder helped reduce pain in knee and hip osteoarthritis in small clinical studies. [1]
B Limited clinical evidence
Limited clinical evidence: Supported by small-scale human clinical studies, though sample size and study quality are limited.
How do we rate evidence levels? →A source of vitamin C, carotenoids and polyphenols. [1]
How is it used?
Safety & interactions
- The hairy seeds inside can irritate the mouth and bowel; strain the tea well.
- Most vitamin C is lost on boiling.
- People with a history of kidney stones should avoid high-dose vitamin C products.
Drug interactions
| Medicine / substance | Effect | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| Warfarin (high doses) | High-dose vitamin C may alter its effect. [2] | Minor |
| Lithium | Its diuretic effect may affect lithium excretion. [2] | Minor |
Side effects
- Stomach upset, diarrhoea (high doses)
⚕ When to see a doctor
- If high fever, shortness of breath or purulent/bloody phlegm develops
- If symptoms do not improve within 1–2 weeks or worsen
- If severe abdominal pain, jaundice, rash or allergic reaction occurs
Did you know?
In World War II Britain, with no oranges available, children gathered rose hips to make vitamin C syrup. [1]
Frequently asked questions
Does rose hip boost immunity?
It contains vitamin C, but it has not been clinically shown to prevent infections.
Does rose hip help joint pain?
Small studies with standardised powder saw a modest fall in osteoarthritis pain.
Does rose hip tea keep its vitamin C?
Boiling and long steeping destroy most of it.
Sources
- ESCOP Monographs: The Scientific Foundation for Herbal Medicinal ProductsESCOP · 2019
- Trease and Evans Pharmacognosy (16th Edition)Elsevier Health Sciences · 2009
Cite This Page
Rose Hip (Rosa canina). Herbadex — Doğal Şifa Rehberi (2026). https://herbadex.com/en/herb/rose-hip/
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