Overview

Wild rose encompasses several species of native roses found across the Northern Hemisphere, particularly Rosa canina (dog rose, Europe) and Rosa acicularis (prickly rose, North America). The bright red-orange hips (fruits) that form after the petals fall are among the richest plant sources of vitamin C on Earth — containing 10–100 times more vitamin C than citrus fruits by weight. Rose hips were a critical nutritional and medicinal resource for indigenous peoples throughout the Northern Hemisphere. The petals, leaves, and roots have additional medicinal properties. Wild rose is safe, nutritious, and one of the most accessible wild medicines in temperate regions.

Traditional Use

Wild rose has been used medicinally by virtually every culture in the Northern Hemisphere. In Europe, Rosa canina (dog rose) hips were used since antiquity for kidney and urinary health, joint pain, and as a nutritive tonic. During World War II, Britain organized a major rose hip collection program when citrus imports were cut off — millions of pounds of rose hips were collected and made into syrup to prevent scurvy in children. In Native North American traditions, Rosa acicularis (prickly rose) was one of the most important food and medicine plants. The Ojibwe, Cree, Blackfoot, Sioux, and many other nations used rose hips as a nutritious winter food, dried and stored for lean months. Rose hip tea was used for colds, flu, respiratory infections, and as a general immune tonic. The inner bark and roots were used as an astringent for diarrhea and wound healing. The petals were used for sore throats and eye washes. In Ayurveda, Rosa damascena (related species) is used extensively in Rasayana tonics. In TCM, Jin Ying Zi (Rosa laevigata) is a classical kidney and digestive tonic. In modern European herbal medicine, rose hip extract is one of the most researched supplements for osteoarthritis.

Key Active Compounds

Evidence-Based Benefits

Common Preparation Methods