6 ways rosehip tea can support your health
If you’ve never enjoyed a steaming cup of rosehip tea, you’ve been missing out on one of life’s best simple pleasures. Rosehips are the fruit of the rose plant, the red-orange berry-like growth that remains after the petals fall. In addition, it’s a good source of vitamin C as well as flavonoids, polyphenols, phytochemicals and other healthy compounds present in the plant.
For the record, rosehips have been used for centuries by traditional healers to decrease the risk of inflammation as well as many other benefits, including pain relief. By the way, rosehip is rich in salicylic acid - the same compound used to produce aspirin.
6 benefits of rosehips you don’t want to miss
- Rosehips are often included in cleansing teas due to their diuretic and laxative properties. And, as an added bonus, eliminating those toxins from the body will reduce the load on your liver and kidneys.
- Studies show rosehips may be beneficial in relieving the type of inflammation related to arthritis. In fact, The Arthritis Foundation states that rosehips decrease inflammation by inhibiting the production of inflammatory proteins.
- Rosehip tea is a powerful free-radical fighter. Free radicals cause oxidative stress that damages the cells, causing everything from wrinkles to cancer. Thanks to its rich supply of antioxidants, rosehips help to protect you from oxidative damage.
- Drink rosehip tea to help manage pain naturally. The flavonoids and carotenoids in rosehips contain analgesic properties similar to aspirin.
- Thanks to its high content of antioxidants that work at the cellular level, rosehip tea can deliver age-fighting compounds directly where they are needed. And, yes, regular consumption of rosehip tea may help to improve your skin’s appearance and keep it well hydrated.
- Boost your immune system. Rosehips are rich in vitamin C which helps to reduce your white blood cell count. Keep in mind, one of the biggest signs that your immune system is trying to fight off an infection is with an elevated white blood cell count.
Brew your own rosehip tea
Prepared teas are available in most health food stores. But, purchasing the hips in bulk or collecting your own is more affordable and just as nutritious.
If using fresh rosehips, first make sure the source is free of pesticides or other chemicals. Collect the hips after the first frost, when they are bright in color and slightly soft. Cut in half and remove the seeds and hairs.
To brew fresh or dried rosehips, add 1 teaspoon (or more if you prefer it stronger) to one cup of water in a tea pot. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
Remove from heat, cover and steep for five minutes. Boiling, first, will help extract the most nutrients from the rosehips.
In terms of flavor: rosehip tea has a mild, slightly fruity taste. But, if you like, you can add a touch of organic honey, lemon or mint leaves to make the tea even more flavorful.
Sources for this article include:
OrganicFacts.net
