Dog Rose

Rosa canina

Family: Rosaceae

Habitat: Europe, America

Part Used: The fruit.

Constituents: Rosa canina fruits are well known to contain a large amount of vitamin C which is antioxidant.

Also known as Dog rose; French or Provins rose; Cherokee rose; sweet briar or eglantine; Japanese, Ramanas or hedgehog; and tomato rose. The use of herbal remedies, including the herb rose hip, classified as Rosa canina (et al), are popular as an alternative to standard Western allopathic medicine for a variety of problems, including urinary tract problems, diarrhea as well as an overall tonic to boost the body. It is known to be soothing for coughs, urinary tract problems, an astringent, antidepressant, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory and an all-over tonic and boost for the body.

Wild Rose flower essence offers vitality to the soul that lacks motivation and looks at life as a hopeless venture. It is a vital tonic for anyone who suffers from a prolonged illness. This remedy serves as a reminder that life on the planet is an opportunity not to be given up on.

The petals, hips and galls are astringent, carminative, diuretic, laxative, ophthalmic and tonic. The hips are taken internally in the treatment of colds, influenza, minor infectious diseases, scurvy, diarrhoea and gastritis. A syrup made from the hips is used as a pleasant flavouring in medicines and is added to cough mixtures. A distilled water made from the plant is slightly astringent and is used as a lotion for delicate skins. The seeds have been used as a vermifuge. The plant is used in Bach flower remedies - the keywords for prescribing it are 'Resignation' and 'Apathy'. The fruit of many members of this genus is a very rich source of vitamins and minerals, especially in vitamins A, C and E, flavanoids and other bio-active compounds. It is also a fairly good source of essential fatty acids, which is fairly unusual for a fruit. It is being investigated as a food that is capable of reducing the incidence of cancer and also as a means of halting or reversing the growth of cancer.