Benefits and precautions of rosehip tea
Rosehip tea is an herbal drink made from the pseudo-fruit of the rose plant. It is used for various medicinal and cosmetic purposes. Do you want to know more about it?
Rosehip tea is a natural drink made from the rose hips of the rose plant. These also called canine rose fruit, are the rounded part of the flower that sits just below the petals. From there, the seeds of the plant, the essential oil, and the extracts used for medicinal and cosmetic purposes are obtained.
Which are your main benefits? How safe is it to use? In recent years, several investigations have been done on the effects it has on health. Therefore, at present, it is said that it contributes to the prevention of some diseases. Below, we detail it.
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Rosehip tea benefits
Many of the benefits of rosehip tea have been documented in the scientific literature. For example, a review 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 does not mean that this product cures illnesses or miraculously helps improve health. Simply, in the framework of a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle, you can contribute to well-being. Let’s see its main benefits.
The preparation of rosehip tea in tea is one of the most used ways
Can contribute to a healthy immune system
Due to its vitamin C and flavonoid content, rosehip tea is considered a natural supplement to stimulate the functions of the immune system. A study published through the Chemistry Central Journal highlights that the plant concentrates significant amounts of ascorbic acid, polyphenols, and other phytochemicals that help improve defenses.
On the other hand, an animal study reported in the scientific journal BioImpacts found that supplementation with a concentrated rosehip extract helped improve immunity. However, solid evidence is lacking to demonstrate these effects in humans.
It is good for digestive health.
Drinking rosehip tea is not enough to alleviate diseases of the digestive system. However, due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, it seems to serve as a pain reliever in case of abdominal cramps, heartburn, bloating, among other discomforts.
An in vitro study published in Botanics: Targets and Therapy highlights that rose hips contain pectin and other types of fiber that help promote better digestion and improve nutrient absorption. Additionally, flavonoids help form efficient complexes of digestive enzymes to help break down food efficiently.
Would reduce inflammation and pain
It’s analgesic, and anti-inflammatory effects are not the most powerful and are still being studied. Despite this, rosehip appears to be useful against inflammatory problems that cause pain, including arthritis. According to information published in the Australian Family Physician, substances such as polyphenols and galactolipids would be responsible for this effect.
Helps protect skin from premature aging
There are several reasons why using rosehip tea is associated with better skin health. First of all, it’s content of vitamin C, which promotes collagen synthesis and protects cells against sun damage, as explained in a study published in the journal Nutrients.
On the other hand, the plant contains a substance known as astaxanthin, which appears to have anti-aging effects. Research published in the medical journal Clinical Interventions in Aging found that supplementation with rosehip helps prevent collagen breakdown and therefore improves skin conditions.
The rosehip has properties that are capable of contributing to slow down the aging process
Precautions on using rosehip tea
Currently, evidence has found no serious side effects in most healthy adults using rosehip tea. However, anecdotal data comments that some people may experience nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, and insomnia, especially when consuming it excessively.
Now, due to its concentration of vitamin C, it is believed that it can increase the risk of kidney stones. In addition, due to its composition, it can have negative interactions with antacids, estrogens, lithium, fluphenazine, and warfarin.
Due to the lack of studies on its safety and efficacy, supplementation with rosehip tea is not recommended in the case of pregnancy and lactation. Also, in case of having any particular disease, it is better to consult the doctor before taking it.