Rosehip Tea: Health Benefits, Side Effects, and How to Brew
Rosehip tea is a delicious floral blend that has been used as an herbal remedy for centuries. This sweet and tangy tea offers a unique blend of flavors to entice taste buds.
While not actually made from the floral petals of the rose plant, it still delivers stunning color when brewed and exquisite floral flavor. Learn more about rosehip tea and discover the health benefits, side effects, and brewing methods of this delightful floral tea.
Looking for rosehip tea that's packed with vitamin C and antioxidants? Check out our Organic Rosehip Tea right here.
What Is Rosehip Tea?
Rosehip tea is an herbal tea made from the fruit of the rose plant. Rose hips are the rounded part of the flower just below the petals. They are also known as dog rose fruit, rose haw, hipberry, and hip fruit. The plants are commonly used to make rose hip oil, which is used in aromatherapy along with other essential oils and seed oils to induce relaxation. Rosehips are also commonly used in culinary dishes and to brew tea.
There are two main types of rose hip seeds used to make tea: Rosa rugosa and Rosa canina. These rose plants are native to Asia, North Africa, and Europe but are commonly grown in other countries including the USA as well. Rose hips contain polyphenols, carotenoids, essential fatty acids, lycopene, and ascorbic acid. They area good source of vitamin C and may help to boost immunity.
The rose hips begin to grow in early summer and are harvested in late summer and early fall. They can be harvested from cultivated roses and wild rose bushes. Fresh rose hips are also used to make Hungarian palinka—a popular fruit brandy.
Rosehip tea is naturally caffeine-free. It can be brewed using fresh or dried rose hips as well as tea bags. It can even be brewed using flowers you find in your own garden, whether you live in the United States or Asia. Just make sure to use certified organic rose hips from plants and plants that are cultivated away from pollutants such as major roadways.
Flavor Profile
Rose hip teas do not contain rose petals, but still feature a delicate floral flavor with a tart aftertaste. Brewed rosehips looks deep red in color and features a tangy and sweet aroma. Rosehip tea has a flavor similar to green apples, ripe plums, and hibiscus tea. Hints of rose can be found in the aromatic fragrance and the delicate sweet flavor. This tea benefits from a touch of agave or honey, which draw out the naturally sweet flavors.
Health Benefits of Rosehip Tea
1. Boosts Immunity
Rosehip tea contains high amounts of vitamins that help fend off the common cold and flu. This tea contains particularly large amounts of vitamin C and vitamin A, which support the immune system. The vitamin C content is also responsible for the tangy, sweet flavor of this herbal remedy.
Rosehip tea, like green tea, also contains high amounts of antioxidants and flavonoids that support immune health. Theses antioxidants fight off free radicals that can cause oxidative stress and a host of health problems. This tea also contains vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant that protects against premature aging and other degenerative diseases.
2. Digestive Aid
Rosehip tea boasts anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe stomach muscles to prevent stomach cramps, heartburn, and bloating. This tea also helps improve absorption of nutrients thanks to the high concentration of antioxidants. Rosehip tea also contains flavonoids that form complexes with digestive enzymes to help break down food more efficiently (1).
Rose hip tea also contains triterpene acids that fight off pathogens that can cause upset stomach and diarrhea. These compounds include saponins that inhibit the spread of pathogens and protect digestive health.
3. May Aid Weight Loss
Drinking rosehip tea may help manage weight and accelerate weight loss. A study published by Dovepress examined the effects of rosehip tea on pre-obese individuals. The study was a randomized, double-blind clinical trial. Thirty-two pre-obese participants were given rosehip extract or a placebo for 12 weeks. The participants that took rosehip had significantly lower abdominal visceral fat than those that took the placebo (2).
4. Support Heart Health
Rosehip tea may protect against cardiovascular including heart attack and blood clots. The anti-inflammatory properties of rosehip tea help to reduce inflammation in arteries and blood vessels to improve circulation. This helps to regulate blood pressure and decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Rosehip tea may also lower cholesterol, one of the risk markers of serious heart disease. Scientists conducted a cross-over investigation to examine the impacts of rosehip and cholesterol. Obese patients were given rose hip powder every day for a period of six weeks. At the end of the study, participants demonstrated a decrease in high cholesterol levels by as much as five percent.
5. May Prevent Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rosehip tea has anti-inflammatory properties that can prevent pains associated with sore muscles and joints. The Arthritis Foundation states that rosehips decrease inflammation by inhibiting the production of inflammatory proteins. Daily rosehip intake may help to decrease the pain associated with arthritis thanks to the decrease in inflammation. They state that one study found that rosehip decreased joint pain by about one third. In another study, rosehip improve rheumatoid arthritis symptoms in 89 individuals (3).
Side Effects of Rosehip Tea
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
There is not enough research to determine whether rosehip tea is safe for women who are pregnant or nursing. Always consult your healthcare professional before drinking herbal teas. If you do choose to drink rosehip tea, only consume in small amounts to avoid negative side effects.
Interactions With Medications
Herbal teas might interact with certain medications including those for type 2 diabetes. Always ask our doctor before using rosehip tea if you have a serious medical condition.
Ingesting large amounts of vitamin C may also increase the risk of developing kidney stones. If you have a kidney condition, seek medical advice before drinking rosehip tea.
Allergies and Irritation
Rose hip tea may cause allergic reactions in individuals sensitive to the plant. Avoid drinking this tea if you have known rosehip allergies. People who use rosehips in moisturizing skincare products or as topical face washes should use caution as the herb may cause irritation and redness.
How to Brew Rosehip Tea
1. Bring water to a rapid boil in a temperature-controlled kettle or in a pan on the stove.
2. Place a teaspoon of Cup & Leaf Organic Rosehip Tea in a tea infuser. Set the infuser in a tea cup.
3. Pour the boiling water into the tea cup and steep the tea for 10 to 15 minutes. Remove the infuser from the hot water and discard the rosehips.
4. Add sweeteners if desired and enjoy!
Discover Tangy, Sweet Taste with Rosehips Tea
Rosehips tea boast health benefits including increased immunity and improved heart health. Drinking this tasty tangy beverage can help you stay healthy all year long. It's packed with vitamins and minerals that fight off pathogens and streamlines digestion. Brew up a hot cup and sip to your health.
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