Rose hip is the fruit of a rose. The wild dog rose is the type of rose most often cultivated for their hips. Once the flower has bloomed, and all the petals have fallen off, the hip is picked and used in a wide variety of preparations. Rose hips are natures best source of vitamin C; they contain 50% more vitamin C than oranges! Because of the high vitamin C content they are an excellent immune system booster, and are often used as a supplement to prevent or treat a cold.
The vitamin A is also beneficial to the immune system. It can help to prevent infections from both bacteria and viruses. It helps the immune system to fight off any infections that do occur.
Because they contain a variety of antioxidants: carotenoids, flavonoids, polyphenols, leucoanthocyanins and catechins, rose hips are considered to be very beneficial in treating rheumatoid arthritis as well as a good cancer preventative. These same antioxidants are also used to prevent against cardiovascular disease and can provide great benefits to the skin with its many anti-aging properties.