Rosa canina is a spontaneous species belonging to the Rosaceae family.
It looks like a very thorny shrub that is enriched in May and June with little fragrant pinkish-white flowers. It is widespread in all areas characterized by a mild climate, even if it prefers the countryside and hills up to 1500 meters high.
Between October and December the real treasures of the Dog Rose appear: the berries (or false fruits), ovoid and fleshy, of an intense red color , called "rose hips".
It must not be confused with the Rosa mosqueta (Rosa affinis rubiginosa), always of the same family, from which a precious regenerating oil rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids is obtained.
Properties and Benefits
The properties of this plant are attributable to the active ingredients contained in its berries. These, usually yellowish, turn to a bright red in the autumn and winter months, when they become mature, and can usually be picked after the first night frosts.
Among the main virtues are:
- astringent and tonic
- anti-inflammatory
- antiseptic and healing
- vasoprotective
- antiallergic
The small fruits of the dog rose are considered the most concentrated " natural sources " in Vitamin C , present in quantities up to 50-100 times higher than citrus fruits, and therefore able to contribute to the strengthening of the body's natural defenses.
The vitaminizing action is linked to the antioxidant action of the bioflavonoids , contained in the pulp and in the peel, which act synergistically with Vitamin C, optimizing blood circulation . This beneficial effect on blood quality is due to its ability to promote the absorption of calcium and iron in the intestine, contributing to the production of hemoglobin ; it also activates vitamin B9 (folic acid) with a slight antihistamine effect. Since vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, cannot be synthesized directly by humans, it must be introduced through the diet or, if the latter is deficient, with supplementation.
The Western lifestyle, industrial pollution and cigarette smoking are all factors that increase the need, so supplementing with vitamin C is practically necessary.
The berries also boast an astringent action due to the presence of tannins , useful in case of diarrhea and intestinal colic.
Rosehip also has immunomodulating properties, because it helps the immune system in its normal balance and functioning. From this point of view, therefore, it is an excellent preventive and soothing element for colds, flus, coughs and sore throats . Furthermore, its characteristics make it useful in the treatment of allergic rhinitis .
Background
Rosehip has long been appreciated for its effectiveness in strengthening the body's defenses against infections and in particular against the common cold . In fact, in the Middle Ages it was part of traditional remedies for respiratory problems . Its use then played an important role in supplying British children with Vitamin C during World War II to replace the normal source of citrus fruits.
Between myth and legend
The myth about the origin of this plant tells of how the God Bacchus was able to consume his passion for a nymph thanks to a thorny bush that made her stumble and he decided, to thank him, to transform it into a rose with flowers the color of the cheeks. of his beautiful nymph.
According to the legend , however, this rose has the origins of its name in Ancient Rome ; in fact it owes the name "canina" to Pliny the Elder , who reported a Roman soldier, bitten by a dog and cured of rabies, thanks to the assumption of a decoction of the roots of this shrub.
You can find Vitamin C extracted from Rosehip berries in Natural Vitamin C.
Also try the new C-Vitality Plus , based on Rosa Canina and Camu Camu extracts.
You can find it combined with Floravita Plus in the Immuno Scudo package , discounted at € 29.30 instead of € 34.50.
Take advantage of it, for a complete preventive and defense action!