Rosehip: properties against virus attack

Several studies have linked vitamin C to lower mortality in case of suffering from Covid-19, but how to get enough vitamin C? The rose hip is a European berry incredibly rich in vitamin C (provides up to 30 times more vitamin C than oranges or lemons) and other antioxidant compounds that increase the body’s resistance to attacks by viruses and pathogenic bacteria.

The greatest benefits are obtained by consuming the fresh rose hips during the fall. You will not find them in the market, but in the country outings, as it is the orange-red fruit (dark purple and even black in some varieties) of the wild rose (canine rose).

One of the richest fruits in vitamin C that exist

The concentration of vitamin C in this fruit is very high. 100 grams of pulp contain about 1,250 mg of vitamin C. Consequently, with only 10 grams you get more than you need in a day (60 to 100 mg).

It also contains lycopene, an antioxidant carotene with anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties that especially protects the bladder and prostate.

This is how the pulp of the rose hip is extracted

The fruits stand out as colored points between the branches of the plant that has lost all the leaves. To eat them you have to hold them by the end of the peduncle and aspirate the pulp through the hole at the other end.

This pulp is sweet as a jam. You have to pay attention to leaving the seeds inside the fruit, which are very hard and can irritate the throat.

Another option is to cut the fruit in half and Separate the pulp and seeds.

This pulp can be used as salad dressing. If the fruit is not fully ripe, you can mix the pulp in equal parts with coconut sugar or honey.

How to use its fruits, petals and leaves for medicinal purposes

Natural medicine uses it to prevent urinary tract infections and in cases of dizziness and migraine in the form of syrup It is indicated in anemia, It enhances the absorption of iron.

In addition to the fruits, you can use the flower petals, which are dried in the open air and stored to be used throughout the year as decoration in salads and desserts.

With the petals you can also make infusions to soothe a sore throat (1 teaspoon per cup). also owns calming properties and, applied to the skin, it is a tonic, especially indicated for people with oily and acne-prone skin.

The leaves also have medicinal applications. Are effective against diarrhea thanks to its high tannin content, which justifies that in some parts of Spain the plant is called “tapaculo”.