Fall in love with rejuvenating Rosehip this Valentine's Day

By Elaine Everitt BSc (Hons) DO LicAc - Medical Herbalist, Osteopath, and Acupuncturist.

Looking for that perfect gift for the one you admire?

Look no further than Pippettes Organic Rosehip Oil or Sacred Rosehip Balm, a match made in heaven.

Whilst roses are the flowers associated with love and Valentine's day, it’s the humble Rosehip that conjures up magic and romance.

Traditional folklore tells us that Rosehips and petals were placed in a handkerchief and thrice tied in a bundle with a red ribbon. On a Friday, the day linked to the goddesses of love and romance - Venus, Aphrodite and Freya - a lady would carry the small bundle and make a wish to nurture romance and love.

These shiny red fruits that appear once the petals of the Dog Rose (Rosa canina) die off have a story to tell. In ancient Egypt they represented the order of silence and the keeping of secrets, and this representation has continued throughout history with their presence in churches and in banquet halls, where idle gossip could cost lives.

Traditionally, Rosehips were used as a medicinal herb and a nutritious food for a wide variety of conditions ranging from rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis through to colds, flu, digestive disorders and menstrual cramps. These wide ranging medicinal uses are likely attributed to the high levels of phytochemicals with anti-inflammatory properties found in the seed and fruit.

Famously they were the staple form of Vitamin C during the Second World War when 500 tonnes of Rosehips were used to make preserves and syrup when citrus fruits were no longer available.

Although Rosehips have a wealth of benefits when taken internally it is the therapeutic properties of Virgin Cold Pressed Organic Rosehip we promote and adore at Pippettes Dispensary;

If you use just one thing on your body, make it Rosehip oil

Why?

Anti-ageing properties
Rosehip oil is very high in vitamins A, E and C, which are all essential for supporting healthy skin. A and C can stimulate collagen production and as the oil can penetrate into the deeper layers of the skin, these vitamins can help to reduce the ageing process.

Reduces skin pigmentation
Antioxidants (in Vitamins A, C E D and Beta carotene) help combat free radicals that cause sun damage and can reduce unwanted pigmentation (such as sun spots) as well as aiding in skin regeneration.

Evens skin tone and reduces inflammation
Rosehip oil is rich in Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs), especially Omegas 3 and 6, and when absorbed through the skin, these fatty acids convert to prostaglandins (PGE), which are involved in cellular membrane and tissue regeneration and help reduce redness and inflammation and improve tone and texture.

Acne scarring and eczema
The EFAs (Oleic, Palmitic, Linoleic and Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA) and Vitamin F can reduce scarring, promote tissue regeneration and reduce inflammation. Essential factors in helping to reduce acne and eczema signs and symptoms.

Pippettes Dispensary Organic Rosehip Oil is unrefined and so natural that the colour and scent can vary between the batches. Our oil has a strong orange hue and is viscous, yet is easily absorbed by the skin. (If Rosehip oil is pale and quite thin it is possibly of poor quality). As your skin becomes nourished and hydrated you will find you need to use less and less.

How to use Pippettes Organic Rosehip Oil and Sacred Balm (as a moisturiser not a cleansing balm)

Face: Apply twice a day and massage until absorbed into the skin.

Body: Massage directly onto skin in circular motions until absorbed. Can be used after bathing.

Hair (Organic Rosehip Oil only): Massage directly into the scalp and then gently pull through the hair for a deep condition. Leave overnight for the best results.

Rosehip Tea

Of course, as a Medical Herbalist I cannot forget to mention how wonderful a cup of Rosehip tea can be. Brimming with Vitamin C, it's delightful hot or chilled and helps boost immunity and fight off winter chills, colds and flu. Furthermore, research has shown Rosehips have an anti-inflammatory effect (Winther et al, 1999) and a small trial indicates a positive effect on reducing pain and increasing flexibility in osteoarthritis (Rossnagel and Willich 2010) also shows that a cup of rose-hip a day can keep the joint aches of arthritis at bay.

So whether on your skin or as a tea, Rosehips are a fantastic multitasking herb that we could all fall in love with every day nevermind Valentine's!

References:

Rossnagel K, Roll S, Willich SN. The clinical effectiveness of rose-hip powder in participants with osteoarthritis. A systematic review. MMW – Fortschritte der Medizin 2007; 149(11):51–56.

Willich SN, Rossangel K, Roll S, Wagner A, Mune O, Erlendson J, Kharazmi A, Sörensen H, Winther K. Rose-hip herbal remedy in participants with rheumatoid arthritis – a randomised controlled trial. Phytomedicine, 2010; 17:87–93.

Winther, K., Rein, E. & Kharazmi, A. The anti-inflammatory properties of rose-hip. Inflammopharmacol, 1999, 7: 63.