8 Surprising Health Benefits of Rosehip Tea

Dietitian.Lauren Hmede
Aug 3, 2019
2 min read

Rosehip tea is an herbal tea made from the pseudo-fruits of the rose plant.

It has a delicate, floral flavor that’s slightly sweet with a distinct tart aftertaste.

Found just below the rose petals, rose hips are small, round, and typically red or orange.

There are several hundred species of rose plants, though research on rose hips has focused on the pseudo-fruits of the Rosa canina plant.

Rose hips have been linked to numerous benefits, including improved immunity, heart health, weight loss, and skin aging.

Here are 8 health benefits of drinking rosehip tea.

1. Rich in antioxidants

Rose hips are rich in antioxidants that can help protect against cell damage from free radicals. While the exact amount varies by plant, fresh rose hips have been shown to contain more antioxidants than dried ones.

2. May support a healthy immune system

Compared with other fruits and vegetables, rose hips offer one of the highest levels of vitamin C. This vitamin, along with other compounds in rosehip tea, helps strengthen and protect your immune system.

3. May protect against heart disease

While rose hips contain antioxidants that have been shown to protect against heart disease, more research is needed on the effectiveness of rosehip tea specifically.

4. May aid weight loss

Some studies in mice and humans indicate an association between rosehip extract and reduced body weight and stomach fat. Still, more research on rosehip tea specifically is needed.

5. May protect against type 2 diabetes

While rodent studies indicate that rosehip extract has antidiabetic effects, this relationship has not yet been confirmed in humans. Additionally, more studies are needed using rosehip tea specifically.

6. May reduce inflammation and pain

Rosehip tea is rich in anti-inflammatory compounds, including galactolipids. Research has shown a link between rosehip extract and reduced arthritis pain. Still, more studies using rosehip tea are needed to confirm these results.

7. May fight skin aging

Rosehip tea is rich in compounds shown to protect your skin against aging, including vitamin C and carotenoids. While rosehip powder was found to reduce wrinkles, more research is needed to confirm if drinking rosehip tea would offer these same benefits.

8. Easy to brew at home

Rosehip tea can be brewed at home using fresh or dried rose hips. A sweetener like honey is often added to balance out the tartness.

Precautions

While rosehip tea is generally safe for adults, evidence on its safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding is lacking.

Additionally, it may increase the risk of kidney stones and lithium toxicity in some individuals.