Progressing into November sees a virtual avalanche of leaves falling from the trees, and lots of other plants beginning to look worse for wear as autumn takes a hold. However, there is still one burst of reddish color to be found in the hedgerows, belonging to rosehips that are a traditional source of nutrients, particularly vitamin C.
These days, fruit of all kinds is plentiful and it is not difficult to obtain sufficient vitamin C, often called the sunshine vitamin. In fact citrus fruits, such as oranges are obtainable all year round at reasonable prices, as are other fruits from many parts of the world. This has not always been the case, and during the Second World War when merchant vessels were in peril, supplies to the UK and other countries almost dried up. Some people were able to turn to the hedgerows, and seek out the rosehips that grew in profusion.
It has been reported that one cup of rosehips contains as much vitamin C as forty oranges. Therefore, it is not difficult to gauge its usefulness as a natural medicine, useful in warding of colds and flu, as well as assisting in building up immunity to other afflictions. Fortunately, the days when merchant vessels were threatened are long gone, and the increase in airfreight and travel has been a revolution. Many of the hedgerows remain, although some have succumbed to modern farming methods, and there are plenty of rosehips still to be found.
Rosehip syrup is more of a commercial proposition, and perhaps best left to the experts to concoct. However, rosehip tea is easy to make, and merely involves boiling a few of the hips in a little water and straining the liquid. It may be sweetened with honey, or cinnamon as has been used traditionally. It is necessary to strain the liquid and to remove the seeds and any hairs that may be present.
There was a time when children used to open rosehips and use the hairy seeds as a form of itching powder. They would pop it down the shirt or blouse of an unsuspecting friend, and take some delight in watching them scratch. It was all fairly innocent, but these days there would probably be health and safety implications attaching to such unusual forms of play.
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herbal remedies rosehips
natural health
herbal remedies rosehips
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