Rosehips

Rosehips, from Rose Plants

Rosehips are full of vitamins, antioxidants, essential fatty acids, vitamin E, vitamin C and B-carotene, a form of vitamin A. They're a rich source of Vitamin C, containing as much as 2000mg per 100g of fruit (hips) which makes them beneficial to those suffering from colds, flu or recovering from infection.

During World War II fruit imports weren't making it into the UK. The government worked to develop a rosehip syrup to supply Vitamin C to the population. Subsequently 1,000 tons of wild rosehips were gathered, and children were given rosehip syrup during the winter throughout the 40-60's.

Rosehip infused oil & rosehips seed oil is well known in the natural skincare world for it's ability to reduce the appearance of scars and stretch marks, reduce pigmentation & wrinkles, and prevent the damaging effects of sun. The oil has the ability to penetrate deep into the layers of the skin to rejuvenate tired skin, feeding it with antioxidants, essential fatty acids & vitamins. Over the last few years I've developed a rich & nourishing wild rosehip moisturiser, which is my all time best seller, with countless repeat customers around NZ and rave reviews.

Wild Rosehips are the one thing that I travel specifically to harvest, in Central Otago New Zealand where they thrive in the hot/cold, dry, arid mountain climate. I had a trip down south booked for next week, however given the current pandemic am unable to go myself. Luckily I have a gorgeous friend & fellow herbalist living rurally who has kindly wild harvested this years rosehips for me. I really enjoyed catching up with her on the phone and hearing all about her foraging mission, how much she enjoyed spending her afternoons in the sun, carefully and consciously gathering the rosehips. This is the only way for me, slowly, taking care of the environment, with intention.

Perhaps it's for the best, we shouldn't really be travelling around so much if we really care about protecting the environment....I'll continue to forage what falls onto the path of my local bikerides