All
Edible Backyard
My American Dream
Ogham Tree Lore
Seasonal Living
Rosehips are the seed-filled bulbs that grow at the base of the blossom of a rose. Sometimes called the fruit of the plant, the hips are round or oval-shaped and usually orange or bright red. Each hip contains rose seeds inside, along with hundreds of fuzzy hairs. All varieties of roses (Rosa species) produce hips, and all of them are edible and medicinal.
Used as a food and herbal medicine throughout the world, sweet and tangy rose hip is a lovely botanical for daily wellness. The ancient Chinese, Greeks, Romans, and Persians used them in traditional herbal medicine. During the Dark Ages, raiding Vikings fortified themselves with rosehips while invading foreign lands. During WWII, when food sources were limited, British children took doses of rose hip syrup to promote wellness, while children in North America were paid to wild-forage rosehips at 3 pennies a pound. For this blog entry, we are going to discuss rosehips from the mult-flora rose which is invasive to my home in Indiana. I don’t mind picking a lot from invasive plants. Multiflora rose is known by many different names Rosa multiflora, baby rose, Japanese rose, seven-sisters rose, rambler rose Scientific family Rosehips belong to the Rosaceae family, which includes various flowering plants. Habitat and description Multiflora rose is an exotic invasive perennial shrub native to China, Japan, and Korea. It was introduced into the US in the 1860s and was used in the horticultural industry as readily available rose rootstock for rose breeding programs and as an ornamental garden plant. By the 1930s it was widely planted in the Midwest and northeastern states at the encouragement of the USDA, Soil Conservation Service for erosion control programs, wildlife habitat enhancement programs, and as a natural barrier to roaming farm animals (I.e. living fence) By the 1960s, conservationists were warning others of the dangers of this plant to unmanaged natural areas. However, those warnings were ignored and the multiflora rose continued it’s spread throughout the Midwest and northeast. Interested people and organizations were encouraged to plant multiflora rose to create a source of food for song birds and for wildlife cover for many kinds of animals including cottontail rabbits, bobwhite quail, and pheasants. The plants were even encouraged to grow on highway median strips to reduce headlight glare from oncoming traffic and as a natural crash barrier to stop out-of-control cars because of the species’ ability to form dense thickets quickly. As with other exotic invasive plants, multiflora rose was promoted for all the wrong reasons while being widely planted through the Midwest, northeast, and elsewhere. It has escaped cultivation spreading into public and private lands and is now classified as a noxious weed in many states. This rose is a climbing and rambling shrub with a single stem, or at times multiple stems, which can grow up to 10-15 feet or more in some situations. The canes have paired, stout, curved thorns or prickles. The leaves are alternate and compound. The serrated leaflets range in size from ½ inch to 2 inches long and are ovate in shape with an acute or pointed tip. White flowers appear from May through June and are grouped or clustered as a corymb inflorescence. Red fruits (rosehips) appear in August and persist into the winter months as clusters of round ¼ inch hips. The hips do not split apart easily and need to dry out before accessing the seeds. Multiflora rose is shade-tolerant. However, it frequently invades sunny spots which is why it is seen growing in open fields and pastures, along field edges, along roads and paths, in open woodlands, and in Anya other areas that are sunny. Rosehips are typically harvested in the fall/winter after the colder air has had a chance to soften the hips. I like to start harvesting early and force soften the hips in the freezer for 24 hours before drying or tincturing. Parts used The most commonly used part of the rosehip is the fruit itself. After the petals of the rose flower fall off, the remaining fruit starts to form and ripen. The rosehips are harvested when they are fully matured and have a rich color. The seeds inside the rosehips are usually removed before using the fruit for various purposes. Planetary influence In astrology, rosehips are associated with the planet Venus. Venus represents love, beauty, and harmony, and rosehips are believed to carry the energy of these qualities. Associated deities and heroes In various mythologies, roses and rosehips are associated with goddesses like Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love, and Venus, the Roman goddess of love and beauty. These deities are often depicted with roses and are believed to have a connection to the healing properties of rosehips. Festival associations Rosehips are often used in festivals and celebrations that honor the beauty and abundance of nature. They are a common ingredient in traditional dishes and drinks during harvest festivals and autumn celebrations. Medicinal qualities Rosehips in general are good for a healthy dose of Vitamin C and Trace Iron among many other healthy nutrients. It can boost your immune system, combat anemia, aid in in alleviating menstrual cramps, hemorrhoids, bladder and kidney infections, poor circulation, weight loss, joint pain, sciatica, infections, headaches, stress and nervousness. When using rosehips, add them to tea for a sore throat or upset stomach. Soak a cloth in cool rosehip tea and apply to the body for headaches, backaches, bruises, or other sore spots. Soak your achy feet after a day at work or out and about. Spiritual and energetic uses In spiritual practices, rosehips are believed to have a grounding and calming energy. They are often used in rituals and ceremonies to promote emotional healing, balance, and harmony. Rosehip oil is also used in aromatherapy for its soothing and uplifting properties. Just like roses, rosehips energetically hold the vibration for self love. Rosehips are also associated with the energetics of luck, good fortune, love, health, beauty, peace, anti-nightmare, protection, money, prosperity, confidence, family and friendship, divination, and truth. Magical uses Some of the most common magical uses for dreams, prosperity spells, self love ritual baths, and infused oils for candles and spell jars. When doing any love spells using roses and rosehips are common herbs used to boost your spells and rituals. For a stress reliever - fill a mesh bag with crushed rosehips and rose petals. While in the bath, meditate all of your stress and negative energies away. Visualize them washing down the drain with the water when you are done. To inspire love in your relationship, share a cup of rosehips tea with honey with your significant other before a romantic evening. Add a little ginger or cinnamon to spice up your love life too! Stash rosehip charm bags around your home to help encourage positivity and loving energy among family members. Folklore In folklore, rosehips are often associated with enchantment and hidden treasures. It is believed that fairies and spirits are drawn to the sweet scent and vibrant colors of rosehips. In some legends, it is said that consuming rosehips can grant the ability to see into the fairy realm. Here's a simple recipe to make rosehip tea Ingredients: - 1 cup dried rosehips - 4 cups water - Honey or sweetener (optional) Instructions: 1. Rinse the dried rosehips under running water to remove any impurities. 2. In a saucepan, bring the water to a boil. 3. Add the dried rosehips to the boiling water and reduce the heat to low. 4. Cover the saucepan and let the rosehips simmer for about 20 minutes. 5. Remove the saucepan from heat and let the tea steep for an additional 10 minutes. 6. Strain the tea to remove the rosehip solids. 7. Add honey or sweetener if desired, and stir well. 8. Pour the tea into cups and enjoy the soothing and nourishing benefits of rosehip tea. Remember to consult with a qualified healthcare professional before using any herbal remedies or supplements. Rosehips are truly nature's gift, packed with both physical and metaphysical properties. Whether you enjoy them for their medicinal benefits, their spiritual significance, or their magical allure, rosehips are a fascinating and versatile plant that can enhance our lives in many ways. Embrace the healing power of rosehips and let their enchanting energy surround you. References https://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/terrestrial/plants/multiflora-rose https://eattheplanet.org/multiflora-rose-an-invasive-but-nutritious-wild-edible/ https://greenmanmeadows.com/using-rosehips-magic-witchcraft/
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorCaitlin is a full-time special education teacher with a penchant for the wyrd. When she isn't hanging out with the coolest kids, she's out in her garden tending to her herbs or frolicking with her 2 goats, 40 chickens, 6 ducks, 2 turkeys, 2 dogs, and 6 cats. She understands it's a hoarding situation at this point, but life is too short to worry about boring things like that. Archives
May 2024
|
Location |
|