Evidence supporting the use of: Rose Hip
For the health condition: Colds (decongestant)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Rose hip, the fruit of the wild rose plant (most commonly Rosa canina), has a long history of traditional use for supporting immune health and relieving symptoms of colds, including mild decongestant effects. Traditionally, rose hips have been consumed as teas, syrups, and jams, particularly in Europe, as a remedy for colds and flu due to their high vitamin C content. Historical records indicate their use in folk medicine as early as the Middle Ages.
However, the scientific evidence supporting rose hip as a decongestant is limited. While rose hips are a rich source of vitamin C, which plays a role in immune function, the evidence that vitamin C supplementation prevents or treats the common cold is mixed and generally does not show strong decongestant effects. Some laboratory studies suggest that rose hips contain antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds, but clinical studies specifically evaluating rose hip’s effectiveness for decongestion or symptomatic cold relief are lacking or of low quality. Most of the justification for its use in this context comes from traditional practices rather than robust clinical data.
In summary, rose hip’s role in supporting or treating colds, particularly as a decongestant, is primarily based on tradition. There is little high-quality scientific evidence to validate its effectiveness for this specific purpose.
Other ingredients used for Colds (decongestant)
allspicewaterhyssop
basil
beta-pinene
black cumin
black currant
black pepper
radish
capsaicinoids
chen pi
citrus oil
clove
turmeric
echinacea purpurea
elderberry
forsythia
garlic bulb
ginger
greek mountain tea
green tea
horseradish
honeysuckle
lemon
licorice root
mint
mustard seed
oregano
peppermint oil
pineapple
pomegranate
quercetin
rhizome
rosemary
schizonepeta
spearmint leaf
thyme
vitamin C
wasabia japonica
water
zinc
hyssop
cardamom
atractylodes
capsicum
mugwort
alpinia galangal
ferula assafoetida
boxthorne
lemongrass
yerba santa
chrysanthemum
sweet flag
eucalyptus
menthol oil
abies spectabilis
horehound
Sichuan pepper
indigo leaves
cayenne pepper
Alcohol
Agastache
Alpha-terpineol
Asarum heterotropoides
Andrographis
Asteracea
allyl isothiocyanate
Allium tuberosum
Arani
Atractylone
Baphicacanthus cusia
Balsam
Bishop's Weed
Black galingale
Bitter Grass
berry
Bee products
Buddha's Hand
Borneol
Coconut
Clerodendrum trichotomum
Capillary Artemisia
Citron
Citrus
Cineole
Capsaicin
Cajuput
Cinnamaldehyde
Costus
Dragonhead
Ephedra
English Horsemint
Echinacea
Elder
Essential Oil Blend
Ephedrine
Mustard
salt
Sandalwood
Sweet Orange alcohol
Other health conditions supported by Rose Hip
ArthritisBruises (healing)
Cardiovascular Disease
Cholesterol (high)
Colds (decongestant)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Cough (dry)
Cough (general)
Cough (spastic)
Digestion (poor)
Fatigue
Free Radical Damage
Gastritis
Indigestion
Inflammation
Inflammatory Bowel Disorders
Osteoporosis
Pain (general remedies for)
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Skin Care (general)
Urinary Tract Infections
Wounds and Sores