Evidence supporting the use of: Rose Hip
For the health condition: Colds (prevention)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Rose hip, the fruit of the wild rose plant (Rosa canina and related species), has a long history of use in traditional medicine for the prevention and treatment of colds. Historically, it has been valued for its high vitamin C content, which is thought to support immune function. During times when fresh fruits and vegetables were scarce, such as in winter or during wartime, rose hips were collected and used as a natural vitamin C source to help prevent scurvy and bolster resistance to infections like the common cold.
While rose hips do contain vitamin C and various polyphenols, the evidence supporting their efficacy specifically in preventing colds is limited. Some laboratory and animal studies suggest antioxidant and mild immunomodulatory effects, but robust human clinical trials are lacking. Most of the support for rose hip’s role in cold prevention comes from its traditional use and the presumed benefits of its vitamin C content. However, research on vitamin C itself shows only modest benefit in reducing cold duration or severity, mainly in people under physical stress.
In summary, rose hip’s use for cold prevention is primarily rooted in tradition, with its historical reputation as a vitamin C-rich remedy. There is limited direct scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness for this specific purpose, and the overall quality of evidence rates as low to moderate (2/5).
Other ingredients used for Colds (prevention)
allspicealoe vera
green chiretta
anthocyanins
arabinogalactan
astragalus
waterhyssop
bamboo
basil
berry flavor
beta-pinene
Beta-Glucan
black cumin
black currant
black pepper
black tea
blackberry
bасора
camu camu
capsaicinoids
caterpillar mushroom
chamomile
chlorella
cinnamon
citrus bioflavonoids
citrus oil
citrus sinensis (proprietary)
clove
coconut milk
colostrum
turmeric
echinacea purpurea
elderberry
forsythia
garlic bulb
ginger
grape
greek mountain tea
onion
green tea
greens blend (proprietary)
Indian tinospora
honeysuckle
lactobacillus brevis
lemon
licorice root
lovage
marshmallow
moringa
mustard seed
nettle
spruce
orange
oregano
oregon grape
pear
phenolic acids
pineapple
plantain
pollen
pomegranate
pumpkin
quercetin
reishi mushroom
rhizome
rose hips
rosemary
sage
schizonepeta
scrophularia root
sphaeranthus indicus
thyme
vegetable blend (proprietary)
vitamin C
vitamin D
seaweed
yeast
zinc
sarsaparilla
squawvine
tangerine
xanthium (cockleburs)
papaya
mugwort
nut grass
alpinia galangal
ferula assafoetida
pistacia integerrima gall
blackboard tree
peony
buckthorn
lemongrass
yerba santa
chrysanthemum
siler root
flowering quince
sweet flag
hyacinth bean
eucalyptus
menthol oil
aster root
goji berry
paw paw
algae
indigo leaves
cayenne pepper
Aralia
Avens
Apple Cider Vinegar
Agastache
Ardisia
acacia
Allicin
Abrus
Amomum
Asarum heterotropoides
Ajuga
Andrographolide
American Liverleaf
Asam gelugor
Andrographis
Asteracea
Allyl Sulfide
allyl isothiocyanate
Alliin
Allium tuberosum
Amor seco
Arani
Atractylone
Black Seed
Bermuda Grass
Baikal Skullcap
Baphicacanthus cusia
Bidens pilosa
Blackthorn
Blepharis
Balsam
Bishop's Weed
Bayleaf
Black galingale
Bitter Grass
Bael
berry
Baccharoides anthelmintica
Bioflavonoids
black salt
Bee products
Black Nightshade
Bassia scoparia
Borneol
Camellia sinensis
Coconut
Chinese Silkvine
Curry leaf
Cinnamomum
Coriander
Capillary Artemisia
Citron
Curcuminoid
Citrus
Capsaicin
Chinese Raisintree
Chlorophytum
Cowherb
Cistus
Cinnamaldehyde
Costus
Celosia
Currant
Dianthus
Dragonhead
Dodeca-2E, 4E, 8Z, 10Z/Etetraenoic Acid Isobutylamide
European Elder
Echinacea
Elder
Essential Oil Blend
European-Five Finger Grass
Flavonoids
Goldthread
Garlic
Mustard
Sandalwood
Sumac
Vervain
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