Scientific Name: Rosa species

Botanical Family: Rosaceae Family

Historical Information: Rosehips were a popular sweetmeat in the Middle Ages. The hips and leaves have been used as a mild laxative and diuretic. The oil may have the same properties. Also has a history of use in facilitating weight gain.

Plant Description: Native to the Mediterranean region but growing wild in Chile and Peru growing to 8 feet producing flowers that later form swollen receptacles or hips which contain the seeds pressed for the oil.

Constituents: Up to 5% palmitic acid up to 15% oleic acid, up to 43% linoleci acid, up to 36% linolenic acid and it has high percentages of trans-retinoic acid.

Stability: Solvent extracted oil has a longer shelf life than the cold pressed oil and needs to be refrigerated to maintain freshness. This oil needs to be treated as not stable.

Method of Extraction: Cold pressed from the seeds, but this is rare and more expensive. Solvent extraction using hexane is often the most common process and usually it is winterized or cooled then filtered.

Medicinal Properties: Used to relieve symptoms of eczema and dermatitis, to reduce signs of aging, to heal wounds or radiation burns, and to reduce scars or stretch marks. It also is gentle enough for babies and can help with cradle cap and rashes. Some evidence suggests that it prevents aging especially of the skin.

Application:

Massage Oil: Use as a carrier for essential oils and absorbs very well and

quickly when used alone.

Skin Care: Especially good with aged and damaged skin; face creams

Food: Rose petals and hips used in cooking but unaware of the oil being

used

Soap Making: Mature skin and damaged skin bars

Hair Care: Used in hot oil conditioners for dry or damaged hair

Contraindications: None noted.

Side Effects: None noted

Compliments Essential Oil of: Bitter Almond, rose, geranium, palmarosa, rosewood, linaloe wood

Spiritual Properties: Can indicate that you are ready to appreciate yourself and others. Looking into the mirror for you does not have to be difficult. You see beauty in all things and know that it is not measured by looks alone.