Altai rose hips (dog rose, wild rose, sweet briar)
DESCRIPTION
Rose hips (Rōsa) is a genus of the Rose family (Rosaceae) and has hundreds of cultivars under one name "rose". Ripe rose berries (Frūctūs Rosae) of some breeds (may rose, prickly wild rose, cinnamon rose etc) contain high amounts of vitamines (especially C, P, E, K, and B group), flavonoids, carotinoids, tannins, pectins, prganic acids, sugars and microelements.
Berries are harvested and prepared in September - October (before the weather gets cold). They are dried under low temperatures and then stored in a dark place (up to 2 years).
Dog rose preparations have general tonic effect, increase immune status, accelerate tissue regeneration, beneficially affect metabolism of carbohydrates and minerals, and have anti-inflammatory and choleretic properties.
The brew of rose hips berries is used for general prophylactic purposes. To extract all the healthful substances from the pithy skin of the berries, it is better to steep them for a long time, rather than brew as usual tea.
Preparation: take 10 g of dried berries, add 200 ml of water, bring to boil and simmer on a slow fire for 15 - 20 min, then cool down and sieve. Alternatively, an easier method: put the berries into a thermos, add boiling water and steep for 3 - 4 hours.
The infusion of rose hips has a pleasant taste with a sour shade and a delicate fruity scent.
