Among the many flowers and herbs that grow wild across Canada's subarctic, the wild rose might be my favorite for its pretty appearance and fresh scent. And foraging rosehips for oil, tea, syrup, and jelly in the autumn is a great way to enjoy family time outdoors at summer's end.In addition, they're a valuable addition to my herbal remedy medicine chest.
One reason we forage rosehips for oil and more is for the opportunity to create natural remedies for our family.We also forage for medicinal plants and food specific to the north, such as fireweed and Labrador Tea.
BENEFITS OF ROSEHIPS IN TEAS, SYRUPS, AND INFUSIONS
The indigenous people of this area have used rose petals, fresh and dried rosehips, leaves, and even the stems for hundreds of years as a dietary supplement and food.
Rosehip oil, tea, and syrup can be considered a natural remedy that helps with a variety of common health issues including:
> boosting the immune system to fight off colds due to vitamin C> helps combat anemia (trace iron and vitamin B)> menstrual cramps (anti-spasmodic properties)> hemorrhoids
Although rose petals are best picked in spring and early summer, we harvest rosehips in the autumn. Preferably after a first frost. That's when they'll change color.
There are several methods for drying rosehips, but the simplest is to just lay them out in a layer on waxed paper. Let them air dry in a cool, dark, dry spot.
Another simple option to harvest rosehips is oven-drying. Simply place the rosehips on parchment-covered trays in the oven at about 150 degrees Fahrenheit for approximately 3 hours.