Rose Hip
Common · Rosa canina
Healing · Alchemical · Magical · Nutritional · Defensive
Terrain Coast, Forest, Grassland, Hills
Description
Rosehip is a prickly shrub 3–8 feet (1–2.5 meters) tall with arching stems covered in thorns. The leaves are pinnate, the flowers are large—most often pink or reddish—with five petals. The fruits are fleshy false berries (rose hips) of orange or red color.
Location and Habitat
Rosehip is widespread in Europe, Asia, North Africa, and North America. It grows along forest edges, clearings, riverbanks, slopes, and in shrub thickets.
Rarity and Availability
Rosehip is a very common plant, not considered a rare species, and is readily accessible for harvesting and use as medicinal and food raw material.
Effects and Uses
In folk medicine, not only the fruits but also the petals and even the roots of rosehip have been widely used. The fruits were used to treat severe ailments: anemia, eye diseases, and for treating the liver, stomach, kidneys, and more. Decoctions and infusions of rosehip fruits were used in treating poorly healing wounds, bone fractures, and in combating infectious diseases. Decoctions of rosehip roots were used in folk medicine as baths for paralysis and weakening of leg muscles caused by rheumatism and gout. It is also worth noting that rosehip fruits are highly valued in Tibetan medicine. Ancient treatises of Tibetan medicine indicated that rosehip fruits have proven effective as a general tonic and in fighting atherosclerosis, tuberculosis, and neurasthenia.
Harvesting & Preparation
- A DC 12 Dexterity (Sleight of Hand) check or Wisdom (herbalism kit) check avoids thorn pricks; on a failure, the gatherer takes 1 point of piercing damage.
- Gathering fruits or petals carefully prevents injuries. A DC 12 Dexterity (Sleight of Hand) check or Dexterity (herbalism kit) check avoids thorn pricks; on a failure, the gatherer takes 1 point of piercing damage.
Items & Effects
- Rosehip Infusion (Medicinal Brew). A robust tea or decoction crafted from dried rosehip fruits, frequently used to bolster stamina and fight off sickness.
- Creation. Requires 1 hour of steeping
Lore
This shrub with large fragrant flowers in spring and bright red berries in autumn grows on forest edges, among thickets, and along river floodplains. Rose hip! It didn't get its name for nothing—the plant's sharp, sturdy thorns can cause serious trouble for an unwary animal or person.
Rosehip flowers closely resemble roses. And that's not surprising. Rosehip and rose are like brother and sister—they belong to the same botanical genus, Rosa.
The genus name "Rosa" is believed to originate from the Greek rhodon, which is linked to the Celtic rhodol, meaning "red," due to the color of the plant's fruits and flowers. The rose has been celebrated by all ancient Greek and Roman poets, starting with Sappho. The name of this plant frequently appears in the works of Virgil, Pliny, and others. Many fairy tales and songs have been composed about it.
From Witch’s Herbs 5E, p. 82 · Fern Flower Press