Dog rose

The Dog Rose (Rosa Canina)

The dog rose, also known as the wild rose, is a wild rose native to Europe, North Africa, and West Asia. It grows as a shrub with green, pinnate leaves and white or pink flowers. The fruits are oval and bright red when ripe. They have a tart-sweet taste and are rich in vitamins, especially vitamin C.

Health Benefits

Dog roses are known in folk medicine of many cultures for their healing properties. In homeopathy, they are used to treat colds, diarrhea, and joint pain. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, they are considered "yin-tonifying" and used for fatigue, weakness, and anemia. Hildegard von Bingen recommended dog roses to strengthen the heart and liver. Ayurvedic doctors use them to purify the blood and promote digestion.

Potential Risks  

Although dog roses are generally considered safe, some precautions can be taken when consuming them. The hairs inside the fruits can cause irritation in the mouth and throat when eating the raw fruits. It is recommended to chop and sieve the fruits before eating to remove these hairs. When drinking dog rose infusions or extracts, pregnant women and people with gastrointestinal disorders should be cautious, as the acidity can irritate the stomach. In general, however, dog roses are a healthy and natural way to provide the body with important nutrients.