Dog-rose
(Rosa canina L., R. arvensis Huds. and allied species, Rosaceae)
Also Called: Wild briar, Wild Rose.
Description: The fruits (hips) and seeds are collected from
several wild species of Rosa.
They are spiny bushes 50cm (20in) to 5m (16ft) high, often with overhanging
branches and with imparipinnate leaves. The pink or white flowers have 5 petals.
The red 'fruits' are false, the 'seeds' that they contain are the true fruits.
When fresh the seeds have a glossy surface and bear an orange-red patch towards
the apex.
Taste: acidulous.
Parts Used: The fresh or dried false fruits; the dried seeds.
Habitat and Collection: In woods, hedges and thickets, the
commonest rose throughout Europe.
Abundant in Britain but becoming rare in Scotland.
The fruits are collected in autumn, are split in half and dried in an airy
place below 60° C (140° F).
Constituents and Action: The fleshy walls of the 'fruit'
contain large amounts of vitamin C, citric and malic acids, 30% of sugar,
and mucilage.
They are used to combat lassitude; they increase resistance to infections
(especially influenza).
They are supposedly diuretic, but this is not confirmed.
The oval fruits of R. villosa L. contain the largest amount of vitamin
C.
Usage: As a tisane (two tablespoonfuls of finely chopped
drug in 1 litre (1.75pt) of cold water and raise to the boil) for fatigue,
dropsy and infections of the kidneys.
The tisane prepared from the 'seeds' only is used as a mild diuretic (action
doubtful).
