Rosehip: A New Treatment for Osteoarthritis

If you suffer from the pain and stiffness of chronic osteoarthritis, there’s good news. Studies suggest you may find some comfort from using a natural supplement known as rose hip to treat the symptoms. This fruit, derived from the rose plant, is not only an excellent source of vitamin C but studies show that it may reduce the symptoms of osteoarthritis and help sore, achy joints function better.

Rose hip has long been used as an ingredient for herbal tea and is sometimes enjoyed in syrups, jellies, and even wine. This dark red fruit is certainly no stranger to the world of alternative medicine and could be described as a nutritional superstar with its high iron and vitamin content. It has an antioxidant potential even greater than that of blueberries It’s also a good source of flavonoids, the phytonutrients that have received so much attention for their beneficial health properties.

Several studies have shown that the health benefits of rose hip may extend to helping the pain of chronic osteoarthritis. A study published in the journal Phytomedicine as well as a second one featured in the Scandinavian Journal of Rheumatology suggested that subjects treated with rose hip experienced a significant reduction in pain, stiffness, and joint inflammation when compared to a group who received only a placebo. A more recent study looking at the effects of rose hip on chronic osteoarthritis symptoms also showed a positive response in the form of reduced joint stiffness ad pain.

While you may be tempted to enjoy the health benefits of rose hip in the form of a tea, this may not provide high enough concentrations of the active ingredient to treat the symptoms of chronic osteoarthritis. Rose hip can be purchased in a powder or a capsule form which provides a more concentrated form of the fruit. The recommended dose is 2,500 mg in the form of five 500 mg capsules taken twice a day. Although this supplement doesn’t appear to have any serious side effects, always talk to your doctor before starting this treatment particularly if you’re taking other medications for osteoarthritis.

One caution, the studies that have been with rose hip and its effects on chronic osteoarthritis were all short term. Longer term studies are needed to document its effectiveness before it can be widely recommended. Because of its low side effect profile, it’s probably safe to give this supplement a try for chronic osteoarthritis after discussing it with your doctor.

Can rose hip provide an all natural treatment for chronic osteoarthritis? The studies look promising.