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Nutrition and daily life

Rosehip: a hot infusion of red berries

Rosehip infusion is a traditional winter drink in many families. It has a tangy taste and a beautiful colour. This section explains what rosehip offers and what to watch for.

Last updated: ~1 min read
Rosehip, a red winter drink
Figure 1.Rosehip, a red winter drink.

01Short answer

Rosehip is a red fruit containing vitamin C; some of it is lost in drying and boiling. Rosehip infusion is a pleasant caffeine-free drink. The tiny hairs inside the fruit irritate the throat, so strain the infusion. Rosehip can act as a mild diuretic. The infusion does not boost immunity and does not treat leukemia. Choose a sealed factory pack.

02Simple explanation

Rosehip is a source of vitamin C.

Strain it: the hairs irritate.

Caffeine-free, tangy taste.

Not a treatment.

03Scientific explanation

MSK: rosehip powder has been studied for joint pain; no benefit in leukemia has been shown. High-dose vitamin C can affect some treatments.

NCI: there is no evidence that herbal infusions treat leukemia.

MSK: herbal products can affect how the liver breaks down medicines, so tell your oncologist.

04What happens in the body?

How to brew

Simmer whole dried fruit for 10 minutes and drink it fresh.

Rosehips simmering in an enamel pot.
Figure 2.Rosehips simmering — Rosehip: a hot infusion of red berries

Thermos

During neutropenia do not keep the infusion in a thermos for hours; make it fresh each time.

Rosehip infusion strained through clean cloth.
Figure 3.Strain the infusion.

Safe brewing

Sealed bag, freshly boiled water, 5 minutes covered, drink hot. Do not drink an infusion that has stood for hours.

With medicines

1–2 cups of a mild infusion a day usually cause no problems; capsules and extracts only with your doctor.

05Brewing: four steps

Sealed bag, swap market herbs, boiling water, drink hot.

Sealed bag — Factory-made.1Sealed bagFactory-made.
Not loose — A bag instead.2Not looseA bag instead.
Boiling water — Covered.3Boiling waterCovered.
Drink soon — Do not keep.4Drink soonDo not keep.
ComfortA warm drink.
FluidsThrough the day.
SafetyBoiling water.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
How to brewSimmer whole dried fruit for 10 minutes and drink it fresh.
ThermosDuring neutropenia do not keep the infusion in a thermos for hours; make it fresh each time.
Safe brewingSealed bag, freshly boiled water, 5 minutes covered, drink hot. Do not drink an infusion that has stood for hours.
With medicines1–2 cups of a mild infusion a day usually cause no problems; capsules and extracts only with your doctor.

07Key terms

Vitamin C
A water-soluble vitamin.
Hairs
Irritating fibres inside the fruit.
Infusion
A herb steeped in boiling water.
Extract
A concentrated plant substance.
Neutropenia
Low neutrophils.

08Key points

  • Rosehip is a pleasant drink.
  • Drink it strained.
  • Vitamin C capsules only with your doctor.
  • Sealed bag and boiling water.
  • Capsules only with your doctor.

09Frequently asked questions

Does rosehip boost immunity?

There is no evidence in leukemia.

How much a day?

Usually 1–2 cups; ask your doctor if your fluids are limited.

Does this infusion treat leukemia?

No. It is a warm, pleasant drink, not a treatment.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. Does rosehip boost immunity?

  2. How much a day?

  3. Does this infusion treat leukemia?

My questions

12Sources

  1. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NIH). Herbs at a Glance
  2. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. About Herbs, Botanicals & Other Products
  3. Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Diet Guidelines for Immunosuppressed Patients
  4. National Cancer Institute. Complementary and Alternative Medicine
  5. MedlinePlus. Herbal Medicine
  6. NHS. Vitamins and minerals: Calcium
  7. NHS. Vitamins and minerals: Others (magnesium, potassium, zinc, selenium and more)
  8. NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. Iron — Fact Sheet for Consumers
  9. NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. Magnesium — Fact Sheet for Consumers
  10. World Health Organization (WHO). Anaemia — fact sheet
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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