CHEROKEE ROSEHIPS  (Syn. Chinese rosehips; jinyingzi)

Plant Source: Rosa laevigata Michx. (Family Rosaceae).

Part Used: Ripe fruit.

Properties: Male tonic, antidiarrheal, antidiuretic, digestive aid, anti-atherosclerotic, antilipemic, antiviral, antimutagenic.

Most Common Traditional Uses: Male sexual inadequacies (e.g. nocturnal emission, spermatorrhea, neurasthenia), female problems (e.g. leukorrhea, uterine bleeding), night sweating, excessive urination, bed wetting, chronic diarrhea, enteritis, chronic cough, high blood pressure.

Its earliest written record dates back 1,500 years, Chinese rosehips are considered one of the most important Chinese health tonics. It is highly valued by the Chinese both as a food and medicine. It is rich in both conventional and non-conventional nutrients, including especially vitamin C (~1.5%), saponin glycosides (~17%), flavonoids, carotenoids, leucoanthocyanidins, catechins, and plant acids, many of which have strong antioxidant properties.

Although all above uses of Chinese rosehips have been well documented in traditional Chinese medical records, only its use in diarrhea and enteritis appears to be supported by modern scientific findings. Nevertheless, Chinese rosehips continue to be frequently used as a general and male tonic in countless preparations as well as in certain soup mixes for maintaining good health. Considering the abundance of such a variety of nutrients, it is not surprising that this particular rosehip does indeed work, but in a manner we still don't understand.