The boiled hips can be applied as a paste to itchy skin and hemorrhoids. AmerIndians were also ingesting the petals to treat heartburn.

The hips are nutritious and contain more vitamin C than oranges. Rose hips also contain Bioflavonoids (vitamin P) like Rutin. Rutin is known to strengthen the blood vessels and is therefore useful in the prevention of brain stroke. Buckwheat and Cayenne pepper are used for the same purpose and may be used in combination. Also found in Rose hips are Tannins, Pectin, Essential oils, Malic acid, Citric acid, Monosaccharides, Oligosaccharides, Vitamins A (Carotenoids), E (Tocopherol), B1, B2, B3 and K.

The PDR of Herbal Medicines lists the following "Unproven Uses":
Urinary tract problems, Kidney problems, Kidney stones, Rheumatism, Gout, Colds, Fever, Scurvy.

A word to "Unproven": Some professionals always use this term to somehow discredit the traditional uses for herbs. In this case we have to go simply by the ingredients. For example, one "unproven" use is for Scurvy. Scurvy is caused by a lack of Vitamin C. There is more Vitamin C in Rose hips than in Oranges. Hence.....!!

Prickly rose (Rosa acicularis), Dog rose and Prairie rose (Rosa arkansana) have similiar uses and properties.

(PDR; Bown)