Rosehip for gastritis: infusion, decoction, tea
Last reviewed: 12.03.2022
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
Before answering the question of whether rose hips can be used for gastritis, it is worth recalling why rose hips are so beneficial for the body.
The benefits of rose hips for the body
First of all, rose hips (Rosa canina L.) contain vitamin C (ascorbic acid) - an antioxidant that [1]plays an important role in the redox processes of the body, which is 0.4-3.7 g in 100 g of dried fruits. And this is one of the highest levels of vitamin C among all berries, fruits and vegetables. [2], [3]
Help inhibit the formation of free superoxide radicals beta-carotene and tocopherol (vitamin E).
Rose hips also contain vitamin B2 (riboflavin), necessary for maintaining immunity, vitamin K1 (phylloquinone) that ensures normal blood clotting and bone tissue metabolism, and vitamin P (rutin) that strengthens blood vessels. [4]
In addition, these fruits contain such biologically active compounds [5]as:
- flavonoids (kaempferol, quercetin and its glycosidic derivatives);
- proanthocynidins and carotenoids, including lycopene ;
- phenolcarboxylic acids (chlorogenic, hydroxycinnamic, gallic, ferulic, ellagic, gentisic) with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and choleretic properties;
- immunity-boosting triterpene acids (ursolic, oleanolic, betulinic);
- carboxylic (organic) acids, including malic and citric.
In the form of salts, rose hips contain iron, magnesium, sodium, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, zinc. [6]
Rose hips are currently used as a vitamin (replenishing the lack of vitamin C), diuretic, choleretic and laxative; are used in the complex treatment of diseases of the kidneys, lower urinary tract and gallbladder; with arthritis, gout, colds, edema, arterial hypertension and hypercholesterolemia (high blood cholesterol). [7]
Rose hips for gastritis
For a long time, rose hips have been used as an alternative remedy to treat diarrhea, stomach ulcers, and other gastrointestinal ailments. Indeed, the biologically active components of its fruits, as studies have shown, weaken intestinal motility and stomach cramps, and also change the pH in the stomach - due to the presence of organic acids and increased acid production (synthesis of hydrochloric acid) by the cells of the fundic glands of the antrum of the stomach.
And this is the main reason why rose hips for gastritis with high acidity, that is, hyperacid gastritis, are contraindicated.
If erosive gastritis is diagnosed during an endoscopic examination of the stomach , then this means the presence of damage on the mucous membrane of the walls of the stomach in the form of erosion of various depths and localizations. Therefore, rose hips are also not used for erosive gastritis, but drugs are prescribed to reduce the acidity of the stomach.
You can use rosehip infusion for hypoacid gastritis - gastritis with low acidity . At the same time, it is irrational to prepare a rosehip broth for gastritis: boiling berries leads to a significant decrease in the content of vitamin C and other useful substances.
Can rose hips be used for chronic gastritis? If it is gastritis with high acidity , then the use of rose hips increases the risk of deterioration.
In patients with chronic autoimmune gastritis, the production of hydrochloric acid gradually decreases, leading to persistent hypochlorhydria. In severe cases, acid formation may completely stop - with the development of achlorhydria . And then, along with the appropriate drugs, gastroenterologists recommend drinking rosehip tea for gastritis. Thus, rose hips become part of complex therapy.
It should be borne in mind that atrophy of the gastric mucosa is often the result of its defeat by Helicobacter pylori campylobacter - Helicobacter , which do not like an acidic environment and neutralize the hydrochloric acid (HCl) of gastric juice with the help of its hydrolytic enzyme urease. And then rose hips for atrophic gastritis are what you need: by increasing the acidity of the stomach, it can create “uncomfortable” conditions for H. Pylori and, together with the prescribed drugs for eradicating a bacterial infection, contributes to the successful treatment and regeneration of damaged tissues.
How to drink rose hips with gastritis? Warm infusion (best of all - cooked in a thermos) is recommended to be taken before meals - twice a day for half a glass. The duration of application should not exceed 7-10 days.
You can cook and drink (in the same dosage, but after eating) rosehip jelly for gastritis with low acidity.
Rosehip oil and syrup for gastritis
Rosehip syrup is not used for gastritis, this remedy is a vitamin and is intended for the prevention of vitamin C deficiency. A thick syrup Holosas with an aqueous extract of rose hips - as a choleretic - is used in case of hepatitis or inflammation of the gallbladder.
Rosehip oil contains vitamins C and A, unsaturated fatty acids (linoleic, alpha-linolenic, etc.), as well as polyphenols and vegetable glycosides of the anthocyanin group.
In official medicine, rosehip oil is not used for gastritis; it is used topically in dermatology and as a wound healing agent, and ingestion is prescribed for bile stasis, cholecystitis and hepatitis.