Exploring Adaptogens: Rosehips

You bet. Rosehips (Rosa canina) are the small, round, or oval fruits that form at the base of the rose plant after the petals fall off. They’re packed with vitamin C, antioxidants, and bioactive compounds, and are usually harvested from wild rose bushes. Rosehips do more than just boost your immune system—they also support heart health, reduce inflammation, and fight oxidative stress. Whether you’re pushing through intense training or handling everyday stress, rosehips help your body recover faster and perform better, naturally.

STRESS SUPPORT

Rosehips help the body manage stress by regulating the stress hormone cortisol. Elevated cortisol levels, often caused by chronic stress, can lead to a weakened immune system and increased inflammation, however, their high antioxidant content helps combat oxidative stress, which accompanies elevated cortisol levels. Rosehips work by bringing balance to the body’s hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, and provide similar stress-modulating support through their antioxidants.

ANTI-INFLAMMATORY

Rosehips pack a punch when it comes to fighting inflammation, thanks to their high levels of polyphenols, flavonoids, and vitamin C. These natural compounds work together to lower inflammation throughout the body, which often flares up due to chronic stress. One clinical study found that rosehip powder helped reduce pain and inflammation in people with osteoarthritis by blocking key inflammatory markers like C-reactive protein (CRP). By tackling both inflammation and oxidative stress, rosehips give your body the extra support it needs to better handle whatever life throws at you.

IMMUNE BOOST

Rosehips contain some of the highest vitamin C concentrations found in the plant kingdom. They're also rich in Vitamin E, carotenoids, flavonoids, and linoleic acid. Stress often compromises immune function, leaving the body more vulnerable to infections and illness. However, rosehip extract can increase white blood cell activity—supporting the immune system's ability to fight off pathogens.

CIRCULATORY HEALTH

Two powerful nutrients, flavonoids and polyphenols in rosehips help keep your heart healthy by lowering blood pressure and reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol levels. A 2015 study published in Food & Function found that rosehip powder significantly dropped both systolic blood pressure and LDL cholesterol in obese individuals. Since stress is often tied to heart problems, the heart-boosting benefits of rosehips can also play a role in helping your body manage stress better, giving you that extra layer of support when you need it most.

SO, ROSEHIPS DO WHAT?

• Packed with Vitamin C and antioxidants

• Supports stress relief by regulating cortisol

• Reduces inflammation with polyphenols and flavonoids

• Boosts immune function with high Vitamin C

• Promotes heart health by lowering blood pressure and cholesterol

Boost your blend—add 50mg of Rosehips to your Custom Greens mix.