Rosa Mosqueta; Thorny but Helpful
January 22nd, 2008 Posted in floraWritten by Shanie
Rosa Mosqueta or Rose Hip is a non-native, evasive, thorny plant here in Northern Patagonia. It grows everywhere and takes over. But it does have some amazing qualities that make it worth its thorniness.
The oil that is contained within the hip has many healing properties. The oil has a high content of unsaturated fatty acids (linoleic and linolenic acid) that the body is incapable of producing itself. When this oil is applied to the skin it helps with the prostaglandin protein which helps create new cells, defend against sun-exposure and aid in the build up of new tissue.
What does all that mean? It is instrumental in the treatment of scars whether from surgery, an accident or burns. It is also an amazing help in the decrease of wrinkles, eczema, inflammations of the skin and age-spots. It helps hydrate the skin and hair as well as reduces the pigmentation of hyper-pigmented skin. The Rose Hip oil is very friendly to the skin and eyes, allowing it to be used on any skin type, especially being good for sensitive and prematurely-aged skin. It is also good for naturally dry areas such as elbows, heels, and knees. It works well under make-up because of its ability to be quickly absorbed into the skin.
There are various companies around Bariloche and El Bolson that have created the oil into healing and cosmetic compositions, creating lotions, shampoos, conditioners, oil, anti-age creams and balms.
I wasn’t aware of Rosa Mosqueta or its healing qualities until moving here. Down the road from our house is one of the bigger distributors. I thought I would check it out and bought some to help with a scar. Within days I could see a difference and started to use it on my face as well. I am now a complete believer.
I guess those evasive, non-native plants aren’t as bad as they are made out to be.
