Delicate yet resilient, the dog rose (Rosa canina) is a native British wildflower, dotting hedgerows and countryside paths. Steeped in symbolism and rich in natural health benefits, this humble bloom has been celebrated for centuries in folklore, traditional medicine, and art.

First recorded in the writings of the ancient Greeks and Romans, the dog rose was valued for its medicinal properties - particularly its roots, which were once believed to cure the bite of a rabid dog, hence the name. Wild rose hips have been a key ingredient in herbal remedies since medieval times, due to their high vitamin C and antioxidant content, supporting the immune system, reducing inflammation and promoting skin health; they provided a valuable source of vitamins to foragers when food was short after WWII.