Cistus Essential Oil (Cistus × cyprius)

Overview

Cistus may also be referred to as Rockrose, Labdanum, Cistus ladaniferus. It is typically processed in Spain, Portugal, France, Sicily, Greece, Algeria, and Morocco using steam distilled (also available as an absolute). as a method for extracting oil from the leaves and stems.

Summary

Cistus (Labdanum) has a long history of medicinal and ritual use. Also known as Rockrose, it is a resinous and extremely fragrant bush that grows wild throughout the Mediterranean region. The essential oil of cistus offers a stunning, resinous-herbaceous, uniquely sweet perfume. This aromatic gem is interwoven into Corsican tradition, primarily for meditation, respiratory assistance, and skincare.

Cistus Essential Oil
By Alvesgaspar - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link

Essential Facts

  • Aroma Description: Strongly herbaceous and balsam/resinous with sweet, honey-like undertones
  • Common Name(s): Rockrose, Labdanum, Cistus ladaniferus

  • Synonyms(s) for Cistus × cyprius: Cistus × cyprius var. africanus, Ladanium cyprium

  • Botanical Family: Cistaceae
  • Botanical Genus: Cistus
  • Chemical Family: Monoterpenes
  • Major Compounds: a-Pinene, Camphene, Hexen-1-ol, Trimethylcyclohexanone, Bornyl Acetate
  • Perfumery Note: Base
  • Consistency: Thin
  • Strength of Initial Aroma: Strong
  • Color: Golden Yellow
  • Countries of Production: Spain, Portugal, France, Sicily, Greece, Algeria, and Morocco
  • Indigenous Country: Spain
  • Cultivation: Wild Harvested
  • Processing Methods: Steam Distilled (Also Available as an Absolute).
  • Part Typically Used: Leaves and stems
  • Storage: When stored correctly in a cool, dark place, cistus essential oil will last for 3-4 years.
  • Shelf Life: 4 years
  • Vegan Vegan
  • Not Pregnancy Safe Not recommended or safe if pregnant or nursing

Essential Details

Benefits & Uses

May be benefitial for addressing the following ailments:

Arthritis Bronchia Bronchitis Colds Coughs Cuts Flu Hemorrhoids Skin : All types Wounds

Benefits of Cistus:

Other uses of cistus essential oil include adding to a massage blend in order to assist in lymph drainage, bring on delayed menstruation, or alleviate the pain of menstrual cramps. It can also be used to diffuse throughout a room to calm the mind after a traumatic event or boost the immune system.

Therapeutic Benefits of Cistus:

Analgesic Anti-bacterial Anti-infectious Anti-inflammatory Anti-microbial Anti-oxidant Anti-septic Anti-tussive Anti-viral Astringent Calming Cicatrisant Cooling Emmenagogic Expectorant Mucolytic Nervine Sedative Tonic Wound healing

Other Uses for Cistus:

Aromatherapy, Natural Perfumery, Incense, Massage, Vaporizer, Diffusion, Oil Burner, Inhalation, Compress, Perfume, Essential Oil Blends, Spa, Health and Wellness, Bath, Home Care, Scent Your Own Products It has been used as a skin rejuvenator, for treating infected wounds, skin ulcers, bronchitis, coughs, colds, as a fumigant when infectious illness is around and as an ambient aroma to facilitate meditation.

Aromatherapy Fragrance Incense Massage Natural Perfumery

Blends

Cistus Blends:

Bergamot Clary Sage Cypress Helichrysum Lavender Oakmoss Orange, Sweet Patchouli Pine Rose Sandalwood Vetiver

Cautions & Safety

Cautions when using Cistus:

Tisserand and Young recommend avoiding oxidized Cistus Oil. They advise that skin sensitization is possible if the oil has been allowed to oxidize. [Robert Tisserand and Rodney Young, Essential Oil Safety (Second Edition. United Kingdom: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier, 2014), 250.]

Safety Precautions for Cistus:

Cistus essential oil can be used both topically and aromatically, but should not be used internally.

Do not take any oils internally and do not apply undiluted essential oils, absolutes, CO2s or other concentrated essences onto the skin without advanced essential oil knowledge or consultation from a qualified aromatherapy practitioner. If you are pregnant, epileptic, have liver damage, have cancer, or have any other medical problem, use oils only under the proper guidance of a qualified aromatherapy practitioner. Use extreme caution when using oils with children and be sure to first read the recommended dilution ratios for children. Consult a qualified aromatherapy practitioner before using oils with children, the elderly, if you have medical issues or are taking medications. For in-depth information on oil safety issues, read Essential Oil Safety by Robert Tisserand and Rodney Young.

Avoid Cistus if:

Avoid while pregnant.

Energetic, Spiritual, and Emotional Qualities

Energetics and Chakras Qualites of Cistus:

1st Chakra - Survival and Support 2nd Chakra - Relationships 4th Chakra - Unconditional Love 6th Chakra - Perspective Creation Energy

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