Cistus Essential Oil (Cistus ladaniferus)

Cistus (Labdanum) Essential Oil

Latin Name: Cistus ladaniferus

Source: Portugal

Part of plant: Twigs

Grade: Organic

Chemical Componants: A-pinene, acetophenone, eugenone, trimethylil,camphene, viridiflorol, bornyl acetate

Aroma Character: Warm, dry-woody, herbaceous

Blends Well with: Coriander, Chamomile, Lemon

Cistus essential oil has been used since the middle ages in ointments to treat infected wounds and skin ulcers. The gum was used for catarrh, diarrhoea, dysentry and to promote menstruation. It was also used to treat 'scrofulous' conditions, with skin and soft tissue disturbances and swollen lymph glands.

Cistus helps to stop bleeding, stimulates the immune system and is effective against bronchitis and colds. The old fashioned name is Labdanum. It is overpowering in blends but makes a good fixative.

Cistus oil has a warm, sweet, dry-herbaceous with honey like tones. The absolute has a sweet herbaceous balsamic odour.