Hoary Rock-Rose (Cistus creticus) Herb

The Cretan rockrose is an evergreen shrub that is very widespread in the entire Mediterranean area and also around the Black Sea - even if the botanical name Cistus creticus could give the impression that this species of rockrose only grows in Crete (Greece) .

The whole shrub gives off a very aromatic scent and not only during the flowering period between April and June, when the pink-red colored flowers unfold their full splendor.

Labdanum - the fragrant resin of the rock rose

The leaves and branches of the Cretan cistus in particular emit a strongly scented resin, which is therefore often used in aromatherapy or in perfume production. The resin of the Cretan rockrose has been known under the name Labdanum for ages. In folk medicine it is valued as an expectorant and hemostatic agent.

Labdanum (also called Ladanum) is not only obtained from the Cretan rockrose, but also from the two rockrose plants Cistus ladanifer and Cistus taurifolius.

The herb of the Cretan rockrose, is particularly valued for its high proportion of polyphenols. Those polyphenols are excellent in strengthening our immune system and, thanks to their antioxidant properties, also support the hunt for free radicals. Polyphenols are found in many plants. However, it is said that rockrose tea should contain more polyphenols than green tea or red wine.

It is also known from folk medicine that cistus tea can also provide relief when applied externally to various skin diseases. These include, for example:

• acne
• Eczema
• Diaper rash

If there is inflammation in the mouth or a sore throat, the rockrose tea also brings relief by gargling.

In a concentrated form, a brew of rockrose herb can also rid the body of toxic heavy metals. Regardless of whether it is heavy metals from cigarettes, dental fillings or environmental pollution. The cadmium content in particular can be significantly reduced by a drinking cure lasting several weeks.

Another area of application for rockrose infusions are fungal diseases - such as the extremely unpleasant vaginal fungus (Candida albicans). By the way, here the tea works both internally and externally. You can combine a hip bath with a strong tea made from rockrose herb with a hot cup of tea to drink.