Cistus Essential Oil

Cistus ladaniferus

Also known as Rock Rose, Rose of Sharon, or Labandum

Cistus Essential Oil blends well with Bergamot, Chamomile, Cinnamon, Clary Sage, Cypress, Frankincense, Helichrysum, Juniper Berry, Lavender, Marjoram, Myrrh, Oakmoss, Patchouli, Pine (Long Leaf), Rose Absolute, Sandalwood, Vetiver, and Ylang-Ylang Essential Oils.

Known Uses

Cistus Essential Oil has antimicrobial properties that can help in the treatment of Staph, E. Coli and Candida. It acts quickly to stop wound bleeding and is known for its healing abilities as well. Cistus Oil can effectively treat skin conditions like psoriasis & eczema. It increases lymph drainage, and is beneficial for acne and oily skin. It combats the effects of aging by tightening and toning the skin. It can even reduce the inflammation of hemorrhoids when used in a warm water sitz bath or is applied topically with a carrier oil.

Cistus Essential Oil, when used in a diffuser, increases the mind’s ability for deep concentration. It relaxes the mind, and calms the nerves. It’s a mood enhancer that affects the circulatory, respiratory, and nervous systems, as well as the intestines, allowing them to work more efficiently.

Cistus Oil has been used to treat upper respiratory infections such as coughs, colds and bronchitis. It may also be used to improve circulation, fight urinary tract infections, reduce arthritis pain and swelling, and curtail hemorrhaging.

History

Thousands of years ago shepherds noticed the gum of the Cistus shrub would get stuck in the coats of the goats and sheep while they were grazing in the fields. They combed the sticky substance from the beards and thighs of the sheep and goats and discovered it had helpful therapeutic value. It is suspected that some of the false beards that were worn by Egyptian pharaohs were made from the hair of goats, held together by the resin from the Cistus plants. The Egyptians also used the resin as a perfume and incense. It is said that in Christ’s time, an incense was made with Myrrh, Frankincense & “Onycha”, later identified as gum labdanum, which is extracted from the leaves of Cistus. It has been used since the Middle Ages in Europe to treat wounds & ulcers of the skin. The gum was also used for diarrhea, dysentery, and inflammation of mucous membranes as well as its use in perfumery. The plant grows mostly in Europe, Northern Africa, Portugal, France, Spain, Sicily, Greece, and Morocco.

Warning

Cistus Essential Oil is considered a safe oil and it is non-toxic. However, it should be avoided during pregnancy and/or nursing. Be sure to do a patch test to test for any possible skin allergy or sensitivity. Add a drop of oil to a carrier oil such as Coconut Oil or Jojoba Oil before using topically.

Application Methods

For upper respiratory problems: Add a few drops to a carrier oil and apply directly to the chest.

For autoimmune problems: Add a few drops to a cold mist humidifier and diffuse into the air, or add a few drops to a carrier oil and apply topically to the bottoms of the feet each night before bedtime as a treatment for multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis.

For wounds: Add a few drops to a carrier oil and apply directly to wounds to speed the healing of scrapes, burns, or cuts.

For inflammation: Add a few drops to a carrier oil and apply topically to the joints or other areas of inflammation.