Type of plant: Bush growing to 10 feet in height and having large, fragrant, white flowers
Part used: Fresh flowering plant, flowers, young branches, and leaves/gum
Method of extraction: Steam distillation
Data: There is a great deal of confusion regarding this essential oil because the plant it comes from (often called rockrose) is processed in so many ways — each producing a different essential oil. The essential oil referred to here is produced by steam distillation from the fresh fragrant flowers and leafy branches. This is an entirely different oil from one made in the following ways:
- (a) The leaves and twigs are boiled in water, producing a gum on the surface; this is skimmed off and dried; the result is the crude gum, which is steam distilled.
- (b) Oil is steam distilled directly from the leaves and twigs and smells of pine.
- (c) A concrete, or absolute, is processed differently, again from the leaves and twigs, using a solvent. All these oils will have Cistus ladaniferus as their botanical source, but will be entirely different essential oils. To confuse things further, there is a flower essence called rockrose, which is actually from the plant Helianthemum canadense. When purchasing the essential oil of cistus, check that it’s produced by steam distillation.
Principal places of production: France, Spain, Cyprus, Morocco, Greece, Portugal
When buying look for: Liquid ranging from dark yellow through amber to brown with a rich, resinous, warm, amber, herbaceous aroma
Therapeutic properties: Analgesic, antibacterial, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antiviral, calmative, cicatrizing, immunostimulant
Therapeutic uses: Viral infection, influenza, bronchial conditions, joint aches and pains, muscular pain, arthritis, cuts, wounds, pimples, acne, scarring, nervousness, tension, stress
Blends well with: Bay laurel, cananga, carrot seed, cedarwood atlas, chamomile roman, clary sage, cypress, elemi, eucalyptus lemon, frankincense, geranium, grapefruit, immortelle, lavandin, lavender, lemon, myrrh, orange (sweet), palmarosa, pine, ravintsara, rosewood, sage (Greek), sandalwood, tangerine, ylang ylang, yuzu
Precautionary advice: Best avoided during pregnancy.
