Cistus Essential Oil
Botanical Name: Cistus ladaniferus and/or Cistus ladanifer
Common Method Of Extraction: Steam distilled
Parts Used: Crude gum or from the leaves and twigs of the plant directly
Note Classification: Base
Aroma: Warm, sweet, dry-herbaceous musky scent
Largest Producing Countries: Spain
Traditional Use: Used as a fixative and fragrance component in lotions, powders, soaps, detergents, colognes and perfumes, especially oriental perfumes and aftershaves. Employed in most major food categories, particularly meat products, as well as alcoholic and soft drinks.
Properties: Antimicrobial, antiseptic, antitussive, astringent, balsamic, emmenagogue, expectorant, and tonic.
Benefits: Bronchitis, colds, coughs, insomnia, mature skin, nervousness, perfumery, rhinitis, and wrinkles.
Blends Well With: Bergamot, calamus, clary sage, cypress, lavandin, lavender, juniper, maroc chamomile, oakmoss, olibanum, opopanax, patchouli, pine, sandalwood, vetiver, and oriental bases.
Of Interest: One of the early aromatic substances of the ancient world. The gum was used formerly for catarrh, diarrhea, dysentery, and to promote menstruation; externally it was used in plasters.
Safety Data: Generally non-toxic, non-irritant, and non-sensitizing. Avoid during pregnancy.