In Zistros
Rockrose comes from the Mediterranean region and has been used medicinally there for thousands of years. Largely unknown in Central Europe, the cistus is also enjoying increasing popularity in this country. Above all, their antiviral and antibacterial effect is of great importance for alternative medicine.
General overview
The cistus has scientific names such as Cistus incanus, Cistus creticus or Cistus ladanifer. They all belong to the rockrose genus and are part of the rockrose family, also known as Cistaceae. Rock roses grow in bushy shrubs or dwarf shrubs. They form an aromatic resin called labdanum. This resin probably appears as myrrh in the Bible. There are also numerous other folklore traditions. This resin is very aromatic and is mainly formed at very warm temperatures.
The cistus shrub reaches a height of around one meter and has oppositely arranged leaves, which are stalked, simple or sessile. The developed flowers are pink to purple in color with an orange center. The blossoms of the cistus appear somewhat wrinkled and give it an unmistakable character. In the Mediterranean areas, the flowering period begins as early as spring. In the Central European locations, the beginning of the flowering period is postponed to May to June.
Occurrence and cultivation
The rockrose family has its origins in the Mediterranean regions and the Canary Islands. It is particularly widespread in Greece. On the other hand, the greatest diversity of species can be observed in the western Mediterranean: Morocco, Algeria as well as Portugal, Spain and southern France. She loves sandy soil and lots of sun exposure. This shrub-like plant is not demanding. It requires only a few nutrients and also grows on stony, calcareous substrates.
There are 24 species in the rockrose family. Special species were bred for cultivation in parks and gardens, so that this aromatic and colorful flowering plant could also be brought to Central Europe. The effect of cistus is receiving more and more attention. Cultivation in domestic allotments is increasing more and more. Some species – such as Cistus laurifolius – are even hardy and can also be grown in Germany without any problems.
Application and effect
Products made from cistus are available in a variety of ways. Probably the most popular variant is the tea infusion . Organic cultivation should be considered when purchasing. About a teaspoon of the dried leaves and twigs are poured over a liter of boiling water and left to steep for two to five minutes. Since the tea on offer mostly comes from wild collections in the Mediterranean regions, it is quite expensive. However, the tea can be infused several times.
Rockrose is also available in tablet, capsule or liquid form. Capsules or tablets are recommended, especially for intestinal cleansing. The recommended intake is two capsules per day. For diseases of the upper respiratory tract, lozenges can be taken several times a day. Gargling solutions and throat sprays are also available on the European market (but not in Germany). To treat the skin , a decoction can be prepared from ten grams of dried cistus leaves and 200 milliliters of boiling water. After cooling, the affected skin areas can be cleaned with it.
What does cistus help against?
- Sore throat
- cardiovascular weakness
- menstrual cramps
importance to health
The use of cistus has a millennia-long tradition in the Mediterranean region. References to the resin of the cistus can already be found in the Bible. Above all, naturopathy uses its antibacterial , antiviral and antifungal effects. In addition, the components of cistus have an expectorant and anti-inflammatory effect . This makes them the ideal therapy companion for colds.
Coughs and sore throats respond very well to treatment with cistus. Especially since there is no effective remedy against flu so far. Dermatology also uses the antiseptic effect of the Mediterranean plant. Affected skin areas can be cleaned, dabbed or applied with poultices. Even ulcers can be treated in this way. The circulation-promoting effect is beneficial for cardiovascular weakness or menstrual cramps.
Another area of application is the elimination of heavy metals. Exposure to environmental toxins often unbalances the digestive tract or restricts its functions. The elimination of such substances can be increased by cistus. Rockrose also has the reputation of binding free radicals.
The reason for this wide range of effects of cistus is its very high content of polyphenols and tannins . Polyphenols also protect against arteriosclerosis and other degenerative diseases of old age. The resin of the cistus is also often smoked. It is supposed to have a relaxing effect. Rock rose is also available as a Bach flower – the so-called rock rose – and is recommended for panic attacks.
Hello and welcome to my Health Guide & Encyclopedia! My name is Dorothy Farrar, and I'm the founder and main author of this platform.
My passion for health and wellness started at a young age when I became interested in the connection between the food we eat and the way we feel. This fascination led me to study nutrition and dietetics in college, where I learned about the importance of a balanced diet and the impact of various nutrients on the body.