CISTUS LABDANUM ESSENTIAL OIL
Cistus ladanifer
The Cistus or Rock-Rose family is well represented throughout the western Mediterranean and has adapted perfectly to the challenges of coping with hot, dry summers and cold winters. They are most commonly found in the Mediterranean scrubland and areas damaged by wildfires or overgrazing. Not all Rock-Roses are as sweet-smelling as Cistus ladanifer, a native of Southern France and Spain. The whole plant exudes a sticky balsamic resin that perfumes the air on hot summer days. Perfumers have long vied for this alluring substance as the secret ingredient of seductive perfumes. Three distinct fragrance materials are derived from Cistus ladanifer: a resinoid (a sticky substance also known as Labdanum), an absolute, and an essential oil. The resinoid and the absolute are destined for high-end perfumery. Aromatherapists prefer the steam-distilled essential oil for skin-care products, natural cosmetics and therapeutic use.
Traditional
In the past, farmers collected the intensely fragrant resin from the beard and coats of goats that had grazed on the rock-rose-covered hillsides. The goats' own ‘perfume’, mingling with the Labdanum resin created a uniquely feral fragrance. Perfumers loved it as subliminal messaging in their aphrodisiac blends.
Nowadays, the resin is solvent extracted, eliminating the goaty subtext.
The essential oil is most popular with Aromatherapists and producers of natural cosmetics. Cistus ladanifer essential oil is anti-inflammatory and astringent. It rejuvenates mature skin and smoothes scar tissue.
Magical
The heart-opening fragrance of Cistus Ladanifer is spiritually comforting and calming. It promotes mental hygiene and declutters a frazzled mind. Its emotionally healing quality creates a feeling of safety, making it suitable for work on the shadow. Cistus Essential Oil helps align the root and crown chakras, promoting inner peace and connectedness. It focuses the mind during deep meditation and promotes acceptance, gratitude, and healing.
Scent
Cistus Ladanifer essential oil has a warm, slightly herbaceous, sweet balsamic scent with hints of vanilla. It blends well with Black Spruce, Helichrysum Italicum, Lavender, Frankincense (Hojari), Myrrh (superior), Neroli, Sandalwood, Rose Otto, Patchouli, and Musk Ambrette, Styrax, Calamus, Juniper, Cedarwood and Vanilla.
Synonyms
Labdanum, Rock Rose, Cistus, Gum Cistus