Cistus

Cistus
Cistus incanus

A natural wonder of Greece!

 Name – History – Mythology 

Its Greek name is ”ladania”, which means a ”plant containing oil”. Cistus produces a thick oil on the surface of its leaves. It is this oil, called ladanum, which makes cistus famous. The quality of this herb is influenced by the time and manner of picking. It is also important to choose the variety with the hghest natural content of cistus oil.

In Antuquity it was dedicated to nymphs, whose beauty was compared to that of the Cistus flowers. Hence, it was used not only for medical purposes but also as a cosmetic by Greeks and Egyptians who imported ladanum from Crete and Cyprus.

In the Middle Ages, ladanum oil was used as a cure against the plague..

Cistus  grows naturally in Greece. Plantations created in areas other than the Mediterrranean cannot guarantee that the cistus plant will produce the medicinal oil in sufficient quantity and quality.

 Properties – Use:

Used to prevent circulatory system diseases. Increases the levels of good cholesterol (HDL) and decreases the harmful LDL.

Cistus infusion contains polyphenols which strengthen the immune system and cleanse the body of toxins.

Cistus is a natural antibiotic and antioxidant which helps against inflammations and viruses.

By neutralising free radicals, cistus delays the cells’ aging process.

Used in the prevention of circulatory system diseases.

Research has proved the effectiveness of cistus in the treatment of Lyme disease.

 Suggestions:

Cistus should be taken at night, before going to sleep.

Cistus with high content of medicinal oil possesses relaxing and cleansing properties.