A small, wild growing shrub, Cistus has lanced shaped leaves that are white & woolly beneath and sticky on top, with fragrant white flowers. Can grow up to 3 meters high.

 

The Egyptians, after importing Cistus from Crete, used the resin as a perfume & incense. It is said that in Christ’s time, an incense was made with Myrrh, Frankincense & “Onycha”, later identified as gum labdanum, which is extracted from the leaves of Cistus.  It has been used since the Middle Ages in Europe to treat wounds & ulcers of the skin.  The gum was used for diarrhea, dysentery, & catarrh. It has also been used as a fixative for perfumery. 

Cistus is believed to help alleviate shock from traumatic events, and soothes the heart after a crisis, especially when someone is feeling cold, empty & numb. It’s beneficial for meditation, as it has centering qualities that help one to visualize, and to bring those vision to light. Woodward suggests using Cistus with those who experience a disconnection from their spiritual self & being in fear. Helps to connect to the spirit realms with ease. 

Skin sensitization can occur if the oil is oxidized.