Botanical Name: Cistus Ladaniferus. Also Known as Rock Rose

Cultivation Method: Wild Crafted

Method of Extraction: Solvent Extracted Resin

Country of Origin: Spain

Consistency: Semi-Solid

Aromatic Description: This resin oil is rich warm, spicy and a bit lemon-like. It is a bit incense-like, and slightly camphoraceous, yet with a distinct balsamic note

Perfumery Note: Base/Middle

Aromatherapy Properties: (Uses) The main use for Cistus Essential Oil is to relax the nerves, ease stress, and promote a calm presence. When the thick oil is warm it is reputed to have the ability to change thoughts, which move emotions back from the brink of negativity, and into the light of connected control. The oil will loosen tight muscles, and improve circulation; it carries more oxygen to the organs and the brain. When stress stretches the nervous system to the point of depression or when the emotions titter on the brink of a hormonal overload, Cistus will interact with the adrenal glands and begin to balance hormone secretion. Loyal Cistus (Rock Rose) Essential Oil users like to combine meditation with a few drops of the oil in order to reach a state of relaxation, often with other essential oils such as frankincense to deepen the breath or patchouli for its cherished grounding effects. That process helps neural impulses return to their normal state, and emotions flow in a stream of positive thoughts. Cistus (Rock Rose) Essential Oil oil is considered a mood enhancer that will bring the body and the mind together so the nervous as well as the circulatory, respiratory, and intestinal systems work efficiently. The ancients knew it was the oil fit for kings, and aromatherapy is bringing that thought back in focus.

Blends well with: Frankincense, Spikenard Wild Crafted or Clary Sage to enhance the spiritual power of this oil. Pine Long Leaf, Juniper Berry, and Cypress to make it more "green". Lavender 40/42/Lavandin, Chamomile Maroc, Rose Absolute (Morocco) and Sandalwood East Indian would be great partners in a skin care blend. Vetiver, Patchouli Dark would enhance the aphrodisiac/oriental character of the aroma.

History: In ancient times, labdanum was collected by combing the beards and thighs of goats and sheep that had grazed on the cistus shrubs. Wooden instruments used were referred to in 19th-century Crete as ergastiri; a lambadistrion ("labdanum-gatherer") was a kind of rake to which a double row of leathern thongs were fixed instead of teeth. These were used to sweep the shrubs and collect the resin which was later extracted. It was collected by the shepherds and sold to coastal traders. Many of the false beards worn by the pharaohs of ancient Egypt were made of goats' hair which was held together by labdanum. The resin was also used to treat colds, coughs, menstrual problems and rheumatism.
Some scholars, such as Bochartus, H.J. Abrahams, and Rabbi Saʻadiah ben Yosef Gaon (Saadya), 882-942, state that the mysterious onycha, an ingredient in the holy incense (ketoret) mentioned in the Old Testament, (Exodus 30: 34-36), was actually labdanum.

Wild Crafted: This oil is Wild Crafted. Wild Crafted Oils are usually organic but not certified, normally because there is no certifying agency in the area where it is grown. Wild crafted oils are grown wild, without the use of fertilizers or pesticides - grown naturally in areas where the plants are native to the region. Not commercially cultivated.

Silky Scents Essential Oils are used in Aromatherapy applications and recipes!