Cistus - Organic EO

Cistus ladaniferus (synonym of Cistus ladanifer L.)

(2)

Our organic Cistus, also known as Rock Rose, is a true essential oil distilled directly from the leaves rather than from the crude Labdanum gum. This powerful fixative has a deep, warm, sweet balsamic, almost

Size

Selected size SKU:222-016 - Cistus - Organic 15 ml (1/2 oz) (w/ orifice reducer)

1 ml (1/30 oz)
$6.00
2 ml (1/15 oz)
$10.00
with orifice reducer
5 ml (1/6 oz)
$21.00
with orifice reducer
15 ml (1/2 oz)
$51.00
with orifice reducer
30 ml (1 oz)
$92.00
59.14 ml (2 oz)
$168.00
Out of stock
118.29 ml (4 oz)
$308.00
Out of stock
236.58 ml (8 oz)
$568.00
Out of stock
473.17 ml (16 oz)
$1,054.00
Out of stock
$6.00
Details
Solubility & Blending Suggestions
Suggested Resources
Safety Considerations
Certificates of Analysis (COA)
Documentation

Product Overview

Our organic Cistus, also known as Rock Rose, is a true essential oil distilled directly from the leaves rather than from the crude Labdanum gum. This powerful fixative has a deep, warm, sweet balsamic, almost boozy/diffusive aroma with leather and animalic/musky nuances reminiscent of true Labdanum; as with Labdanum, Cistus is also considered a substitute for Ambergris (from sperm whales) and, in combination with Ambrette, a substitute for true Musk (from musk deer).[1]

The exceptionally large Cistaceae family is a rather wild one – wildly successful at colonizing vast acres of eroded soils after fires and heavy grazing, that is. Rock Roses are a biologically important species that create a ripe environment for the underground symbiotic web of mycorrhizae so essential to soil health. In Corsica, tiny birds have been observed lining their nests with a symphony of aromatic herbs, including Cistus. What a great idea from avian aromatherapists!

Pénoël and Franchomme suggest that the complex sesquiterpenes in Cistus are effective for skincare, verifying hundreds of years of traditional use. In a more poetic vein, Fischer-Rizzi opines that Cistus essential oil ". . . conveys a deep warmth that helps melt an icy feeling.”[2] But surely the most historically interesting revelation about Cistus is that of ancient folks combing the sticky Labdanum resin from the beards and thighs of browsing goats! [3] Later, those 'combs' – more like small rakes – were made of leather, which were then scraped of the resin for distillation. One wonders if the 'leather notes' in historical descriptions of the Cistus/Labdanum aroma is a relic of that early practice.

For a delightfully informative read, please see our blog article regarding our Italian team's Trip to Spain, land of Cistus!

1 Rose, Jeanne. 375 Essential Oils and Hydrosols, 1999, p. 97.

2 Fischer-Rizzi, Suzanne. Complete Aromatherapy Handbook , 1990, p. 151.

3 Rhind, William. A History of the Vegetable Kingdom, 1868, p. 560.

Blends Well With

5.0

2 Reviews

100.0%
2
0.0%
0
0.0%
0
0.0%
0
0.0%
0

Customer Reviews

Musky

Rating

Nothing quite like I have smelled but I like it nevertheless. Looking forward to see what compliments it.

Review by Lisa 4/7/2018

Phenomenal

Rating

One of my favorite oils on earth....Its like spicy woodsy and Amber all in one....Can easily be worn by itself as a great fragrance, especially for men....I use it in Beard oil or Masculine Amber accords....How does a single oil get so good?!.....Almost reminds me of Oud somehow....

Review by Aroma Alchemist 3/31/2018

You need to be logged in to submit a review
logo

2017-03-29

Trip to Spain

Our week long journey began in Barcelona and took us from the historic region of Catalonia to Valencia, Murcia, Castilla/La Mancha, Andalucía, Estremadura and finally back to the capital city, Madrid -- a drive of nearly 2000 km along the Iberian Peninsula.

logo

2014-11-25

Holiday Gift Ideas

Are you ready to be creative this holiday season? The following simple recipe ideas might help get you in the spirit.

logo

2024-11-15

Keeping Your Aromatics Fresh - How to Properly Store Essential Oils

Light. Heat. Oxygen. It all sounds perfect for a day of outdoor adventure, right? But these are the last things you want for your oils and aromatic materials. All organic matter from living things is subject to chemical degradation.