Cistus - Traditional EO


Details

  • Botanical Name: Cistus ladaniferus (synonym of Cistus ladanifer L.)
  • Origin: Spain
  • Process: Steam Distilled Essential Oil
  • Plant Part: Leaves / Tops
  • Cultivation: Wildcrafted
  • Use: Aromatherapy / Natural Perfumery / Incense. Always dilute.
  • Note: Base Note, Excellent Fixative
  • Aroma Families: Balsamic, Animalic
  • Aroma: Deep, diffusive, musky, sweet balsamic aroma, with a dry, warm, earthy, herbaceous undertone reminiscent of true Labdanum.
  • Contraindications: Possible skin sensitizer; please see Safety Consideration below.



Product Name SKU Price Qty
  1. Cistus - Traditional 1 ml 221-33
    $7.25
  2. Cistus - Traditional 5 ml * 221-006
    $22.00
  3. Cistus - Traditional 15 ml (1/2 oz) * 221-016
    $53.00
  4. Cistus - Traditional 30 ml (1 oz) 221-030
    $95.25
  5. Cistus - Traditional 2 oz 221-9
    $173.25
  6. Cistus - Traditional 4 oz 221-10
    $317.75
  7. Cistus - Traditional 8 oz 221-11
    $586.75
  8. For larger sizes or quantities please contact us for pricing and availability.         
* Size includes orifice (drop) reducer
Please note: Shipping this oil via any service other than Ground (UPS or FedEx) may increase shipping costs. This oil cannot ship via USPS in sizes larger than a 20-30 drop sample. Please click here for more information.

Overview

Traditional Cistus Essential Oil

Ourvery fine 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!

For information regarding the attributes of Cistus essential oil, please see:

  • L'Aromathérapie Exactement, Pierre Franchomme and Dr. Daniel Pénoël, 1990, p. 336.
  • Aromatherapeutic Blending – Essential Oils in Synergy, Jennifer Peace Rhind, 2016, p. 256.

For information regarding the use of Cistus essential oil in natural perfumery, please see:


Aromatic Profile: Powerful, deep, warm, sweet balsamic, almost boozy/diffusive aroma with leather and animalic/musky nuances reminiscent of true Labdanum – an exceptional Cistus!


Appearance: Medium yellow, transparent, mobile liquid.


Use: Aromatherapy, Natural Perfumery, Incense.


Blending Suggestions: Dilute and add drop by drop to your blends until the desired effect is achieved. Please note that a little goes a long way!


Blends Well With: Bergamot and other Citrus oilsBoroniaCarrot SeedCedarwood (Atlas)Chamomile (Roman)Cinnamon and other spice oilsClary SageCypressElemiEucalyptus (Lemon)FrankincenseGeraniumGrapefruitHelichrysumJasmineJuniper BerryLavandinLavenderLemonLiquidambar (Styrax)MimosaMyrrhOakmossOpopanaxOrange (Sweet)PalmarosaPatchouliPineRavintsaraRoseRosewoodSandalwoodVanillaVetiverYlang YlangYuzu. "... reminiscent of ambra (ambergris) in its somewhat animal notes ...  [Cistus] is used in modern aldehydic or ambre [sic] types of perfumes, Oriental bases, and in numerous 'fantasy' bouquets where it will lend tenacity, warm tonalities and an intriguingly spicy-animal note."4 It is an essential component in chypre formulas.5


Safety Considerations: Can cause skin sensitization if oxidized.6 Dilute before using. A patch test should be performed before use for those with sensitive skin.


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.

4 Arctander, Steffen. Perfume and Flavor Materials of Natural Origin, 1960, p. 169.

5 Lawless, Alec. Artisan Perfumery or Being Led by the Nose, 2009, p. 70.

6 Tisserand, Robert and Rodney Young. Essential Oil Safety, 2nd ed., 2014, p. 250.


The FDA has not evaluated the statements on this website. No claims are made by Eden Botanicals as to the medicinal value of any products from Eden Botanicals. The information presented here is for educating our customers about the traditional uses of essential oils and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. You are responsible for understanding the safe application of these products. If you have any questions, please call or email us for further information.

Cistus - Cistus ladaniferus

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Customer Reviews for Cistus - Traditional EO

A golden aroma Review by
Rating
4
This is exactly what I wrote down in my notes when I smelled a sample of this Cistus: "Deep golden smell, like the not-sweet part of a honey aroma. Musky in a plant way." There are layers to this smell and it is very well rounded overall.
(Posted on 3/18/2017)
The hail mary of oils Review by
Rating
5
If you have ever been into a catholic church and experienced the smell of incense during mass then you know what cistus smells like. If you need to get someone to confess - try this mysterious ,mystically musky oil. Beautiful !
(Posted on 7/6/2016)
High frequency Review by
Rating
5
This traditional style cistus is a nice and refined oil. The top note stands out as fresh, clear yet penetrating top note. Resinous, vibrant from top to bottom. The heart has some classy green and herbaceous notes followed by some kinda precious woods aromas. To me, an animalic base. Nothing of the land sort like barnyard animalics can get, this has chemistry similar to ocean and deep sea creatures. Wonderful for getting rubber like texture, tentacles and fresh aquatic air. Quite universal in what ever you wanna apply it to. Sharp top, super round base. Let your imagination be your only limit to uses. Also works great in velvet texture notes, accords or blends. I found it to be fresh and crisp, nothing off or funk, sour or rotted. Maybe earth to some but definitely not dirty. Much love for this with tobacco and labdanum!!
(Posted on 11/10/2015)
Complex, amber-like, long-lasting Review by
Rating
5
Also known as Rock Rose, Cistus is the oil that just keeps giving. Warm and sweet, it lends a dry, floral note at times; at others it smells more herbaceous. It all depends on how one uses it. I can't get enough of this oil.
(Posted on 12/11/2014)
Lighter than Labdanum but true Review by
Rating
5
This is really nice - warm, woody, and herby. I can sense the sun in it. An excellent addition to my growing collection of EOs, and I'm looking forward to using it in new blends.
(Posted on 2/18/2013)