Description
Cistus / Rock Rose (Cistus creticus)
Cistus is a native low, bushy shrub that grows wild in many parts of Greece, but mainly in Crete and Cyprus. This gift from nature has attracted a lot the scientific community’s interest and the reason is its astonishing properties that it has. Rock rose has been used extensively, for its medical properties, since ancient times. Cistus is one of the herbs that have very strong action and they can easily be compared with medical drugs action.
Nowadays, scientific researches ensure cistus’ beneficial properties. Rock rose has high anti-inflammatory and anti-diarrheal action and it can act as an antispasmodic and expectorant. Furthermore, this herb controls bleeding and has antibiotic effects. It protects the heart four times better than red wine and it is an antioxidant twenty times stronger than freshly pressed lemon juice. Just a cup of tea a day is proven to stimulate the immune system significantly. The most outstanding effect of Rock Rose is its wound healing abilities. It is used in any blend for healing skin issues, new or old scars, wounds, inflammation and infections. It is wonderful in blends for mature skin.
Rock rose is not used in cooking. However, this herb is consumed for its numerous beneficial properties. At last, cistus is used in perfumery, for its special aroma.