Cistus, Cistus incanus, belongs to the cistus family. Its healing power has been appreciated in southern Europe since ancient times. In Central Europe, the healing properties of the plant have been discovered only in recent years.
Occurrence and cultivation of rockrose
The flowers, ranging from white to pink to purple, often bloom for only a few hours. A single shrub, however, is covered with hundreds of blooms, resulting in a profuse display of shrub flowers between April and June. Cistus roses grow to about three feet tall and are notable for their bushy shrubs with strong branching. They prefer to thrive in dry, stony areas where the soil is usually poor in lime and nutrients. They are found throughout the Mediterranean region. The greatest diversity of species is in their native habitat, and they grow mainly in garigue, a Mediterranean shrub heath formation that is especially common in France, Italy, and North Africa. The flowers, ranging from white to pink to purple, often bloom for only a few hours. A single shrub, however, is covered with hundreds of flowers, resulting in a profuse display of shrub flowers between April and June. There are about 24 known species of the genus Cistus, plus a variety of hybrids. Among the better known cistus species are the white cistus from the western Mediterranean, the Montpellier cistus, native to the Canary Islands and east of Cyprus, or the lacquer cistus, which occurs in France, the Iberian Peninsula Morocco and Algeria. In Central Europe, the gray-haired cistus, Cistus incanus, has come into focus as a medicinal plant in recent years. The special feature of the plant is the labdanum that emerges from the leaves and twigs when exposed to sunlight. Labdanum is an aromatic, fragrant, oily resin. The name comes from the Syrian-Phoenician language area, where the cistus was called ladan, sticky herb. The resin was used as a remedy and for beauty care, and the ancient Egyptians used it for incense.
Effect and application
In its homeland around the Mediterranean Sea, cistus is a well-known remedy for centuries. It is used against infections, bronchial diseases, eye diseases and to stop bleeding. In Central Europe, gray rockrose is of interest because studies have shown it to be one of the most polyphenol-rich medicinal plants. Polyphenols are secondary plant compounds with high antioxidant activity. The antiviral effect of the plant is particularly discussed. For example, in connection with Lyme disease, which is caused by ticks. Even in advanced stages, the medicinal plant still seems to achieve its effect. Current studies indicate an antiviral effect in influenza diseases. Cistus could thus become an alternative to flu vaccination. And at the same time serve the prevention of bird and swine flu. The polyphenols in rockrose, which include flavonoids and tannins, can prevent viruses from docking. In doing so, they trap the virus to prevent the pathogens from entering the cell, where a harmful oxidation process of the cells would otherwise start. The high polyphenol content not only stops the oxidative processes, but also has anti-inflammatory and anticancer effects. In addition, cistus is said to have an immune-boosting defense. In addition to the antiviral effect, the medicinal plant fights bacteria and fungi, curbs inflammation, is helpful for allergies, skin problems and eczema. Other ingredients, such as the plant oils cineole and eugenol, have an expectorant, analgesic and antibacterial effect on the upper and lower respiratory tract during colds. Apparently, cistus is particularly effective in prophylactic use. However, it should be taken no later than 48 hours after the onset of the first symptoms. The medicinal plant also develops its effect against heavy metals. Just as with viruses, the polyphenols enclose heavy metals, such as cadmium, which enter the gastrointestinal tract. This prevents the harmful substances from being passed on to the bloodstream and thus to other organs, and the substances are excreted instead. The polyphenols can apparently distinguish which mineral compound is useful to the organism and which is not, because iron is not bound by them.
Importance for health, treatment and prevention.
Even though the effects of rockrose have been intensively researched for some time and its healing properties are undisputed, no standardized finished medicines are yet available. And compared to other medicinal plants, there are only a few studies. Also, the quality of the active ingredient has not yet been established by a pharmacopoeia. Nevertheless, its wide-ranging effects are well known. At least the dried herb, which consists of stems, leaves and flowers, is available in pharmacies, where lozenges or other tablets containing the active ingredient are also offered. The easiest way to prepare a cistus tea, which is drunk to prevent colds, against inflammation of the throat or for the elimination of heavy metals. To do this, a tablespoon of rockrose herb, poured over a cup of boiling hot water. Let the mixture simmer for about five minutes, then strain and drink. For skin diseases, a bath with a decoction of rockrose is recommended. Also poultices or washes with the decoction are recommended. To do this, simmer ten grams of tea in 200 ml of water for about five minutes, then apply the decoction twice a day with a sponge and let it dry. In addition, drink a cup of cistus tea at least once a day. So far, therapy with rockrose has shown amazing effects on neurodermatitis, and it can also be used to treat acne. The medicinal plant is also successful in the fight against herpes simplex viruses, which like to spread around the mouth and nose during colds. To strengthen the immune system, a four-week course of treatment is recommended. Drink a liter of tea throughout the day, the first cup in the morning on an empty stomach.
