Incense burner

CistusladaniferusL. (frankincense gum, rock rose)

More than 3,000 years ago in the East, expensive Arabic incense began to be replaced with fragrant cistus resin. The lance-shaped leaves of the dense shrub are covered below with glandular hairs that secrete an aromatic resin. The leaves and young shoots, sticky due to the abundance of resin, were collected and boiled in water. Gradually, a dark brown plastic mass (resin) floated to the surface of the water. It was used during religious rituals, as well as for medical and cosmetic purposes. Much later, in the Middle Beks, Europeans learned to extract cistus essential oil from resin.

The white fragrant flowers of cistus are similar to rosehip flowers, so the plant has another name - “stone rose”.

About 20 species of plants belonging to the genus are known cistus In the wild, this shrub grows on the coast of the Mediterranean and Black Seas. The most commonly used oil is Cistus incense (CistusladaniferusL.J., Cretan cistus (CistuscreticusL.) and Crimean cistus (CistustauricusWITH. Presl).

The chemical composition of cistus essential oil includes 250 components that create a unique herbaceous-balsamic, slightly sweet aroma with an amber tint and the smell of leather. It is a good fixative and an important component of oriental and floral perfumes. The oil is also used in the food industry.

Medicinal properties

1. It has an anti-inflammatory effect in diseases of the upper respiratory tract, runny nose, sinusitis, bronchitis, and flu.
2. Activates cellular respiration. Stimulates lung function. Used in the treatment of asthma.
3. In dermatology it is used as an antibacterial and wound-healing agent. Effective for bruises, hematomas, keloid scars, abscesses.
4. Effective for inflammation of the bladder, diseases of the uterus and anus.
5. In folk medicine it is known as an antiseptic, wound-healing, hemostatic, antimicrobial, expectorant, astringent, absorbent, tonic. Used for swollen lymph nodes, diarrhea, dysentery, benign and malignant tumors.
6. Perfectly disinfects the air.
7. Recommended for the care of aging skin: rejuvenates, increases elasticity, smoothes wrinkles. Eliminates acne.
8. Has a strong psychophysical effect. Promotes concentration, harmonizes the state of mind, helps to concentrate. Effective for insomnia, nervous tension, stressful conditions, depression.
9. A good sedative for the autonomic nervous system.
10. Strengthens hair, promotes hair restoration. Rejuvenates the skin.

Dosage

Oil burner: 3-4 k.

Externally: 4-5 k. per 10 ml of vegetable oil.

Baths: 5-6 k.

Inhalations: 2-3 k.

Enrichment of cosmetics: 6-8 k. per 10 g of base.

Contraindications. Individual intolerance, pregnancy, epilepsy.

Note. Cistus essential oil is used externally only.