Essential oils have become a favorite household item used for its medicinal, aromatherapy and flavorful properties. Due to the many uses and benefits of essential oils such as cistus oil, it’s no wonder they have become a go-to remedy for various conditions and ailments.
What Is Cistus Oil?
Cistus, popularly known as Labdanum or Rock Rose, is a small shrub grown in the U.K., Middle East and Eastern Mediterranean. Cistus essential oil is extracted from the leaves and flowers through the process of steam distillation.
Famously known for its wound-healing properties, remarkable meditating effects and anti-aging properties, cistus oil is also widely used in aromatherapy and for its medicinal value.
Uses and Benefits of Cistus Oil
Cistus oil blends well with other essential oils such as sandalwood, lavender, chamomile, cinnamon and oakmoss.
Cistus essential oil is used in the following ways:
- In aromatherapy
- As a massage oil to relieve muscular and joint pain
- For spiritual purposes and meditation
- As an expectorant to treat cold and cough
- As a fixative in perfumes
- In anti-aging and anti-wrinkle creams
- In anti-depression treatments
- As an astringent
Cistus oil contains antimicrobial, antiseptic, anti-aging, sedative, emmenagogue and expectorant properties. When used in the right concentration and dosage, cistus essential oil can add a lot of benefits to your daily life.
Benefits of Cistus Oil
Some of the widespread health benefits include:
1. Anti-aging
Cistus oil is famous for its anti-aging properties. It tightens the skin, prevents the appearance of wrinkles and effectively treats scar tissues to give you bright and glowing skin.
2. Uplifts your mind
Inhaling cistus essential oil helps remove negative thoughts and induce a calm state of mind, making this an excellent remedy to soothe your nerves and relax your mind.
3. Fights infections
Cistus essential oil contains antiseptic, antibacterial and antifungal properties that help the body fight both internal and external infections. It also treats fungal infections due to Botrytis cinerea spores.
4. Treats skin diseases
An age-old remedy to treat skin disorders and heal skin, cistus oil is very effective in healing eczema, psoriasis and dry skin. Additionally, it moisturizes the skin to keep it supple and helps quicken the process of wound healing.
5. Relieves abdominal pain
Cistus oil is considered to be a great remedy for abdominal pain caused by menstruation as it helps to reduce the cramps and associated pains.
Mix a few drops of this essential oil in a warm bath and soak your body for about 15 to 20 minutes.
6. Reduces hemorrhoids
Cistus oil contains anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce inflammation of hemorrhoids. Taking a warm bath with a few drops of this essential oil is known to work wonders against this condition.
Side Effects of Cistus Oil
There are no reported disadvantages or side effects of cistus essential oil. However, cistus oil should always be used topically and diluted with a carrier oil. It is advised to seek the guidance of a medical practitioner for the right dosage of this essential oil.
- Pregnant and nursing mothers are recommended not to use cistus oil.
- Those who have epilepsy, liver diseases and cancer are advised not to use cistus essential oil.
