Cistus essential oil is extracted from the Cistus plant, also known as rock rose. The oil has a sweet, floral scent and is used in aromatherapy. It is said to have a range of benefits, including reducing stress and anxiety, boosting mood, and relieving pain.
What is Cistus?
Cistus is a genus of flowering plants in the rock rose family, Cistaceae. There are about 20 species of cistus, all of which are native to the Mediterranean region. The plants are shrubs or small trees with leathery leaves and large, showy flowers.
Different types of Cistus:
-Cistus incanus: Also known as white cistus or hoary rockrose, this is the most common type of cistus. It has white or pale pink flowers and is used in herbal medicine.
-Cistus ladanifer: Also known as labdanum rockrose, this plant has dark green leaves and purple-brown flowers. The essential oil extracted from this plant is said to have the strongest scent.
-Cistus creticus: This plant is also known as Cretan rockrose. It has white or pale pink flowers and is used in herbal medicine.
-Cistus albidus: Also known as Iberian rockrose, this plant has white or cream-colored flowers.
How Cistus Essential Oil is made?
Cistus essential oil is made by steam distilling the leaves and flowers of the cistus plant. The oil is a yellow or orange color and has a sweet, floral scent.
What is the botanical name of Cistus?
The botanical name for cistus is Cistus incanus.
The chemical constituents of Cistus essential oil (Cistus Essential Oil Monograph):
– Alpha-pinene: 30.4%
– Camphene: 8.1%
– Beta-pinene: 6.7%
– Myrcene: 5.9%
– Limonene: 3.7%
– Alpha-terpinolene: 2.4%
– Linalool: 2.1%
– Beta-caryophyllene: 1.9%
– Gamma-terpinene: 1.8%
– Alpha-terpineol: 1.3%
– Geraniol: 0.9%
– Citronellol: 0.6%
– Trans-nerolidol: 0.4%
– Farnesol: 0.3%
What are Cistus Essential Oil benefits?
Benefits of Cistus Essential Oil:
– Reduces stress and anxiety
– Boosts mood
– Relieves pain
– Reduces inflammation
– Fights bacteria and viruses
What are ways to use Cistus Essential Oil?
– Aromatherapy: Add a few drops of cistus essential oil to a diffuser or vaporizer.
– Massage: Add a few drops of cistus essential oil to a carrier oil and massage into the skin.
– Bath: Add a few drops of cistus essential oil to a bath.
Cistus essential oil should not be used by:
– pregnant or breastfeeding women
– children under the age of 2
– people with a history of allergies or sensitivities to essential oils
How can I use Cistus Essential Oil internally?
Cistus essential oil like any other essential oil should not be used internally without the permission and supervision of a doctor.
How can I use Cistus Essential Oil topically?
Cistus essential oil can be used topically, but it should be diluted with a carrier oil first. To use, add a few drops of cistus essential oil to a carrier oil and massage into the skin.
How Cistus Essential Oil helps in aromatherapy?
Cistus essential oil can help to reduce stress and anxiety when used in aromatherapy. The oil has a sweet, floral scent that can help to boost mood and relieve pain.
Great Essential Oil diffuser blends for aromatherapy with Cistus Essential Oil:
Anxiety Blend: 3 drops cistus essential oil, 3 drops lavender essential oil, 2 drops orange essential oil
Calming Blend: 4 drops cistus essential oil, 2 drops lavender essential oil, 2 drops chamomile essential oil
Focus Blend: 3 drops cistus essential oil, 3 drops rosemary essential oil, 2 drops peppermint essential oil
Energy Blend: 3 drops cistus essential oil, 3 drops grapefruit essential oil, 2 drops rosemary essential oil
Happiness Blend: 4 drops cistus essential oil, 2 drops Bergamotessential oil, 2 drops ylang ylang essential oil
Stress Relief Blend: 4 drops cistus essential oil, 2 drops lavender essential oil, 2 drops chamomile essential oil
Pain Relief Blend: 3 drops cistus essential oil, 3 drops peppermint essential oil, 2 drops eucalyptus essential oil
How can I use Cistus Essential Oil in bath?
To use cistus essential oil in a bath, mix a few drops of the Cistus essential oil with a carrier oil and add the blend to a tub of warm water.
How Cistus has been used historically as a natural medicine?
Cistus has been used historically as a natural medicine for its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antiviral properties. The oil was also used to boost mood and relieve stress.
– The Egyptians used cistus to treat wounds, infections and inflammation.
– The Greeks used cistus as an anti-inflammatory and to treat wounds.
– The Romans used cistus to treat colds, flu and coughs.
What blends well with Cistus Essential Oil?
Cistus blends well with, Bergamot, Chamomile, Grapefruit, Lavender, Lemon
What does not blend well with Cistus Essential Oil?
Cistus does not blend well with Ylang ylang
What are the side effects of Cistus Essential Oil?
Cistus essential oil is generally safe to use, but there are a few side effects that have been reported. These include skin irritation and sensitization, headaches, dizziness and nausea. If you experience any of these side effects, discontinue use of the oil and consult a doctor.
What does Cistus Essential Oil smell like?
Cistus essential oil has a sweet, floral scent that is similar to rose.
Can I make Cistus Essential Oil at home?
Yes, you can make cistus essential oil at home by steam distilling the leaves and flowers of the cistus plant but its not easy and cost effective.
What is the shelf life of Cistus Essential Oil?
Cistus essential oil has a shelf life of 2-3 years when stored in a cool, dark place.
Is Cistus Essential Oil safe for kids?
Cistus essential oil is not recommended for use on children.
Can Cistus Essential Oil be used on pets?
Cistus essential oil is not recommended for use on pets.
DIY recipes using Cistus Essential Oil:
1. Cistus Essential Oil Soap: This soap recipe uses cistus essential oil for its antibacterial and antiseptic properties.
2. Cistus Essential Oil Massage Oil: This massage oil recipe uses cistus essential oil to improve circulation and relieve pain.
3. Cistus Essential Oil Diffuser Blend: This diffuser blend uses cistus essential oil to boost mood and relieve stress.
4. Cistus Essential Oil Bath bomb: This bath bomb recipe uses cistus essential oil for its relaxing and soothing properties.
5. Cistus Essential Oil Lip balm: This lip balm recipe uses cistus essential oil to nourish and protect the lips.
Author
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