It is possible that man has learned self-sacrifice from evergreen, which in Russian sounds like "Labannik". In addition, the plant adorns the Earth with large bright flowers, and its leaves and stems exude a pleasant aroma.

Genus Cistus

The stress in the word "Labannik" falls on the first letter "a". The botanical name of the genus sounds like "Cistus" (Cistus). The genus unites about two dozen species of evergreen shrubs and shrubs, the leaves and young stems of which are covered with a thick layer of glandular hairs. The hairs not only give the appearance of fluffy protection, but also release an aromatic resin - frankincense. True, the incense that the Christian church uses in worship is not extracted from the Cistus, but from a tree that grows mainly in Arabia and is called the “Incense Tree”. (The birthplace of Cistus is the Mediterranean).

But the resin of Cistus has been used by people for perfumery and medicinal purposes since ancient times. The current century was marked by the discovery that the content of polyphenols (especially magical antioxidants) in Cistus leaves is much higher than in red wine and green tea, recognized today as leaders in this field. It is possible that scientists did not make such a discovery, but this is just another publicity stunt by a German company that put up for sale a number of products made from Cistus leaves, including Cistus tea, which also appeared on the Russian market.

Decorative shrubs give large flowers living only one day. Five bright petals of flowers simple in shape, reminiscent of the flowers of our acquaintance, Rosehip, opening their beauty in the morning, fall off in the evening. This does not affect the abundance and duration of flowering of the entire bush, since more and more new ones open up to replace the fallen ones.

It is impossible to ignore the sacrifice of Cistus. The essential oils released by the leaves and stems can provoke spontaneous combustion of the shrub if the air temperature exceeds plus 32 degrees Celsius. As a result, only ash remains from the shrub, which fertilizes the soil to enable new plants to grow on it. It would seem, how can new plants grow if everything burned down? But Cistus took care of its offspring, hiding its seeds in a hard shell, which is not afraid of fire. Here new sprouts of life sprout on the ashes.

Such sacrifice would be admirable if only the bushes of Cistus were burned in the fire. But along the way, innocent neighbors are burning. Sometimes conflagrations take over large territories. This is similar to the life of modern society.

Varieties

* Cistus ladaniferus (Cistus ladaniferus) is a shrub that can withstand short periods of cold. The underside of the leaves is protected by a hairy down. In early summer, clustered flowers with glossy yellow stamens bloom.

* Cistus laurifolia (Cistus laurifolius) is a shrub that blooms with white flowers from May to August and is relatively cold-resistant. At the base of the petals is yellow spot. Leaves are oval-lanceolate in shape, grayish on the underside.

* Curly cistus (Cistus crispus) - from April to July, a shrub with rough pale green leaves is decorated with dark pink flowers that bloom on the tops of the shoots.

In the photo below, Cistus Montpellier:

In addition, the following are popular with gardeners: white cistus (Cistus albidus); Montpellier cistus (Cistus monspeliensis); poplar cistus (Cistus populifolius); and many hybrid ornamental species have also been bred.

cultivation

Cistus is best suited to seaside areas, and in colder climates it can be grown as a pot crop.

Loves the sun, tolerates partial shade.

Some species tolerate a short cold. Do not be afraid of drought.

Propagated by seeds, and hybrid species - cuttings.

The plant belongs to the Ladannikovae family. By different sources There are 20-50 or more species in the genus. Most of them prefer the Mediterranean climate. These are evergreen or semi-evergreen shrubs, less often subshrubs. In our country, on the southern coast of Crimea, the Crimean cistus (Cistus tauricus) grows. Accordingly, in the same climatic conditions, it can be grown in summer cottages for decorative purposes. In winter, it can withstand temperatures down to -12 C.

The plant got its name Cistus due to the secreted resin used in the perfume industry. Different types allocate different amount aromatic resin and different quality. The main types of cistus are used: Crimean, noble (incense-bearing), hairy, laurel, Montpellien. Based on these species, several hybrid varieties have been bred.

The cistus grows as an upright bush, rarely prostrate. Height, depending on the type and variety, can be from half a meter to 2 meters. For example, Crimean cistus is a bush 0.5 - 1 m high, noble cistus - 1 -1.5 m, and a hybrid Cistus x aguilari up to 2 meters high. The leaves are oval on short petioles, like the Crimean cistus and laurel, or lanceolate without petioles, like the noble and Montpellier. Arranged oppositely on branches. Light green, tomentose below. Flowering in May - June. Flowers with a diameter of 3 to 9 cm, depending on the species. Coloring white, pink, lilac. The shape is similar to wild rose flowers. Therefore, the cistus is also called the rock rose. Grow singly at the tops of the shoots. Later, fruits appear in the form of a box with seeds.

In conditions middle lane cistus can only be grown in pots as indoor plant. In summer, take it out to the balcony or take it to the dacha in the open air. Despite its Mediterranean origin, cistus does not like extreme heat very much. All in all, it's pretty unpretentious plant. He likes bright lighting and it is good if there are direct sunlight for several hours. The shrub is drought tolerant. Therefore, watering should be moderate, once every few days. V winter period watering is further reduced. The plant is not demanding on air humidity. From spring to autumn, top dressing is needed complex fertilizer for indoor plants. The frequency is about once every two weeks. To give the bush a neat shape in summer period you can do a light haircut. In winter, the bush should be kept in a bright place at a temperature of 10-15 C.

The earth in a pot should be moderately nutritious. You can use the same mixture as for myrtle - sod land, compost, peat, sand in equal proportions. At the bottom of the pot, be sure to provide drainage.

Bush transplant - once every three years. It is done in the spring before the start of the growing season.

Cistus propagates by seeds and cuttings. Seeds should be sown in March in seedling boxes under glass, followed by picking. Cuttings about 8 cm long with two buds should be cut from annual shoots in the fall. An oblique cut is made under the lower kidney and the stalk is stuck into soil mix in a pot under the film (it’s more convenient, of course, under pruning plastic bottle). After about a month, it will take root and the film can be removed. In winter, keep in a bright place at a temperature of 10-15 C. Watering is moderate.

Not only the above listed species are grown in pots as a houseplant.

Hello friends!

In one of my articles, I already wrote that I discovered another interesting and very healthy drink, this is herbal tea from cistus.

In another way, this plant is also called cystuts, but you must admit, the cistus sounds more beautiful☺

But, and that's not all, the extract from this plant is also called myrrh and it is mentioned in the Bible!!!

Imagine, rockrose is successfully used as medicine for 2500 years!!!

For a long time I wanted to tell you about him, because he is really worthy of attention.

From this article you will learn:

Cistus Tea - Benefits and Recipes

So, what is cistus and how is it useful?

Cistus Incanus or in another way cistus cistus is ancient plant, which was used in pre-Christian times as an antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal agent.

The ancient Greeks used an extract from the cistus for various skin diseases, and the resin of this plant, the aroma of which is very similar to the smell of ambergris, was exported to Africa and Egypt, where it was widely used for bacterial and fungal skin lesions.

Cistus cistus - botanical reference

Rockroses are perennial evergreen shrubs, about 30-100 cm high, of the Cistus family (Cistaceae), whose homeland is the Mediterranean.

Its leaves are covered with thin hairs that secrete an aromatic resin, which is called incense. Cistus flowers bloom for only one day, open in the morning, and fall off by evening.

Medicinal raw materials are the leaves of the plant, they contain the same antioxidants that make red wine useful.

Now Cistus Incanus grows mainly in Greece, on rich magnesium soils (another subspecies of Cistus - Crimean Cistus, can be found in the Crimea).

Cistus tea - medicinal properties

Latest Scientific research conducted in Germany, at the Friedrich Loeffler Epidemiological Research Institute, proved the antiviral and antioxidant activity of the plant.

"If nothing else can save the world, Cistus will be the last chance for salvation." Hypocrates.

In its resin and essential oils were found active substances, neutralizing reactive oxygen species that damage the cells of the body.

It is the richest source of polyphenols, which have a powerful antioxidant effect, have anti-cancer, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

It was found that these polyphenols, like a film, envelop the viral protein molecules, thereby preventing the penetration of the virus, namely the influenza virus, into the cells.

Other Benefits of Cistus Tea:

1. Due to the presence of phenols and terpenes, it has a bronchodilator and antiseptic effect;
2. Prevents the penetration of viruses into the cell, prevents infection with influenza viruses, without causing addiction;
3. Strengthens the immune system, inhibits the reproduction of viruses, bacteria and fungi;
4. Has an anti-inflammatory effect;
5. It has a tonic and invigorating effect;
6. Dentists note the effectiveness of rockrose in the prevention of caries and periodontal disease.

Cistus - methods and indications for use

Cistus leaf tea is used as:

• rinsing for the mouth and throat with any inflammation and for their prevention,
• as an external agent to relieve irritation and inflammation on the skin (acne, neurodermatitis, soothes itching)
• in various inflammatory diseases caused by bacteria, fungi and viruses,
• normalizes and improves the functioning of the digestive system,
• tones, gives strength and vigor.

Various studies confirm that even one cup of tea with cistus extract per day stimulates the body's defenses and resistance to various infections. This plant causes the immune system to produce antibodies to the infectious agent.

Cistus tea has qualities food product and has no side effects.

It can be taken by children, pregnant women and nursing mothers

Tea is brewed very simply, like regular black tea. Drinking it is a pleasure, you can add honey, lemon, mint.

I had this tea made in Germany.

I drank tea with cistus all winter and, probably, he had an irreplaceable benefit in the fact that during this period I did not even catch a common cold☺☺☺

Have you tried this product?

If not, take note!

Alena Yasneva was with you, bye everyone!

It is possible that a person learned self-sacrifice from an evergreen plant, which in Russian sounds like “Labannik”. In addition, the plant adorns the Earth with large bright flowers, and its leaves and stems exude a pleasant aroma.

Genus Cistus

The stress in the word cistus"falls on the first letter" a". The botanical name of the genus is " cistus» (Cistus). The genus unites about two dozen species of evergreen shrubs and shrubs, the leaves and young stems of which are covered with a thick layer of glandular hairs. The hairs not only give the appearance of fluffy protection, but also release an aromatic resin - frankincense. True, the incense that the Christian church uses in worship is not extracted from the Cistus, but from a tree that grows mainly in Arabia and is called the “Incense Tree”. (The birthplace of Cistus is the Mediterranean).

But the resin of Cistus has been used by people for perfumery and medicinal purposes since ancient times. The current century was marked by the discovery that the content of polyphenols (especially magical antioxidants) in Cistus leaves is much higher than in red wine and green tea, recognized today as leaders in this field. It is possible that scientists did not make such a discovery, but this is just another publicity stunt by a German company that put up for sale a number of products made from Cistus leaves, including Cistus tea, which also appeared on the Russian market.

Decorative shrubs give large flowers that live only one day. Five bright petals of flowers simple in shape, reminiscent of the flowers of our acquaintance, Rosehip, opening their beauty in the morning, fall off in the evening. This does not affect the abundance and duration of flowering of the entire bush, since more and more new ones open up to replace the fallen ones.

It is impossible to ignore the sacrifice of Cistus. The essential oils released by the leaves and stems can provoke spontaneous combustion of the shrub if the air temperature exceeds plus 32 degrees Celsius. As a result, only ash remains from the shrub, which fertilizes the soil to enable new plants to grow on it. It would seem, how can new plants grow if everything burned down? But Cistus took care of its offspring, hiding its seeds in a hard shell, which is not afraid of fire. Here new sprouts of life sprout on the ashes.

Such sacrifice would be admirable if only the bushes of Cistus were burned in the fire. But along the way, innocent neighbors are burning. Sometimes conflagrations capture large areas. This is similar to the life of modern society.

Varieties

* Ladanum cistus(Cistus ladaniferus) is a short cold-tolerant shrub. The underside of the leaves is protected by a hairy down. In early summer, clustered flowers with glossy yellow stamens bloom.

* Cistus laurel(Cistus laurifolius) is a relatively cold-resistant shrub that blooms with white flowers from May to August. At the base of the petals is a yellow spot. Leaves are oval-lanceolate in shape, grayish on the underside.

* Cistus curly(Cistus crispus) - from April to July, a shrub with rough pale green leaves is decorated with dark pink flowers that bloom on the tops of the shoots.

In the photo below, Cistus Montpellier:

In addition, popular with gardeners are: Cistus white(Cistus albidus); Cistus Montpellier(Cistus monspeliensis); Poplar cistus(Cistus populifolius), Cistus willow(Cistus salvifolius); and many hybrid ornamental species have also been bred.

cultivation

Cistus is best suited to seaside areas, and in colder climates it can be grown as a pot crop.

Loves the sun, tolerates partial shade.

Some species tolerate a short cold. Do not be afraid of drought.

Propagated by seeds, and hybrid species - cuttings.

Sin .: pure Crimean, Crimean cistus, rock rose, stone rose.

Crimean cistus is a low-growing deciduous shrub with pubescent shoots and delicate lilac-pink flowers resembling wild rose hips. The plant has antibacterial, bactericidal, anti-inflammatory properties, increases immunological reactivity, has a calming and bronchodilator effect, and can act as an antiseptic.

Ask the experts

flower formula

The formula of the flower of the Crimean cistus: * H (5) L5T (10) P.

In medicine

The Crimean cistus is not used in official medicine, as it is not a pharmacopoeial plant. However, its beneficial properties - bactericidal, antibacterial, antiseptic, bronchodilator, sedative, immunomodulatory - are used in traditional medicine. This is a popular remedy for inhalation of the upper respiratory tract, it is recommended externally for various skin diseases, including those caused by fungi, and for poorly healing wounds. Cistus essential oil, according to herbalists, can help with pain and cramps, including menstrual cramps, and cystitis. Aromatherapists use cistus oil for neurosis and seasonal depression.

Cistus oil is used for cystitis, painful menstruation, muscle pain and spasms. When applied externally, it is effective tool from rosacea, psoriasis, eczema, neurodermatitis, bleeding gums, frequent nosebleeds, promotes wound healing, fights fungus.

Contraindications and side effects

Contraindication to the use of cistus is individual intolerance, childhood. Consult your physician before taking, especially if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

In horticulture

Some varieties of cistus are grown on household plots. Although the flowers of the plant are short-lived, each lives only one day, there are a lot of them and the cistus is able to bloom all summer. Crimean cistus loves sunny places, breeding plants are winter-hardy and more resistant to drought. It can be formed from hedge or create a picturesque group by mixing with other shrubs.

In cosmetology

Cistus extract (Labdanum Absolute) is in demand by perfumers. It is used as a fixative in various compositions and as a fragrance. This extract has a pleasant, warm, long-lasting balsamic aroma that blends well with notes of lavender, pine, nutmeg. Cosmetologists use essential oil cistus in products designed to care for mature skin, as it tightens it, makes it firm and elastic. This oil is also effective for stretch marks. Cistus extract is included in shampoos, balms and masks aimed at strengthening hair.

Classification

Crimean cistus (lat. Cistus tauricus C.Presl.) - a species of shrubs from the genus Cistus (lat. Cistus). About 30 more species belong to the genus, the most famous of which is noble Cistus (lat. Cistus ladanifer). The genus Cistus is one of nine members of the Cistaceae family (lat. Cistaceae).

Botanical description

Crimean cistus is a gray-green or gray low shrub, its pubescent shoots reach a height of one meter. The leaves of the plant reach a width of 3 cm, and a length of 5 cm, they are petiolate, opposite, wrinkled, rounded or oblong-scapular, wavy along the edge. Cistus stems and leaves are slightly sticky, as the glandular hairs that cover them secrete aromatic resins. Single flowers of the Crimean cistus are apical, five-petalled, reach 5 cm in diameter, sometimes they are still collected 2-3 pieces in semi-umbrellas. Cistus petals are lilac-pink, numerous stamens are yellow. The formula of the Crimean cistus flower is * H (5) L5T (10) P. The fruit is a five-leaved capsule containing red-brown, small, rough seeds in a hard, waterproof shell.

Spreading

Crimean cistus is a relic plant. It can be found on the southern coast of Crimea, starting from Cape Aya to the village of Malorechenskoye, this species is protected in the reserve of Cape Martyan and in the Yalta Reserve, in the reserves of Ayu-Dag and Aya. It is cultivated in the Nikitsky Botanical Garden. Also, the Crimean rockrose can be found on the island of Crete and in the southern part of Greece. The plant is listed in the Red Book of Ukraine, the Republic of Crimea and Krasnodar Territory.

Distribution regions on the map of Russia.

Procurement of raw materials

The industrial raw material of the Crimean cistus is annual shoots cut with foliage during the flowering period of the plant, that is, from May to October. Fresh or slightly dried in the sun, they are extracted with ethyl alcohol, obtaining a dark green ointment-like mass - the resinoid of the cistus. Cistus essential oil is obtained by steam distillation of cistus resin.

Chemical composition

Phenols, aldehydes, pinene, camphene, linaquine, eugenol, ketones, sexviterpenes, and esters have been found in the aerial part of the cistus. The volatile part of the Crimean cistus extract contains 25% alpha-pinene, 8.5% fenchen, 7.7% eugenol, 3.5% borneol, 1.8% cineole, 1.2% beta-pinene, 0.7% furfural , 0.6% camphene.

Pharmacological properties

The therapeutic effect of the cistus extract was the subject of research at the Friedrich Leffler Epidemiological Research Institute (Germany). Experiments conducted on mice proved the antiviral activity of the plant. Scientists were able to prove the antioxidant properties of the Crimean cistus, thanks to which its resinoid and essential oil neutralize reactive oxygen species that damage body cells. The presence of phenols and terpenes in Cistus explains its bronchodilator and antiseptic effects.

Application in traditional medicine

Beneficial features Crimean cistus have found application in folk medicine. The resin is used for inhalation, helping to cope with diseases of the upper respiratory tract, neurosis, seasonal depression. Tea with plant extract is recommended as an immunomodulatory and antiviral agent. Cistus oil is used for cystitis, painful menstruation, muscle pain and spasms. When applied externally, it is an effective remedy for rosacea, psoriasis, eczema, neurodermatitis, bleeding gums, frequent nosebleeds, promotes wound healing, fights fungus.

History reference

Cistus resin should not be confused with frankincense, an aromatic resin obtained from the frankincense tree. It is from the latter that the famous incense is obtained, while the former gained world fame as a precious labdanum - one of the first incense. Previously, labdanum was obtained by combing out adhering resin from the thick wool of goats and sheep grazing among the thickets of rockrose. Only by the beginning of the 19th century, for these purposes, a simple device was invented, similar to a comb, where instead of teeth there are strips of skin. With such a "comb" labdanum is harvested in Crete even now. Cistus resin was valued not much less than incense, it was used not only for making incense, but also in medicinal purposes. Cistus boiled in wine was considered an excellent compress against tumors, a mixture of resin, clay and rose oil was used for the same purposes, fumigation with labdanum was used when they wanted to expel a dead fetus from the uterus, soothe menstrual pain.

The value of labdanum increased many times when the use of ambergris, an aromatic substance obtained from the stomach of sperm whales, was banned in many countries. Cistus resin not only acts as a fixative, like ambergris, but also has a similar thick, viscous, woody and sweet smell. The fragrance of cistus is often one of the base notes in expensive perfume compositions, it is considered to smell like leather, amber, dry musk and expensive wood.

Cistus seeds have an amazing property. Solid, moisture resistant, they contain so much aromatic oils that sometimes in dry weather under hot sunbeams ignite spontaneously. Although the “neighbors” of the plant and the mother bushes themselves suffer from such fires, this is only good for the seeds. Having passed through the crucible of a fire, they germinate better, and the ash remaining from their predecessors serves as a good fertilizer.

Crimean cistus is considered unsuitable for obtaining raw materials in industrial scale. This is due to the fact that the plant has few leaves, grows slowly and does not contain much resin, and this is not counting the fact that the species is listed in the Red Book. However, the noble rockrose, which does not have all the listed disadvantages and contains up to 17% of valuable resins, did not take root in the Crimea due to low winter hardiness. The problem was solved by hybridization of these plants.