Cistus cyprius / Labdanum / Cistaceae (Rockrose family)

Information

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Other Names

Labdamum

Description

Labdanum is produced in Spain, the main supplier of crude Labdanum gum. Labdanum concrete is a sticky waxy, green to olive green or brownish green mass of sweet and pleasant, balsamic Amber-like odor with a tenacious backnote of rich, herbaceous character. This is an odor which is quite familiar to anyone who has visited the Mediterranean countries or islands during the months of March to July. Labdanum is used in soap perfumes where its alcohol insoluble matter is no serious drawback. It may at times even be an advantage through the fixative effect of the waxes and resins.

Scent

The fragrance of Labdanum is very complex. This waxy resin produces a balsam-like, woody, earthy, marshy, smoky, Ambergris-like, leathery, flowery, honeylike, mintlike fragrance with hints of plum or oakmoss after a rain.
Its odour effect is generally perceived as warming and restorative. In ancient times, the aroma was regarded as an aphrodisiac. The scent is said to be helpful for recalling past lives and buried memories.

Aromatic Properties

The fragrance of Labdanum strengthens the body and provides warmth and sensuality. It is very grounding, balancing and uplifting. It resembles Ambergris, and is used as a good substitute. On some skin types, Labdanum's sweet fragrance will trigger an ancient memory - there is a distinct smell that can be produced when it is worn alone that will remind one of ancient cultures where sacred activities were more commonplace. Labdanum is as an ambient aroma to facilitate meditation, helpful during convalescence or when suffering from nervous exhaustion.

Contents

Alpha pinene (46,62%), camphene (5,91%), limonene (1,64%), cineol 1,8 (0,27%), para cymene (2,22%), bornyl acetate (3,35%), terpinene 4 ol (1,84%), borneol (3,82%), myrtenol (1,17%), viridiflorol (2,83%).

Synergic Combinations

Blends well with: Clary sage (Salvia sclarea), Juniper berries (Juniperus communis), bergamot, cypress, vetiver, Sandalwood (Santalum album), Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin), Olibanum (Boswellia cartrii), Lavender (Lavendula officinales)

Historical

In ancient times, the resin was scraped from the fur of goats and sheep that had grazed on the cistus shrubs. It was collected by the shepherds and sold to coastal traders. The false beards worn by the pharaohs of ancient Egypt were actually the labdanum soaked hair of these goats. Later long poles with leather or cloth strips were used to sweep the shrubs and collect the resin which was later extracted.

Plant Description

There are 20 or so species of Cistus, all of which are evergreen shrubs. They come originally from the Canary Islands and countries bordering the Mediterranean. Cistus x cyprius, the common gum cistus, is a generally hardy, upright shrub, growing to 2m by 2m (6.5ft by 6.5ft). The flowers, which measure 10cm (4in) across, have yellow stamens in the centre, surrounded by five distinctive, deep crimson-red blotches, which look like dried blood. Labdanum, often called Labdanum gum is the resinous matter, which can be derived from this or other Cistus species.