Labdanum Oil

Botanical Name of Labdanum:   Cistus ladanifer

Synonyms:  'Rock Rose,' 'Rose of Sharon,' 'Cistus' oil, Gum Rockrose, Ladanum, Gum Ladanum and Brown-eyed Rockrose

About Labdanum: This flowering plant belongs to the Cistaceae family and is native to the Mediterranean region. North-west Africa, Spain and Portugal are the regions where Cistus ladanifer is grown naturally as a shrub. The average height of this plant ranges from 1 meter to 2.5 meter and has 3 to 10 cm long evergreen leaves. Labdanum bears white coloured flowers which has yellow pistils. The entire plant is covered by a fragrant liquid in form of resin. This plant is well known all over the world for its ornamental and therapeutic usage.

History of Labdanum: There was a very interesting way in which Labdanum used to be collected traditionally. The beard and thighs of goats and sheep were combed by the shepherd to collected the Labdanum resin which for stuck there in the process of grazing on the cistus shrubs. Later this material was taken to the coast to be sold to the merchants and traders. Due to its therapeutic properties this resin was also used to treat cold, coughs and menstrual problems in women. It is also claimed the mysterious element in the Holy incense ‘Ketoret’ is nothing but Labdanum.

Properties of Labdanum Oil: This Dark brown to black viscous liquid is obtained through steam distillation of Labdanum resin. The major chemical constituents of this essential oil include: alpha pinene, beta pinene, alpha & beta terpinenes, camphene, sabinene, myrcene, nerol, linalool, geraniol, 1-8-cineole, alpha thujone, para cymene, etc.

Health Benefits and Applications Labdanum Oil:

Labdanum Oil is known to have number of benefits, some of the important ones include:

Aromatherapy: This oil is known for its calming effect on the nervous system and hence preferred in many aromatherapy experts world over. It also blends well other essential oil which makes it even important for such therapies.

Skincare: Labdanum oil has many benefits for the skin and thus used in many cosmetic products. It heals wounds faster, makes skin fresh and keeps it wrinkle free for longer duration of time so that you can continue looking younger.   

Coughs: Labdanum Essential oil is very effective in treating persistent coughs and bronchitis infections. This is one of the oldest and traditional usages of this essential oil.

Anti-inflammatory:  Labdanum has anti-inflammatory properties which helps calm down inflammations both inside and outside of our body.

Perfumery: In the Perfumery Industry Labdanum is used as an fixative and considered replacement for ambergris.

Other therapeutic properties of Labdanum Oil that make it useful are: Anti-microbial, astringent, anti-septic, anti-tussive, tonic, expectorant, emmenagogue, etc.

Contact Us for more details on Labdanum Oil and your commercial requirements for it.