Packaging: 25 g (or 100 g, 500 g & 1 kg) containing the organic aerial parts of the plant. (Price includes VAT.)

Other Names: Cistus, Labdanum, Rockrose

The organic Cistus is a wild shrub thriving in barren, rocky, well-drained soils, in cold or coastal areas across many parts of the Mediterranean. In Greece, it is mainly found in Crete and in various mountains.

In mythology, it is said that the gods of Olympus quarreled over this plant, as the gods wanted to endow it with healing properties while the goddesses desired to give it decorative qualities, thus granting it both.

As a herbal infusion, it is very beneficial for the body, particularly its leaves.

Properties:

• Relieves stomach issues and aids the digestive system.
• Increases levels of "good" cholesterol while reducing "bad" cholesterol.
• Capable of destroying free radicals.
• Highly antioxidant.
• Prevents premature skin aging.
• Helps in preventing colds and other illnesses.

The exceptional healing powers of Cistus have been confirmed by science. Tests conducted by the Lefo Ahrensburg Foundation showed that Cistus protects the heart four times better than red wine and is twenty times more antioxidant than fresh lemon juice.

In their study, researchers compared various teas, juices, and wines regarding their ability to neutralize free radicals, such as environmental pollutants and harmful byproducts of metabolism. They discovered that Cistus contains an exceptionally effective combination of antioxidants: a cup of concentrated tea has the same effect as a daily dose of vitamin C (as ascorbic acid). Professor Claus Peter Siegers from the University of Lübeck demonstrated that Cistus detoxifies the body and eliminates toxic heavy metals from cigarette smoke, dental fillings, and environmental pollution. In the study, smokers consumed only 50 ml of Cistus tea twice daily. After four weeks, the level of cadmium in the participants' blood was significantly lower than before.

Origin: Chania

Storage: Keep in a dark, cool place (5°C – 15°C).

Preparation: 1 tablespoon of ground organic Cistus (or a pinch of unground) is steeped in 1 cup of boiling water in a covered container for 10-15 minutes, then strained before use.