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Cistus incanus, commonly called rock rose, is a bushy shrub with beautiful pink roses. Native to the Mediterranean region, it is a hardy plant that can be grown in many climates. Rock rose has been used traditionally in Europe for its wonderful medicinal powers, including healing of viral infections, wounds, colds and flus.
Rock rose is an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, dissolves biofilms, improves digestion and metabolism, and works as a natural bug repellent.
Rock rose is rich in flavonoids and polyphenol antioxidants, which protect the body from cell damage and lower the risks of heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and cognitive diseases. Regular use of rock rose tea has been shown to decrease cardiovascular disease risk factors (oxidative stress and dyslipidemia), and is recommended as a natural way to prevent atherosclerosis. Rock rose has strong anti-viral properties and has been shown to inhibit HIV 1 and 2 infections, and is effective against the Ebola and Marburg virus, Streptococcus mutans, and lyme disease.
Not just for heart disease and viruses
Like most herbs, the health benefits of consuming rock rose as a tea (rose petals and leaves) are quite numerous. I will touch on a few of the benefits here but encourage you to further look into the plant and try it for yourself!
Rock rose is wonderful for the immune system, with those powerful antioxidants it provides rapid relief for cold and flu symptoms, and works to support drainage of the lymphatic system.
Rock rose is great for beautification! It has been used for centuries to treat wounds and for glowing skin and hair. Rock rose’s anti-bacterial properties, and ability to break down biofilms, makes it excellent for topical concerns such as acne and rashes, as well as for whitening teeth and preventing cavities; a rock rose infusion can easily be applied topically as a toner, hair rinse, or used as mouth wash to heal and refresh the body.
One of rock rose’s most interesting benefits is that it can work as a natural bug repellent; consuming rock rose tea regularly releases an odor from the skin irritating to ticks and mosquitoes (but not detectable to humans) that insects want to avoid.
Other benefits of rock rose include gastroprotective qualities (protects the stomach lining), digestion and bile releasing support, menstrual pain relief, and insulin level regulation.
One of the most effective ways to consume rock rose is as an infusion (straight plant made into tea). I like making a pot of rock rose tea and drinking it throughout the day, it is excellent hot or cold and has a mildly bitter floral flavor. I have been enjoying buying rock rose from Linden Botanicals because it is wild grown, pesticide and heavy metal free (tested), and handpicked in the Mediterranean.
Herb Highlights are meant to be brief and provide a basic overview of the featured herb’s properties. If you would like more information about this particular plant, such as medicinal properties, chemical compounds, efficacy studies, and contraindications, I encourage you to explore the following links, and as always recommend doing your own research.
“The Polyphenolic Composition of Cistus incanus Herbal Tea…” by
“The use of herbal extracts in the control of influenza” by James B. Hudson. 2009, November 5.
“Gastroprotective effect of aqueous extract of Cistus incanus L. in rats.” by
“Rock Rose Plant (Cistus incanus) Health Benefits.” by Kyle (Linden Botanicals). 2021, July 5.
Each person’s body and needs are unique, though this herb is natural and considered safe by most, I am unaware of any pre-existing conditions or medications you may be taking and how those would interact; it is advisable to check with your doctor before starting anything new, especially if you are taking pharmaceutical medications. Herbs can interact with each individual differently, though many people experience the same effects, you may not get the same results when using certain herbs.
