Cistus creticus, Sardinian Cistus, and Cistus incanus

Are Cistus creticus, Sardinian Cistus, Mediterranean Cistus, and Cistus incanus all the same thing? The answer’s “yes.”  

Why All the Hype About Cistus incanus?

Cistus incanus (also known as Cistus creticus) may offer significant immune support and relief of cold and flu symptoms. Studies have shown that Cistus incanus has powerful antibacterial, antiviral, and biofilm-breaking qualities, which is why we included it as one of of six super-botanicals in our ShieldsUp! Immune Support Kit. The plant has shown anti-fungal activity against Candida albicans, Candida krusei, Candida glabrata, and Aspergillus fumigatus.

Regular Cistus tea drinkers also may suffer fewer mosquito bites and tick bites. (And many Cistus tea drinkers prefer a natural insect repellant to DEET.) Drink 2-4 cups a day of Cistus tea for at least a week in order to realize its natural insect repellent effects.

Cistus incanus can also be used externally to cleanse the skin and ameliorate eczema, acne, maskne, and psoriasis. You can create an anti-dandruff shampoo by washing your hair with the herbal tea. In addition, the tea can be used as a mouthwash. Its biofilm-busting activities reduce oral bacteria and leave your mouth feeling clean.

Is Cistus creticus the Same as Sardinian Cistus?

The Family Cistaceae (Genus Cistus) has about 25 species and another 25 or so hybrid varieties. To the best of our knowledge, there is no botanically recognized species or hybrid species named Cistus sardinia or Sardinian Cistus incanus. The Cistus plant that grows in Sardinia is called Cistus incanus, just as the Cistus plant that grows in Crete is called Cistus incanus.

So What Exactly Is Cistus creticus?

Cistus creticus is another name for Cistus incanus. Cistus creticus comes from Crete. Other names for the plant include Rock Rose, Pink Rock Rose, and Hoary Rock Rose. Cistus creticus is a species of shrubby plant. It usually has pink flowers of 4.5–5 cm diameter (1-2″). Cistus creticus grows in Crete, which is the ancestral home of Cistus incanus.

What Do I Need to Know Before I Buy It?

High-quality Mediterranean Cistus incanus is in high demand and short supply. It can be difficult to identify a reputable, reliable source of Cistus incanus tea.

When looking at the quality of Cistus on the world market, key factors come into play. First and foremost, make sure you’re buying actual Cistus incanus. What’s marketed in Spain as Cistus incanus, Cistus creticus, or Sardinian Cistus is often actually Cistus populifolius. In Morocco, the souks often offer Cistus ladanifer. Beyond that, make sure your Cistus incanus is wild grown, nature crafted, and spring harvested.

Finally, make sure your Cistus incanus tea is cut and prepared to ensure the highest quality, most available polyphenol content. The Cistus tea you buy should offer high availability of phytonutrients. Your source for Cistus tea should also pay a premium for the raw material in order to secure a high-quality product and support a non-violent economy.

We’re Serious About Our Cistus creticus (Cistus incanus) Tea!

We’re serious about our Cistus incanus tea. The more you learn about it, the more we think you will be, too. An excellent place to start is the FAQ.

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