Cistus incanus Tea (Rock Rose)

Proven biofilm-buster that can ameliorate cold and flu symptoms and repel mosquitos and ticks. Mediterranean Cistus incanus (Rock Rose) is a global favorite for its well-studied antibacterial and antiviral properties. It also makes a great mouthwash and psoriasis/eczema skin cleanser. Starting at just 20 cents per serving.

Price: From: $25.00 âž™ Never Run Out with Autoship available on subscription

Have you heard about Cistus incanus? Mediterranean Cistus incanus tea (also called Cistus tea and Rock Rose tea) has been widely discussed in health circles in recent years due to its ability to make you repellent – at least to biting insects like mosquitos and ticks.

Cistus incanus tea has been popular for decades in Europe. In fact, Cistus incanus was the 1999 European Plant of the Year, making headlines for its broad range of health benefits. The tea is an excellent pest repellent, and it makes a great topical skin cleanser to help ameliorate eczema and psoriasis. Now it’s making news once again for its ability to help the body deal with retro-viruses.

Cistus incanus tea is rich in bioflavonoids and polyphenols. Cistus tea ameliorates cold and flu symptoms in about 2 days after drinking the first cup. Studies have shown that Cistus has powerful antibacterial, antiviral, and biofilm-breaking qualities. These studies suggest that Cistus targets viral envelope proteins, preventing the primary attachment of the virus to host cells. This can reduce the virulence and reproductive ability of the pathogen.

Cistus incanus is sold as an individual herbal extract.

It is also sold as one of three powerhouse extracts in Persister Desister Lyme Support Kits. (The other two herbs are Cryptolepis and Phyllanthus niruri.)

In addition, it is sold as one of six extracts in ShieldsUp! Immune Support Kits. (The other extracts are Phyllanthus niruri, Rosa rugosa, Agarikon, Torilis japonica, and L-lysine.)

For a broad overview of all Cistus incanus health benefits, check out the Cistus FAQ.

Read the Cistus FAQ  How to Brew Cistus 

Cistus incanus Health Benefits

In traditional medicine, Cistus incanus tea has been used as an anti-inflammatory and a cavity-preventing mouthwash. It has also been used to heal wounds faster, prevent ulcers, and promote heart health. In laboratory studies, Cistus incanus shows antiviral and biofilm dissolving activity.

All-natural Cistus incanus tea can help you repel ticks and mosquitoes. Not being bit means less chance of exposure to tick-borne illnesses. Studies also show that Cistus incanus tea has potent anti-fungal activity against the fungal microorganisms Candida albicans, Candida krusei, Candida glabrata, and Aspergillus fumigatus.

Further studies suggest that Cistus inhibits the action of viral envelope proteins in a number of different types of viruses. This inhibiting of the outer surface proteins can limit the ability of a virus to attach to host cells. And that’s good news.

Persister Desister Lyme Disease Support Kits with Cistus

Persister Desister is a proprietary collection of herbal extracts is designed to:

  • Provide adaptogenic immune support
  • Inhibit the lifecycle of persister bacteria
  • Re-engage the body’s natural defenses
  • Support kidney and liver health
  • Protect against free radical damage
  • Support mitochondrial health

Our Persister Desister Lyme Support Kits bring together three powerful botanicals—Cryptolepis, Cistus incanus, and Phyllanthus niruri—chosen for their complementary strengths in supporting immune balance, easing inflammation, and addressing some of the toughest challenges of Lyme disease.

Cistus incanus is one of the most versatile herbs in the kit. Native to the Mediterranean, it has been prized for centuries for its antioxidant, antimicrobial, and immune-modulating properties. Modern studies highlight its ability to interfere with viral and bacterial binding strategies while also supporting the body’s natural defenses.

For those with Lyme, one of its most exciting benefits is its ability to disrupt biofilms—protective layers that bacteria use to shield themselves from antibiotics and the immune system. By breaking down these barriers, Cistus may help other treatments work more effectively.

Beyond its biofilm-busting activity, Cistus incanus helps soothe inflammation, protect against oxidative stress, and support the microbiome of the gut and oral cavity—areas often compromised in Lyme sufferers. These benefits make it a valuable ally not only for immune resilience but also for broader health and vitality.

When combined with the antimicrobial power of Cryptolepis and the detoxifying, anti-inflammatory benefits of Phyllanthus niruri, Cistus incanus plays a crucial role in making the Persister Desister Kit a comprehensive, science-backed support system for those navigating Lyme disease and its lingering effects.

You can learn more here.

Read the FAQ

Cistus incanus: A Key Ingredient in ShieldsUp! Kits

Among the six powerful ingredients in our proprietary ShieldsUp! Immune Support Kits, Cistus incanus stands out as one of the most effective botanicals for immune resilience. Native to the Mediterranean, this aromatic shrub has been treasured for centuries for its ability to ease cold and flu symptoms, protect against pathogens, and strengthen the body’s natural defenses.

Modern research confirms Cistus incanus offers impressive broad-spectrum support. It contains high levels of polyphenols that act as potent antioxidants, protecting cells from oxidative stress while also providing strong antimicrobial and antiviral activity. Importantly, Cistus has been shown to help block viruses from binding to host cells, making it harder for infections to take hold.

For generations, people have turned to Cistus incanus during seasonal illness for its ability to calm inflammation, protect the respiratory tract, and promote lasting wellness—making it an essential part of our ShieldsUp! formula.

Each ShieldsUp! Kit includes six carefully selected botanicals and nutrients that work together to support immune defenses and overall vitality:

  • Cistus incanus

  • Agarikon mushroom

  • Phyllanthus niruri

  • Rosa rugosa

  • Torilis japonica

  • L-lysine

Together, these extracts provide comprehensive, science-backed support to keep you well through the season. Read the ShieldsUp! FAQ.

Read the FAQ

Optimize Your Health with Cistus incanus

Cistus incanus tea shows promise as a highly effective antibacterial, anti-fungal, antiviral, and biofilm-breaking agent that may support the immune system against numerous types of infections. Due to its broad-spectrum activity, Cistus could be a highly beneficial supplement to health protocols for anybody seeking to overcome chronic infection and illness. (Learn more by reading our Cistus FAQ.)

Resources:

Ancient Greek and other traditional medicine systems suggest Cistus incanus tea may support:

Serving Suggestion

Looseleaf Herbal Tea: Add 8 oz (1 cup) of near-boiling, filtered water to 1/8 oz (about 3.5 grams) of whole herb. Let the tea steep for 15-20 minutes. Drink 2-3 cups a day. Watch the video showing how to brew Cistus tea.

Herbal Extract: 1-2 grams per a day. Mix into the non-dairy drink of your choice. For example, add 1-2 grams to a large mug of tea, or dissolve 1 gram into 8oz of hot water. Drink twice a day. 

Additional Information

Ancient stories tells us that the Olympic the gods determined which plants should assume a certain task of healing. Cistus had dual roles, one to heal the wounds of battle, another to aid in skin and beauty care. Today, Cistus incanus tea is still used to help clear acne and support healthy hair. Ancient and current traditional uses for Cistus incanus tea and Cistus extract also include the treatment inflammatory diseases and gastrointestinal issues. Cistus is thought to support lymphatic drainage and the elimination of heavy metals. In Mediterranean countries, Cistus tea is consumed as tonic to reduce the severity and shorten the duration of the flu.

Ciste Rouge, Cistus, Cystus, Hairy Rockrose, Ladannik, Rock Rose, Rockrose, Rock-rose, Zistrose

Gallic acid, Gallocatechin-(4α-8)-gallocatechin , Gallocatechin-(4α-6)-gallocatechin1, Gallocatechin, catechin-(4α-8)-gallocatechin, Gallocatechin-(4α-8)-catechin, Procyanidin B, Epigallocatechin gallate, Epigallocatechin Catechin, Epicatechin, Myricetin-O-rhamnoside-O-hexoside, Myricetin-3-O-galactoside, Myricetin-3-O-glucoside, Myricetin-O-xyloside, Rutin Myricitrin, Quercetin-3-O-galactoside, Quercetin-O-xyloside, Quercitrin, Myricetin-O-rhamnoside-O-hexoside, Quercetin-O-rhamnoside-O-hexoside, 6″-O-(4-hydroxycinnamoyl)-astragalin, 6″-O-(4-hydroxycinnamoyl)-astragalin, Methylgallate, Gentisinic acid-O-glucoside, Uralenneoside, Hexahydroxydiphenoyl-glucose, Hexahydroxydiphenoyl-glucose, Ellagis acid-7-O-xyloside6, Ellagic acid, Rosmarinic acid7 

No known side effects if consumed in moderation.

Weight N/A
Dimensions N/A
Type

Loose Leaf, Extract

Weight

50g, 100g, 200g, 250g, 500g

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