Rock Rose (Cistus incanus) Tea: Common Questions

We get LOTS of questions about the Cistus incanus (Rock Rose tea) we sell. We have answers!

At Linden Botanicals, we proudly offer high-quality, all-natural Cistus incanus herbal tea and extract—sourced from the wild mountains of Crete, Greece, and crafted to deliver a full spectrum of health benefits. Revered for centuries in traditional medicine, this Mediterranean marvel, also known as Rock Rose tea, is now making waves as a modern wellness essential.

Why Choose Cistus incanus (Rock Rose)?

Cistus incanus is more than an herbal tea—it’s a natural powerhouse rich in bioactive compounds like polyphenols, flavonoids, and catechins. It offers a broad range of health benefits that support the immune system, skin, and even cardiovascular health.

Naturally Repel Mosquitoes and Ticks

Many of our customers report that drinking Cistus tea daily helps them avoid mosquito and tick bites. For those seeking a natural alternative to chemical repellents like DEET, Cistus incanus offers a plant-based solution.

Time-Tested Immune Support

Scientifically backed and traditionally used to ease cold and flu symptoms, Cistus incanus (rock rose) supports immune health with its antimicrobial, antiviral, and biofilm-busting properties. Many users feel relief from symptoms within just two days of starting to drink the herbal tea.

Healthy Skin from the Inside Out

From acne to eczema and psoriasis to “maskne,” Cistus incanus herbal tea is a favorite natural remedy. Brew it, cool it, and apply it topically as an astringent or skin rinse. Its natural cleansing properties work gently—without the harsh effects of salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide.

Common skin-supporting uses include:

• Aging skin and wrinkles

• Bacterial infections

• Bedsores and ulcers

• Oily or acne-prone skin

Cardiovascular and Metabolic Support

A study published in Cardiology Journal highlights Cistus incanus as an effective ally in lowering oxidative stress and improving lipid profiles—making it a smart choice for daily heart and metabolic health.

Why Is Cistus incanus Also Called Rock Rose?

Yes. Cistus is a genus of flowering plants in the rock rose family Cistaceae, which contains about 25 species and another 25 or so hybrid varieties. Cistus incanus is one of those hybrid varieties.

Is Cistus incanus Herbal Tea Better Than Green Tea?

Many health enthusiasts are switching from from green tea to Cistus incanus herbal tea.

Here’s why:

• More Polyphenols – High concentrations of antioxidant compounds

• Caffeine-Free – Enjoy without jitters or sleep disruption

• Digestive Soothing – Promotes gut harmony

• Cardiometabolic Support – Encourages balanced blood sugar and cholesterol

Does Sourcing Matter When It Comes to Rock Rose (Cistus incanus) Herbal Tea?

It sure does. Many companies sell Cistus herbal tea, but not all Cistus tea is fresh, all-natural, Mediterranean Cistus incanus. That’s another way of saying that not all Cistus is created equal.

At Linden Botanicals, we go to great lengths to ensure exceptional quality. Here’s how:

• Wild-grown in Crete, the ancestral home of Cistus incanus

• Harvested in Spring for maximum potency and bioactive content

• Responsibly Collected with no use of pesticides, herbicides, or heavy metals

Each batch is sourced by our team—including company founder Michael Van der Linden—who personally visits collectors and processors to ensure quality and sustainability.

What Does Cistus incanus Herbal Tea Taste Like?

Cistus incanus tea makes a pleasant-tasting loose tea with a mild, floral flavor. 

How Do You Brew Cistus incanus Tea? 

Using a 1 liter (or 1 quart) French press. Put 13 grams of Cistus incanus (roughly 1/3 cup) in the bottom of a large French press. Boil 1 liter of water (use filtered water with no mineral content), take the water off boil, and wait about 90 seconds.

Pour the water in the French press. The plant material will float. Put the top on the french press. Press the plunger just a bit so the material is all under water.

Let the tea steep for 25 minutes. When all of the plant material has sunk to the bottom of the press, press the plunger all the way down and have your first 8 to 10 ounce serving. Enjoy the rest throughout the day. (You can read more about brewing Cistus tea here and get detailed instructions here.)

Note: Avoid boiling the tea directly and skip the microwave when possible. However, scientific literature shows only minimal bioactive loss when microwaving, so it’s okay if needed. Remember, perfection is the enemy of the good.

Shouldn’t I Brew Cistus incanus (Rock Rose) Tea Three Times? That’s What I was Told.

The three-stage brew is a good process. The good news is that there’s an easier way to brew the tea. Simply follow the instructions above.

The main active phytoconstituents of Cistus are flavonoid phenolic compounds, including gallic acid, rutin, and other flavonol glycosides based on quercetin, kaempferol, and myricetin. The diverse profile of phenolic substances provides strong antioxidant and other health benefits. The goal: maximize the tea’s flavinoid phenolic profile.

How Long Should I Boil My Cistus Tea?

We’re asked this question a lot. Please don’t boil your tea! Boil the water for your tea, then wait about a minute and a half before you use that water to brew your tea.

Does the Ratio of Leaves to Flowers to Stems to Seed Pods Matter?

Yes! Generally, the array of bioactive constituents matters less than the available levels of these bioactives. Providing a superior product involves knowing which parts of the plant and what ratio of these parts contribute to the final bioactive profile.

How Much Cistus incanus (Rock Rose) Tea Should I Drink if I Have Cold and Flu Symptoms?

Cistus may offer significant immune support and relief of cold and flu symptoms. Studies show that Cistus has powerful antibacterial, antiviral, and biofilm-breaking qualities. That’s why it’s one of 6 super-botanicals included in our proprietary Immune Support Kit.

If you brew 13 grams of tea in a liter of water, you’ll get about 4 cups of tea. Cistus incanus herb is rich in bioflavonoids and polyphenols. Drink 3-4 cups a day. Tea made from Cistus can help ameliorate cold and flu symptoms in about 2 days after drinking the first cup.

Do ou Sell Both Cistus incanus Herbal Tea and Herbal Extract?

Yes! Cistus extract is included as one of 6 super-botanicals in our Immune Support Kit. Each day, mix one scoop of the combined super-botanicals into warm water, juice, or an immune support smoothie. You can also mix one scoop of the herbal mixture with one teaspoon honey, add the mixture to warm water, and drink it as a tea.

How Much Cistus incanus (Rock Rose) Tea Should I Drink If I Want to Use It to Repel Insects?

Regular Cistus tea drinkers 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.

How Can I Be Sure I Make the Perfect Cistus incanus Tea Brew?

We’ve written a lot about how to make the best brew, but perfection matters less than you may think. On the whole, perfection can be the enemy of the good, especially if your goal is to optimize your health.

Over the long haul, it won’t matter if a brew here or there is less than perfect. Continued usage is far more helpful than any single serving. Most of the herbal bioactives will build to a level in the body after which excess is excreted within a few daily servings.

The upshot: If the brewing process is too complicated, then people will stop brewing. Relax and drink a good cup of Cistus. Don’t stress about the perfect brew.

What’s the Best Way to Store Cistus incanus Tea Once It Is Brewed?

Store it in a covered container on the counter. If you choose to store it in the refrigerator, be sure to shake or stir it before you drink it.

Can I Drink Cistus incanus (Rock Rose) Tea All Day?

Yes, it’s safe to drink Cistus all day.  

For long-term use, it is mildly anti-hyperglycemic. If you’re on high blood sugar medication, please consult a healthcare professional before drinking the tea for more than 30 days.

How Can I Find the Best Cistus?

Many products labeled “Cistus incanus” are misidentified or of poor quality. For instance, Moroccan souks may sell Cistus ladanifer, and Spanish sources sometimes offer Cistus populifolius. Our Cistus incanus is authentic, wild-grown, and expertly harvested to ensure you’re getting the best nature has to offer.

Linden Botanicals never compromises on quality. Our cuts maximize polyphenol content and bioavailability. Some suppliers may offer cheaper options, but they often deliver weaker brews and greenhouse-grown material. At Linden Botanicals, we believe in offering a premium product at a fair price, aligned with our mission to support a non-violent economy and holistic wellness.

Buy Cistus incanus (Rock Rose) Now!

Let’s just say we love our Cistus incanus tea! We think you will, too.

Whether you’re seeking immune support, natural skin care, a soothing daily ritual, or an all-natural insect repellent, Cistus incanus is an extraordinary herb with ancient roots and modern science on its side.

Sip. Soothe. Strengthen. Naturally—with Cistus incanus from Linden Botanicals.

To learn even more about all-natural Cistus incanus (rock rose) herbal tea, check out the Cistus incanus FAQ.