Ancient medicinal plant for today: Cistus helps against viruses and bacteria and protects against all kinds of inflammation

The new compact guide “ Cistus ” by Barbara Simonsohn presents another treasure from the natural pharmacy that seems to be made for current health issues: Cistus relieves the immune system, counteracts dementia and Alzheimer’s and can even be used against cancer.

Worshipped in antiquity

The rockrose (lat. Cistus) is not a new rose variety, but a medicinal plant that was already revered in ancient times, but has since been almost forgotten. According to nutritionist and superfood expert Barbara Simonsohn, it is an old medicinal plant that can help us with many of today's problems: "Our way of life and the loss of quality of many foods weaken the immune system. With this ancient wild plant, we can arm ourselves in our special time of viral and bacterial diseases - including multi-resistant germs, against which more and more antibiotics are no longer effective: with the power of nature, without side effects, risk of overdose or habituation effects."

Her new compact guide therefore aims to make a contribution to “awakening Cistus from its deep sleep and becoming better known” – so that it can once again take the place in natural medicine that it deserves.

A treasure of folk medicine

The rockrose or Cistus plays a major role in the folk medicine of the Mediterranean countries, where it is widespread along the coasts. The robust and undemanding plant with the delicate flowers grows mainly on the Aegean islands of Greece, on the coasts of Cyprus, Turkey and the Balearic Islands, but also in northwest Africa and on the Canary Islands. Even though they look like dog roses, rockroses are not related to the rose family, but form an independent botanical family.

As early as the 4th century BC, certain types of rockrose were used externally to improve wound healing and to treat bacterial infections. Rockrose was mostly used in the form of tea, as a cosmetic and as a medicine. Skin inflammation, mucous membrane diseases, acne, flu, tonsillitis, fungal infections, impaired wound healing and gastrointestinal diseases are just some of the traditional uses for which rockrose is still used today. What is true in traditional folk medicine is gradually being confirmed by modern science. Due to its valuable ingredients, it was named the "medicinal plant of Europe" in 1999.

Prevention and treatment of diseases

The rockrose is not only a tart beauty, but is also characterized by tannins, resins and, above all, special plant components, the polyphenols. It is a superlative plant with an unparalleled antioxidant potential. The polyphenols prevent bacteria and viruses from penetrating the body. It therefore helps both in the prophylaxis and treatment of viral infections and relieves the immune system. Therefore, in Barbara Simonsohn's opinion, the use of Cistus preparations is highly recommended during the annual flu season, during pandemics or for people at risk of infection.

Cistus also helps with diarrhea and protects the stomach lining. It is effective against skin problems such as neurodermatitis or acne and reduces the formation of wrinkles. It also has a prophylactic and healing effect on tooth decay and periodontitis. It has been proven to speed up the healing process for colds and flu. Cistus even has antidiabetic properties. This amazing plant even serves as a prophylaxis against nerve degeneration in the brain, which can lead to dementia and Alzheimer's.

Book tip:
Barbara Simonsohn: Cistus - immune protection and detoxification from nature. Compact guide . Mankau Verlag 2021, paperback, full color, 11.5 x 16.5 cm, 126 pages, 9.99 euros (D) / 10.30 euros (A), ISBN 978-3-86374-611-7.

Link recommendations:
More information about the book “Cistus”
To the reading sample in PDF format
More about the author Barbara Simonsohn
Our social networks – for questions, criticism, suggestions