Labdanum Absolute

Rock Rose, scientifically known as Cistus ladanifer, is a plant that is used to create several fragrant oils. There are two main types of oils that are derived from this plant: Labdanum Absolute and Cistus essential oil. It is important to note that these two oils differ in their extraction methods and properties.

Labdanum Absolute is obtained from the resin of the Rock Rose plant. On the other hand, Cistus essential oil is steam distilled from the plant's flowers, leaves, and sometimes even branches. When the resin is distilled using steam or hydro, the resulting oil is called Labdanum essential oil. To distinguish between the two, it is important to remember that Labdanum comes from resin, while Cistus comes from vegetation.

Labdanum Absolute is a thick, viscous substance that cannot be poured from the bottle at room temperature or below. To make it easier to work with, it needs to be liquefied using a warm water bath method. Once it has been mixed with other oils, it remains mobile. However, if you find it difficult to work with, you can try using Labdanum Absolute pre-mixed with clear, odorless Fractionated Coconut Oil, which requires no warming. This is available as Labdanum Absolute 20%.

Because of the different extraction methods and plant parts used (vegetative or resin) the choice for aromatherapy use is Cistus essential oil.  For perfumery, meditation, and scenting home fragrance items such as candles Labdanum Absolute provides a remarkably rich, tenacious, sweet, warm, balsamic amber-like aroma.  The deep aromatic quality of the absolute is a prime choice among perfumers.

Aromatherapy use:  Refer to Cistus Essential Oil 

General use:  Natural perfume, meditation, candle and soap scenting, home fragrance

Contraindications: None.  Always highly dilute.