Ever Hear About The Amazing Health Benefits Of Drinking Cistus Tea, Read Here

Cistus tea or Cistus incanus tea is one of the most ancient teas, brewed for centuries in the Mediterranian regions. It was prized for its medicinal properties and a pleasant aroma. Named the European Plant of the Year in 1999, the cistus tea is making a comeback as people rediscover its many health benefits.

Cistus tea is made from the herb Cistus incanus, popularly known as rockrose. It is one of the oldest brewed tea in the world. It was used for medicinal as well as cosmetic purposes. It finds mention in both the Bible and the Quran. The tea is made from the dried flowers and leaves of the plant. It has a pleasant floral taste. One of the best aspects of this tea is its wonderful aroma. In fact, its extract is used as a perfume ingredient.

There is good reason cistus tea was considered so beneficial in traditional medicine. It was believed to heal wounds, inflammations, and help regulate one’s health. Modern research has backed up this long-held belief as we find that the plant is indeed rich in antioxidants. So, what you get is a pleasant tasting and fragrant cup of hot tea, full of health benefits.

* Lyme Disease

Cistus was traditionally used for treating Lyme disease. It was believed to prevent and treat the disease. Even today many believe that it can protect people and pets from ticks that are primarily responsible for the disease. Research into the cistus extract used for borreliosis therapy (treatment for Lyme disease) found that it contained a compound named manoyloxides, which made it very effective as a treatment.

* Rich in Antioxidants

The miracle-like medicinal properties of the cistus tea clearly come from its rich deposits of antioxidants. This plant has been researched independently by different scientists and has consistently shown impressive results when it comes to its antioxidant potential. A comprehensive 2018 research on its antioxidant capacity, published in the journal Plants, revealed that it was rich in polyphenols and flavonoids. It was found to be potent in food and for medicinal purposes.

* Reducing Risks of Cardiovascular Disease

Cardiovascular diseases or CVDs are the number one reason for deaths worldwide. The WHO recommends that people who are at high risk need early detection and management. Cistus tea could be useful in that. According to a 2019 study published in Cardiology Journal, Cistus incanus tea decreased CVD risk factors, such as oxidative stress and dyslipidemia (an unhealthy lipid profile). The study recommended a daily intake of Cistus incanus tea for managing CVDs.

* Treating Respiratory Illnesses

One of the common traditional uses of cistus tea was in treating infections. A randomized, placebo-controlled clinical study found that regular consumption of cistus extract significantly reduced the symptoms of common cold among the participants. The researchers credited the presence of polyphenols for this benefit.

* Managing Viral Infections

Viral infections are notoriously difficult to treat, even with potent medications. But natural antidotes like cistus can provide a welcome alternative. A 2016 research published in Scientific Reports found powerful antiviral properties in Cistus incanus extract with low chances of viral resistance. Unlike other natural remedies, it does not harm the host cells. The study, aimed to find herbal alternatives, recommended further research into its potential in managing chronic viral infections.

* Removing Dental Plaque

One of the cistus’ many traditional uses was for oral hygiene. The polyphenols in cistus tea have antibacterial properties that help in removing dental plaque. Research published in the Journal of Dentistry found that rinsing one’s mouth with cistus tea reduces the bacterial adhesion (which causes dental plaque) in the oral cavity.