This year, due to illness, I harvested the rockrose a little later, but it still glistens stickily in the sun, a bit dusty here and there, but with a lovely aroma.
The rock rose (Cistus ladanifer) grows in Portugal and the Mediterranean region on dry, barren soils. It is an integral part of the Algarve hinterland, covering vast areas and hills as far as the eye can see. It is an evergreen shrub that can grow to over two meters tall.
The rockrose is both a blessing and a curse. It is a pyrophyte, meaning it is adapted to fire and even benefits from it. In the recurring forest fires, its resin, rich in essential oils, acts as a fire accelerant. At the same time, after the destruction, it is a pioneer plant that quickly recolonizes the area. The fire breaks down its germination inhibition, allowing it to germinate particularly quickly and face little competition on the scorched earth. Additionally, the ash acts as a fertilizer, promoting rapid growth. While this minimizes erosion of the burned areas, it leaves little room for other plants.
The plant protects itself from drought, heat, and predators with its resin. On warm days, when a large amount of resin has formed, the warm, balsamic, and slightly sweet aroma of the rockrose fills the air.
The flowering period is from March to May. The large, bright white blossoms remain open for only one day before falling off. However, because the plant is very prolific, new flowers appear every day. The dark, almost blood-red spots were once considered an indication of its use as a medicinal plant for wounds and bleeding.
The floral water is distilled in summer from the young, resin-coated upper shoots of the plant. Harvesting is an extremely sticky business, so it's advisable to wear only old gloves and clothing.
The scent of rockrose water is warm, balsamic, resinous, and amber-like. As a room spray, it creates a warm, sensual atmosphere. Rockrose water has a relaxing and warming effect on the psyche and helps to release emotional blockages. The warm scent of rockrose has a profound effect and is used to support the healing of emotional trauma.
On a physical level, rockrose water has hemostatic and wound-healing properties. It has decongestant, antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-infective effects. Sprayed on minor injuries and cuts, it functions almost like a spray-on bandage.
The hydrosol is well-suited for general skincare and also helps in the treatment of various skin conditions with itching and eczema. If it's too strong, it can be diluted 1:1 with a mild floral water, such as lavender.
Pets, especially dogs and horses, also benefit from the healing properties of rockrose. When my dog developed an itchy rash that was difficult to treat, spraying him with it several times a day clearly did him a lot of good. After a short time, he would readily lie down when he saw me coming with the spray bottle.
