Labdanum, also called ladanum, laudanum, ladan or ladanon, is a sticky brown resin obtained from the shrubs Cistus ladanifer (western Mediterranean) and Cistus creticus (eastern Mediterranean), species of rockrose. It has a long history of use in herbal medicine and as a perfume ingredient.
Contents
Uses
Labdanum is produced today mainly for the perfume industry. Labdanum oil is used as an alternative of Musk Pod. Musk Pod has been one of the most expensive animal products in the world.
Benefits
Labdanum is used for bronchitis, diarrhea, water retention (edema), hernia, tumors,leprosy, and hardening of the spleen. It is also used for loosening chest congestion, emptying the bowels, and as a stimulant.
Some people apply labdanum to the skin as a drying agent and to stop bleeding from minor cuts.
In foods and beverages, various preparations of labdanum (labdanum absolute, labdanum oleoresin, and labdanum oil) are used as flavoring agents.
In cosmetics, labdanum absolute and oil are used as fragrance.
In addition, people use labdanum to kill pests and insects.
Cautions
Labdanum may be safe when taken by mouth in food amounts or when used on the skin. It is not known if taking labdanum by mouth in medicinal amounts is safe or what the possible side effects might be.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Not enough is known about the use of labdanum during pregnancy and breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Interactions
No interactions are known. Please consult your pharmacist.
Other names
Ambreine, Ciste, Ciste de Crète, Ciste à Gomme, Ciste Ladanifère, Ciste Velu, Cistus creticus, Cistus incanus, Cistus ladanifer, Cistus ladaniferus, Cistus polymorphus, Cistus villosus, Cyste, Jara, Jara de Ládano, Lédon, Rockrose
References
Source: Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Labdanum
WebMD, http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-284-labdanum.aspx?activeingredientid=284&