Cistus

Aboveground

Antiviral, Antioxidant, Antiinflammatory

Turkey

The ancient ethnobotanical uses reveal that Cistus plants are an excellent remedy for various microbial infections; they are also well known and used as anti-inflammatory and antiulcerogenic, wound healing and vasodilator remedies. Some species are much appreciated in the perfume industry, and others have been used since ancient times in traditional folk medicine.Many plants of this genus have been used in different folk medicines since ancient times, mainly against peptic ailments and skin disorders, such as burns, wounds, and infections. Ethnopharmacological data revealed the use of some Cistus species flowering top in decoction against respiratory disorders by the North-West of Morocco population. Cistus is mainly known in Turkish folk medicine to treat various types of pain and disorders. The natural habitat for Cistus species is the Mediterranean area in Turkey. As a result of various ethnobotanical studies, it is stated that Cistus creticus L. is used for hemostatic and wound healing purposes in different localities in Turkey As a part of evaluating this traditional use, numerous studies have been conducted. Additionally the tea prepared from the leaves is used to decrease symptoms of diabetes.