The ‘super food’ that fights ‘super bugs’ — naturally

61151204 - gum rockrose, cistus ladanifer, flower, close upHave you heard of the plant Cistus Incanus? The plants in this genus have powerful properties that fight many of the harmful pathogens that can negatively impact the human body and cause health problems.

If you’re interested in taking a holistic, integrative approach to health and wellness, then you’ll want to learn more about this important plant. Keeping to a healthy, natural diet is just one important way to support your overall health. Your food can be good medicine, by providing the range of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and nutrients your body needs to heal itself and stay strong.

But beyond simply supporting health, Cistus Incanus is known to be useful in the following ways:

Antiviral – The plant has been shown in studies to have powerful impacts on viruses. It works to prevent viral infection by targeting viral envelope proteins, and preventing the virus from entering healthy cells to replicate. In short, it prevents viruses from spreading in the body, which gives the body’s own immune system a chance to kills the virus and prevent illness.

Antibacterial – Cistus has been shown to be effective against both Streptococcus mutans, the bacteria that commonly causes tooth decay, and Staphylococcus aureus, more commonly known as staph.

Anti-fungal – Are you struggling with mold-related issues, yeast, or other fungal infections? Cistus has been shown to be a powerful ally against fungal infections and recurrent issues. Fungus and mold can cause respiratory issues, rashes, memory issues, chronic digestive problems and inflammation in the body. Cistus can be a powerful source of relief in treating ongoing issues.

Repels ticks – To prevent Lyme disease and other illness, it is important to repel ticks. Cistus helps to prevent Lyme disease by working as a potent tick repellent. Even better, it contains none of the toxic chemicals more commonly used as a tick repellent.

So, what is Cistus? All of these benefits come from the plant Cistus Incanus, which grows naturally in the Mediterranean regions of Southern Europe, and North Africa. It grows in dry or rocky soils throughout the Mediterranean region, from Morocco and Portugal through to the Middle East, and also on the Canary Islands.

Cistus is a perennial shrub, and is commonly encountered as a garden flower. The flowers are often referred to as rockroses. The flowers bloom in colors ranging from pure white to bright pink.

The plant has been used by practitioners of natural medicine for many generations, and is traditionally used for cold, flu, respiratory tract infections. It has also been used to treat inflammation and soothe skin.

How do you use Cistus? One common way is to make a natural tea. You can also find it in tinctures. We recommend discussing use with your doctor – preferably one that takes a holistic, integrative approach to health and wellness.

You’ll want to discuss all of your health issues, and any other supplements and medications you might be taking. It’s important to take a whole-body and whole-life approach to treatment, so that you address the issues — and not just the symptoms. You want to look at environmental issues, as well as lifestyle, emotional and other important issues that can impact health.

Cistus is a powerful, natural plant, but it’s only one part of the overall picture. You’ll want to take a look at removing environmental factors like mold, and improving your overall health through good lifestyle choices. We can help with that, when you’re ready.

If you have any questions about your health, please don’t hesitate to give us a call! Check out our website for more information, as well. We want to partner with you to find solutions that work, and help you to live your most active, healthy life – through use of all available resources, including natural, healthy supplements and an improved diet.