Dried Herb & Tea

Rockrose

Cistus creticus, Cistus incanus

B Limited clinical evidence

In a randomized trial, rockrose (Cistus) extract reduced upper respiratory infection symptoms more than placebo. It should not be used in pregnancy.

Respiratory, Throat & Mouth
Rockrose
Pregnancy⚠ Avoid
Breastfeeding⚠ Avoid
Children⚠ Avoid
Drug interactionsNo recorded interactions
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On this page

At a glance

Rockrose (Cistus creticus, C. incanus) is a pink-flowered, polyphenol-rich shrub of the Mediterranean and Aegean; its tea is known in Germany as Zistrose. In a randomized trial of 160 patients, its extract reduced upper respiratory infection symptoms. It is traditionally used for mouth and throat inflammation.

Parts used: herb (leaves and flowering tops)
Key constituents: Polyphenols (tannins, flavonoids), Proanthocyanidins, Labdane diterpenes

Updated: October 24, 2026

Sources and research limitations appear below. The existence of a source does not mean every use has been clinically verified.

What is it used for?

  • B Limited clinical evidence

    Limited clinical evidence: Limited human data; small samples, methodological problems or inconsistent results reduce certainty. Findings do not apply to every product.

    How do we rate evidence levels? →

    In a randomized, placebo-controlled trial in 160 patients with upper respiratory tract infection, a polyphenol-rich Cistus incanus extract (CYSTUS052) reduced the symptom score more clearly than placebo and lowered the inflammation marker CRP. The result applies to that extract product; it is a single trial. [2]

  • T Traditional use

    Traditional use: Documents traditional use, not clinical efficacy or safety for everyone.

    How do we rate evidence levels? →

    Rockrose herb is traditionally used to help prevent colds and as support for mouth and throat inflammation. Detailed clinical data for these uses are limited. [1]

How is it used?

Tea

The dried herb is steeped as a tea.

Amount: 3–6 g dried herb per day

[1]

Safety & interactions

Minimum age: 12 years

  • Do not use in pregnancy or breastfeeding, as there are no data.
  • Do not use in children under 12, as there are no data.
  • No drug interactions are known, but none have been studied; ask your pharmacist if you take regular medicines.
  • People allergic to the plant should not use it.
  • See a doctor if fever lasts more than three days or there is shortness of breath or severe sore throat.
  • The name “laden” is also used for species that give labdanum resin; for tea, check that the label says Cistus incanus or C. creticus.
[1]

Drug interactions

No recorded interactions

Side effects

  • Gastrointestinal sensitivity
  • Allergic reactions

⚕ When to see a doctor

  • If high fever, shortness of breath or purulent/bloody phlegm develops
  • If symptoms do not improve within 1–2 weeks or worsen
  • If severe abdominal pain, jaundice, rash or allergic reaction occurs

Frequently asked questions

What is rockrose tea good for?

In a randomized trial, rockrose extract reduced upper respiratory infection symptoms. As a tea it is traditionally used to help prevent colds and for mouth and throat inflammation.

Does Cistus tea protect against flu?

In lab studies it blocked some flu viruses from entering cells. No human studies show it protects against flu; it does not replace vaccination.

Can I drink rockrose tea while pregnant?

Do not use it in pregnancy or breastfeeding, as there are no data.

Does rockrose remove heavy metals from the body?

It is said to be used for heavy metal removal, but there are no reliable human studies showing this.

Is rockrose the same as Zistrose?

Yes. The tea sold as Zistrose in Germany is Cistus incanus (C. creticus); in Türkiye it is known as laden or pamukluk.

Sources

Source type is not an efficacy rating. A monograph may document traditional use or safety. Claim numbers link to the relevant source; the access date does not indicate professional approval.

  1. Cisti incani herbaAltmeyers Enzyklopädie — Naturheilkunde · 2025 · Reference bookSource accessed:
  2. Cistus incanus (CYSTUS052) for treating patients with infection of the upper respiratory tract: A prospective, randomised, placebo-controlled clinical studyAntiviral Research · 2009 · Randomized controlled trialSource accessed:

Cite This Page

Rockrose (Cistus creticus, Cistus incanus). Herbadex — Doğal Şifa Rehberi (2026). https://herbadex.com/en/herb/rockrose/

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