--- title: "Rockrose: Benefits, Uses & Side Effects | Herbadex" description: "In a randomized trial, rockrose (Cistus) extract reduced upper respiratory infection symptoms more than placebo. It should not be used in pregnancy." language: en url: https://herbadex.com/en/herb/rockrose/ source: Herbadex (https://herbadex.com) --- [Dried Herb & Tea](https://herbadex.com/en/form/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](https://herbadex.com/en/for/respiratory/) ![](/illustrations/kuru-bitki.svg)R Rockrose Pregnancy **⚠ Avoid** Breastfeeding **⚠ Avoid** Children **⚠ Avoid** Drug interactions **No recorded interactions** ## 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 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 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 herba](https://www.altmeyers.org/de/naturheilkunde/cisti-incani-herba-24205) Altmeyers Enzyklopädie — Naturheilkunde · 2025 · Reference book Source accessed: October 24, 2026 2. [Cistus incanus (CYSTUS052) for treating patients with infection of the upper respiratory tract: A prospective, randomised, placebo-controlled clinical study](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.antiviral.2009.10.001) Antiviral Research · 2009 · Randomized controlled trial Source accessed: October 24, 2026 ### Cite This Page Rockrose (Cistus creticus, Cistus incanus). Herbadex — Doğal Şifa Rehberi (2026). https://herbadex.com/en/herb/rockrose/ ## Related guides and comparisons - [How to Prepare Herbal Tea](https://herbadex.com/en/guide/how-to-prepare-herbal-tea/) - [Herbal Products in Pregnancy and Breastfeeding](https://herbadex.com/en/guide/herbal-products-in-pregnancy/) ## On this page At a glance What is it used for? How is it used? Safety & interactions Frequently asked questions Sources Related herbs ## Related herbs ### [Peppermint Oil](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/peppermint-oil/) A Strong clinical evidence Mentha × piperita Gastro-resistant peppermint oil capsules may ease IBS cramps, wind and pain; oil rubbed on the forehead may ease mild tension headache. [Digestion](https://herbadex.com/en/for/digestion/) [Joints, Bones & Pain](https://herbadex.com/en/for/joints-pain/) +1 [Essential Oil](https://herbadex.com/en/form/essential-oil/) ### [Anise](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/anise/) B Limited clinical evidence Pimpinella anisum Aniseed tea is traditionally used for mild digestive complaints such as bloating and wind, and for cough that comes with a cold. [Digestion](https://herbadex.com/en/for/digestion/) [Respiratory, Throat & Mouth](https://herbadex.com/en/for/respiratory/) [Seed](https://herbadex.com/en/form/seed/) ### [Black Elderberry Fruit](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/black-elderberry-fruit/) B Limited clinical evidence Sambucus nigra L. Black elderberry is an anthocyanin-rich fruit studied for cold symptoms, but clinical evidence is limited. Raw or unripe berries should not be eaten. [Respiratory, Throat & Mouth](https://herbadex.com/en/for/respiratory/) [Dried Herb & Tea](https://herbadex.com/en/form/dried-herb-tea/) ### [Black Seed](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/black-seed/) B Limited clinical evidence Nigella sativa A spice seed for which small studies saw modest falls in blood sugar, cholesterol and blood pressure. Kitchen amounts are safe. 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[Respiratory, Throat & Mouth](https://herbadex.com/en/for/respiratory/) [Digestion](https://herbadex.com/en/for/digestion/) +1 [Dried Herb & Tea](https://herbadex.com/en/form/dried-herb-tea/) ## Other herbs in the same preparation form (Dried Herb & Tea) [Dried Herb & Tea →](https://herbadex.com/en/form/dried-herb-tea/) ### [Psyllium Husk](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/psyllium-husk/) A Strong clinical evidence Plantago ovata Taken with plenty of water, psyllium husk helps soften stools in constipation; keep a gap between it and other medicines. [Digestion](https://herbadex.com/en/for/digestion/) [Heart & Circulation](https://herbadex.com/en/for/heart-circulation/) [Dried Herb & Tea](https://herbadex.com/en/form/dried-herb-tea/) ### [St. John's Wort](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/st-johns-wort/) A Strong clinical evidence Hypericum perforatum St John's wort extract may help with mild to moderate depressive episodes, but it seriously interacts with many medicines, including the pill. [Sleep, Stress & Mood](https://herbadex.com/en/for/sleep-stress/) [Digestion](https://herbadex.com/en/for/digestion/) [Dried Herb & Tea](https://herbadex.com/en/form/dried-herb-tea/) ### [Black Tea](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/black-tea/) A Strong clinical evidence Camellia sinensis Its caffeine can increase attention and alertness. Observational studies link regular tea drinking to lower cardiovascular risk. [Energy & Focus](https://herbadex.com/en/for/energy-focus/) [Heart & Circulation](https://herbadex.com/en/for/heart-circulation/) [Dried Herb & Tea](https://herbadex.com/en/form/dried-herb-tea/) ### [Artichoke Leaf](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/artichoke-leaf/) B Limited clinical evidence Cynara cardunculus (syn. C. scolymus) Artichoke leaf is traditionally used for indigestion with fullness, bloating and wind; it must not be used with gallbladder disease. [Digestion](https://herbadex.com/en/for/digestion/) [Dried Herb & Tea](https://herbadex.com/en/form/dried-herb-tea/) This page is for information only and is not medical advice. If you take medication, are pregnant, or have a health condition, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before use.