Labdanum Absolute

The labdanum also known as the rock rose is has a balsamic and tangy smell which is quite pleasing to the senses. It has been used as a healing herb since time immemorial and aids in combating certain diseases. It originated from the eastern Mediterranean and is also found in the western Mediterranean lands. In the ancient times labdanum was collected by combing the legs of the goats and sheep which grazed on the cistus shrubs. However in the 19th century wooden tools called cretes were used to rake the labdanum from the shrubs. The tool resembled a rake with wooden teeth. Oil The labdanum oil is thick viscous semi solid oil which is dark amber green in color and needs to be given gentle heating to be poured out more easily. However it requires fast action because it solidifies almost immediately and might need reheating Extraction The labdanum absolute is extracted via the resin which is obtained from the solvent extraction method; it is collected from the leaves of the labdanum plant