Hystory of labdanum from Cistus Creticus

Labdanum farm - Summer 2009.

In ancient times, the resin was scraped from the fur of goats and sheep that had grazed on the cistus shrubs. It was collected by the shepherds and sold to coastal traders. The false beards worn by the pharaohs of ancient Egypt were actually the labdanum soaked hair of these goats. Later long poles with leather or cloth strips were used to sweep the shrubs and collect the resin which was later extracted.

Labdanum from Cistus Creticus / Incanus

labdanum resin.

Also known as 'European Rock Rose' and 'Cistus oil'. The gum was used since ancient times for catarrh, diarrhea, dysentery and to promote menstruation. The oil can be used for scrofulous skin conditions, ulcers and tumors, including cancer. Used as a fixative in soaps, detergents, and perfumes as well as most major food categories for flavorings, especially meats and soft drinks. Avoid during pregnancy.

The plant Cistus Creticus.

EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate)

EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate) - is considered to be the most powerful antioxidant of all the catechins.




EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate) in Cistus in Cistus Species Extracts

Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). Medicine of AIDS??

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), also known as Epigallocatechin 3-gallate, is the ester of epigallocatechin and gallic acid and a type of catechin.

EGCG is the most abundant catechin in most notably tea, among other plants, and is also a potent antioxidant that may have therapeutic properties for many disorders including cancer. It is found in green tea but not black tea, as EGCG is converted into thearubigins in black teas.

EGCG can be found in many supplements.

EGCG and HIV

There has been research investigating the benefit of EGCG from green tea in the treatment of HIV infection, where EGCG has been shown to reduce plaques related to AIDS related dementia in the laboratory, as well as block gp120. However, these effects have yet to be confirmed in live human trials, and it does not imply that green tea will cure or block HIV infection, but it may help regulate viral load as long as it is not involved in adverse drug reactions. The concentrations of EGCG used in the studies could not be reached by drinking green tea. More study into EGCG and HIV is currently underway.

Drug Interactions

A recent study using mouse models at the University of Southern California showed that, in contrast to the myriad benefits commonly associated with green tea and green tea extract (GTE), EGCG binds with the anti-cancer drug Velcade, significantly reducing its bioavailability and thereby rendering it therapeutically useless. Dr. Schönthal, who headed the study, suggests that consumption of green tea and GTE products be strongly contraindicated for patients undergoing treatment for multiple myeloma and mantle cell lymphoma.

Epiphany

Three kings: Gaspar, Melchior and Balthasar


The term epiphany means "to show" or "to make known" or even "to reveal." In many Western churches, it celebrates the arrival of the wise men bringing gifts to the Christ child at the manger in Bethlehem. Actually, though, the Bible says they arrived at "the house". In terms of time sequence, it may actually have been as much as three years after Jesus' birth. In any case, in coming to honor Jesus, they "revealed" Jesus to the world as Lord and King.

Epiphany goes by other names in various church traditions. In Hispanic and Latin culture, as well as some places in Europe, it is known as Three Kings’ Day (Spanish: el Dia de los Tres Reyes, la Fiesta de Reyes, or el Dia de los Reyes Magos; Dutch: Driekoningendag). In the Eastern churches it is known as the Theophany. The Catholic Encyclopedia mentions that Jesus' birth, the visit of the Magi, and his baptism were once all celebrated on January 6th.

The gifts

The tradition of giving Christmas gifts stems from the Wise Men (Magi). Their gifts to Jesus were quite costly... gold, incense (frankincense), and myrrh. Bringing gifts was very important in the ancient East when visiting a superior. The gifts of the wise men foreshadowed the reality of Jesus.

* Gold was a gift fit for a King.

* Frankincense is a glittering resin obtained from several trees. It has a wonderful smell when burnt, so it was used in worship at the Temple.

* Myrrh was a sweet-smelling spice, probably the aromatic gum exuded from the leaves of the cistus rose. Its oil was used in beauty treatments, and it was sometimes mixed with wine and drunk to relieve pain. And it had one other use - a perfume used in embalming. It was used in preparing Jesus' body for burial. Both frankincense and myrrh are still expensive today.

The Wise Men may have also brought myrrh for the baby Jesus for another reason -- it was used as a salve for skin irritations. Babies often get skin rashes (we'd call it "diaper rash".)

Labdanum resin – Cistus Cretiucus / Cistus villosus var. creticus - from Northern Crete.

The fragrance of Labdanum is very complex. This waxy resin produces a balsamlike, woody, earthy, marshy, smoky, ambergrislike, leathery, flowery, honeylike, mintlike fragrance with hints of plum or oakmoss after a rain. Labdanum has fascinated people for many centuries. It is said to reach deep into our subconscious and bring back memories, pictures, feelings and moods. Labdanum originates from the rockrose bush, which emits a resinous dark brown mass from its leaves and twigs. To this day it is still gathered by driving goats into the thick forests overgrown with labdanum bushes. The goats eat their fill from the branches and the sticky resin gets stuck on their beards. When they return, their owners carefully comb the resin our of their beards. Another technique, in use as late as the 18th century, consisted of brushing young cistus bushes with a kind of whip, consisting of leather thongs which, once covered with resin, were scraped. Labdanum strengthens the body and provides warmth and sensuality. It is very grounding. The Japanese use Labdanum in their Neriko mixtures, which are used during tea ceremony. Egyptians used it in their Kyphi mixtures and the Hebrews burned it in their temples.

Do not fear the fig bearers by Elena Vosnaki.Perfume shine in FRAGRANTICA

Figs and fig-trees have an illustrious history behind them and, if the wood carvings dating from the Middle Ages and the Renaissance are any indication, they formed part of the Garden of Eden - their wide leaves serving as the first within reach medium of modesty after the Lapse from Heaven.

The philosopher Plato was more interested in their mental-stirring qualities rather than practical ones, claiming that figs stimulate intelligence and alongside him all the ancient Mediterranean civilizations prized figs for their hearty flesh, their nectarous quality, the health benefits they imparted and the precious advantage of being able to be dried for consuming during wintertime.

Dried, candied figs are still sold throughout the Middle East and the Eastern Mediterranean as a delicacy that harkens back to those times. Such was the importance placed on them that in classical Athens (a significant trade center) the term sycophant/συκοφάντης (literally “revealer of figs”) was coined for those who snitched on the poachers of figs.

ALL ARTICLE......

Olive oil.

Olive oil is a fruit oil obtained from the olive (Olea europaea; family Oleaceae), a traditional tree crop of the Mediterranean Basin. The wild olive tree originated in Asia Minor and spread from there as far as southern Africa, Australia, Japan and China. It is commonly used in cooking, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and soaps and as a fuel for traditional oil lamps. Olive oil is used throughout the world, but especially in the Mediterranean.

Traditional medicine for the flu, from Crete.

Labdanum from Cistus Incanus + olive oil + raki.

1. Labdanum from Cistus Incanus

2. Creta Olive oil
3.Creta Raki.

The Antioxidant Activity of Polyphenols in Olive Oil Has Shown Promising Results with Respect to:

ATHEROSCLEROSIS.
Oxidized low-density lipoproteins (LDL) contribute to the progression of human atherosclerosis. Antioxidants have been shown to prevent LDL modification. The beneficial effects of a Mediterranean diet may be defined by the unique antioxidant properties of its phenolic compounds.

ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY.
Olive polyphenols have been demonstrated to inhibit or delay the rate of growth bacteria such as Salmonella, Cholera, Staphylococcus, Pseudomonas, and Influenza in vitro. These data suggest a potential role of olive water polyphenol antioxidants in promoting intestinal and respiratory human and animal wellness, and as an antimicrobial food additive in pest management programs.

CANCER.
There is a growing body of evidence that reactive oxygen species are involved in the etiology of fat-related neoplasm, especially in patients suffering from predisposing inflammatory conditions where high quantities of reactive oxygen are produced. Recent studies have shown that the abundant phenolic antioxidant fractions of olive oil have a potent inhibitory ability on reactive oxygen species associated with colon and breast pathologies.

OXIDATIVE STRESS FROM PASSIVE SMOKING
Recent studies which involve administration of the phenolic fraction from olive water in rats exposed to oxidative stress from secondary smoke, show a dramatic reduction of stress and protective activity by polyphenols in the diet.

SKIN DAMAGE AND PHOTOPROTECTION.
The skin damage produced by overexposure to sun rays and environmental stress is related to the destructive activity of free oxygen related radicals produced by skin cells. Polyphenolic components of olive oil have been compared to traditional antioxidants, such as tocopherols, used by the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industry to prevent skin damage. Results show polyphenols as having the highest activity as radical scavengers

History of Olive Oil in Crete

The olive was believed to have first made its appearance in the third millenium BC in the Middle East and consequently spread throughout the Aegean Islands, Greece and other Mediterranean regions.

However, new fossil findings of olive tree leaves (Olea Europea) dating back 50 to 60 thousand years were discovered by Professor E. Velitzelos along strata of the volcanic crater in Santorini (Thera). Later, on the island of Nisyros, more such findings proved its indigenous existence in the greater region of the Aegean thousands of years ago.

The first inhabitants of Crete, is considered that, besides other crops, they occasionally collected and ate the fruit of the wild olive tree (Olea oleaster), from as far back as the Neolithic Period (6000-3000 BC).

Later on, during the 3rd millennium B.C, the inhabitants of Crete start the cultivation of the olive-tree and during the 2nd millennium proceed to its systematic exploitation.

On Minoan Crete, after 2000 BC, the olive assumes prominence in the royal economy of Knossos and is later passed on to the economy and life of Mycenaean Greece.

There was a great number of uses for olive oil in Minoan Crete. It was used either fragranced or not for cosmetic purposes, for religious ceremonies, as a body ointment, as a therapeutic substance, as a lubricant and as fuel for lamps.

Ideogramms depicting the olive tree, its crop and olive oil found in Linear A and B tablets, consist the evidence for Minoan's occupation with the olive tree and its produce, from 1800 BC.

Many archaeological finds bear testimony to the dominant position of the olive in Minoan Crete.

Wall-paintings, tools, installations and inscriptions serve as proof of the importance placed by the Minoans on the production, storage and merchandising of olive oil as far back as 1700 BC.

A bowl of olives (1450 BC) found in a well in the palace of Zakros, Eastern Crete, shows that Cretans of the Minoan Period included olives in their diet.

In the following centuries, between 700 - 400 B.C, the olive and the olive-oil acquired a special importance all over Greece. Philosophers Anaxagoras and Empedocles investigate the history of olive, Aristoteles describes its cultivation, Solon legislates its protection and Platon teaches in its shade.

Godess Athena who, according to the Cretan Mythology was born on the shores of river Triton in Crete, won the contest against God Poseidon about naming the city of Athens, as the famous Greek myth says, by offering to the humanity an olive-tree, symbol of peace, wisdom and prosperity.

Creta Raki

The national drink of Crete is raki (tsikoudia). This is a strong clear liquor which contains about 40% alcohol. It's distilled from the dregs left after the wine is pressed from grapes. These dregs are called the wine-must.

The first Greek raki was distilled in the fourteenth century by monks in the province of Macedonia in northern Greece. From there, the drink distillation method spread throughout Greece. Especially in poor regions people started to produce the drink.

Raki is the Turkish name for a similar drink; although it tastes different the same name is also used on Crete. The Turkish raki is made from prunes and figs instead of wine. It's believed that the name raki derives from the word Iraq (Iraqi).

Everywhere over Crete people are making raki and many small villages have a, whether or not legal, distillery (or Rakizio). Farmers from vineyards save their wine-must in large tanks at their farm. The must remains here for about a month, in the middle of the sun, so the lot could have a little yeast. After this, the winegrowers bring the wine to the distillery in their village, to brew the raki. After this the vintage is celebrated with great family parties and a lot of wine and raki, of course.

The distillation of the wine-must takes approximately 3 hours. The liquid is boiled twice to make sure all hazardous substances, such as methanol, are removed from the drink. At the beginning of the distillation a high alcoholic beverage comes out of the distilling boiler. Later, the percentage lowers. At the end, all the beverage is mixed together to reach an alcohol percentage of 40. However, a (much) higher percentage is of course also possible.

Raki has a very strong flavor and for inexperienced drinkers it is perhaps difficult to keep one shot glass of the stuff inside. The taste of raki is somewhat similar to the Greek ouzo without anise. The taste seems a bit like gin / vodka. It is said that if you drink good and pure raki you won't have a hangover the next day. It is impolite to refuse a glass of raki when someone offers it to you. When you really don't want to drink any more raki, it is wise to not totally empty your glass. The host will otherwise continue to fill it over and over.

The raki which is offered at tourist resorts is often of low quality and not tasty. In some villages you can visit a distillery. The raki, which is offered there is generally of much better quality. When you drive on the island you may come against a small distillery. A visit can be funny, if you do not come with an empty stomach.

Cretan Raki and Wine.

Raki - The fire water

Raki is the unique local Cretan drink that is distilled from what is left over from treading the grapes- marc, must and grape skins. It is a very strong alcoholic drink with an alcohol volume of 40% and is also known as "fire water" among the tourists.

Raki is produced in late August and September and the distillation which is called "kazanemata" is accompanied by great celebrations where meat is grilled and the newly produced Raki is tested. Visitors are always welcome to these events and are also given some "shots" of the drink. This can be an exceptional experience but do not try to compete with the locals at the consumption because you could get really drunk!

Wine

Viticulture and wine production was flourishing in ancient Greece. The ancient Greeks considered wine as an essential pert of their life and they even created divinities for the wine. The same thing applies to Crete, as the Cretan were familiar with the cultivation of grapes from the early days and remains of wine-presses have been found at Cretan palaces. The climate of the island is ideal for the vineyards, with lots of sunshine and high temperatures.

Many areas of Crete are famous for their wine, some of them are Archanes, Peza and Dafnes where a wine festival is held every summer.

Fatty Acid Catabolism Higher Due To Polyphenol Intake

ScienceDaily (May 14, 2007) — Polyphenols, dietary substances from vegetables, fruits and green tea, bring about a change in the energy metabolism. Dutch researcher Vincent de Boer has discovered that polyphenols increase the fatty acid breakdown in rats and influence the glucose use in fat cells.

More in Science News......

Back to Black by By Kilian - perfume with nota labdanum.

New fragrance by the niche house of By Kilian.

The fragrance is presented as an edition which will be a favourite both to men and women. Official notes of By Kilian Back to Black: Aphrodisiac: bergamot, saffron, nutmeg, cardamom, coriander, raspberry, chamomile, olibanum, honey, cedar, oak, tobacco, patchouli, almond, vanilla and labdanum.

The perfume is available in a black flacon, typical of By Kilian.

Cistus Incanus - Polyphenol - medicine of cold and flu. (part 2)

The 1999 European Herbal Medicinal Plant of the Year is now coming into its own as a super immune booster against colds, seasonal and pandemic influenza and other respiratory illnesses. A research paper submitted by scientists to The Macrae Group 2009 Symposia states, in part -

"Moreover, neuraminidase inhibitors the most common anti-influenza agents are less effective against new H5N1 isolates. In this regard, we were able to show that a polyphenol rich plant extract from a special variety of Cistus incanus named Cystus052 exhibits antiviral activity against influenza viruses in vitro, in a mouse model and a randomized, placebo controlled clinical study. The recovery from clinical symptoms was 2.5 days faster in the Cystus052 group compared to patients taken the placebo. The protective effect of Cystus052 appears to be mainly due to binding of the polymeric polyphenol components of the extract to the virus surface, thereby inhibiting binding of the hemagglutinin to cellular receptors. The antiviral potential of Cystus052 against seven H5N1 viruses by IC50, EC50, Km, Vmax and Ki values indicated that Cystus052 was much more potent than oseltamivir. In addition, using an in vitro infectivity inhibition assay we found that a single treatment of Cystus052 was up to 100-fold more effective against these H5N1 viruses compared to oseltamivir, during the first 24 hours after infection.

We conclude that Cystus052 given prior to infection might be an effective antiviral with prophylactic potential against influenza viruses including A/H5N1."

from Site

Polyphenol antioxidant

A polyphenol antioxidant is a type of antioxidant characterized by the presence of several phenol functions.

In human health these compounds, numbering over 4000 distinct species, are thought to be instrumental in combating oxidative stress, a syndrome causative of some neurodegenerative diseases and some cardiovascular diseases..

For more information about the topic Polyphenol antioxidant, read the full article at Wikipedia.org, or see the following related articles:

Isoflavone — Isoflavones are a class of organic compounds and biomolecules related to the flavonoids. They are acting as phytoestrogens that are thought of by ... > read more

Antioxidant — An antioxidant is a chemical that reduces the rate of particular oxidation reactions in a specific context, where oxidation reactions are chemical ... > read more

Radical (chemistry) — In chemistry, radicals (often referred to as free radicals) are atomic or molecular species with unpaired electrons on an otherwise open shell ... > read more

Mediterranean diet — The Mediterranean diet is a modern nutritional model inspired by the traditional dietary patterns of some of the countries of the Mediterranean ... > read more

• Cistus Incanus is a beautiful little shrub with one of the richest sources of polyphenol.

Cistus Incanus - Northern Crete - Summertime. ???

Cistus Incanus in Northen Crete is wild plant.

Only Cistus Incanus, only Northern Crete, onmly Summertime, products labdanum.

Is this plant for this place at this time more srrong ??????????????????????????????????

Chemical In Red Wine, Fruits And Vegetables May Stop Cancer, Heart Disease, Depending On The Dose

ScienceDaily (Nov. 1, 2007) — The next cancer drug might come straight from the grocery store, according to new research published in the November 2007 issue of The FASEB Journal. In the study, French scientists describe how high and low doses of polyphenols have different effects.

Most notably, they found that very high doses of antioxidant polyphenols shut down and prevent cancerous tumors by cutting off the formation of new blood vessels needed for tumor growth. Polyphenols are commonly found in red wine, fruits, vegetables, and green tea.

At relatively low doses, the French researchers found that the same polyphenols play a beneficial role for those with diseased hearts and circulatory systems by facilitating blood vessel growth. The amount of polyphenols necessary for this effect was found to be the equivalent of only one glass of red wine per day or simply sticking to a healthy diet of fruits and vegetables containing polyphenols. This diet is known as the "Mediterranean Diet."

According to the authors, the amount of polyphenols necessary to obtain an anti-cancer effect is the equivalent of drinking about a bottle of red wine each day. This amount of daily alcohol consumption obviously is unhealthy, but the research suggests that polyphenols extracted from plants or red wine could be converted into a pill that is highly likely to be safe. Such a pill also would be relatively easy and inexpensive to create and deliver.

more read......

...........
Where else do you find Polyphenols?

Polyphenols can be found in

1.fruit,

2.vegetables,

3.red wine,

4.green tea

5.but the highest concentration of Polyphenols is only found in the CISTUS INCANUS.