Last update Sept. 7, 2025

Common gum Cistus

Likely Compatibility

Fairly safe. Mild or unlikely adverse effects. Compatible under certain circumstances. Follow-up recommended. Read Commentary.

The leaves of this plant that is native from the Mediterranean basin are used. It contains essential oil (alpha-pinene and borneol, flavonoids, tannins and rich in oleoresin labdanum (do not confuse with laudanum) with toxic effect on kidney, nervous and hematologic systems. Traditional use without scientific evidence on effectiveness has been: anxiety, relief of gastric ache, muscle ache and joint pain. (Frazão 2024)

At latest update no published data on excretion into breast milk were found.

Topical use is lacking of risk but do not apply it on the breast.  It may cause contact dermatitis. (García 2001)

It is a plant that is rarely consumed and whose side effects have been little studied (Frazão 2024). It may be prudent to avoid it during breastfeeding, especially during the neonatal period (first month) and in cases of prematurity.

Suggestions made at e-lactancia are done by APILAM team of health professionals, and are based on updated scientific publications. It is not intended to replace the relationship you have with your doctor but to compound it. The pharmaceutical industry contraindicates breastfeeding, mistakenly and without scientific reasons, in most of the drug data sheets.

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Other names

Common gum Cistus is also known as


Common gum Cistus in other languages or writings:

Groups

Common gum Cistus belongs to these groups or families:

References

  1. Frazão DF, Martins-Gomes C, Díaz TS, Delgado F, Gonçalves JC, Silva AM. Labdanum Resin from Cistus ladanifer L. as a Source of Compounds with Anti-Diabetic, Neuroprotective and Anti-Proliferative Activity. Molecules. 2024 May 9;29(10). Abstract Full text (link to original source)
  2. Verdeguer M, Blázquez MA, Boira H. Chemical composition and herbicidal activity of the essential oil from a Cistus ladanifer L. population from Spain. Nat Prod Res. 2012 Abstract
  3. Sosa T, Chaves N, Alias JC, Escudero JC, Henao F, Gutiérrez-Merino C. Inhibition of mouth skeletal muscle relaxation by flavonoids of Cistus ladanifer L.: a plant defense mechanism against herbivores. J Chem Ecol. 2004 Abstract
  4. García-González JJ, Crespo V, Barber D, Miranda A, Vega-Chicote JM, Carmona MJ, Negro MA, Lombardero M, Ameal A, Barceló-Muñoz JM. Cistus ladanifer contact dermatitis. Contact Dermatitis. 2001 Abstract

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