What do you smell these days on the Adriatic coast?
A walk around Kamenjak in Croatia always makes my nose really itch. In the best possible way. A step to the left can mean the spicy scent of immortelle, and again to the right the sweet, musky and herbal scent of something that awakens very special memories in me. You never forget that smell. For several years now since my experience with it, I have been chasing traces of it in the air, especially in May, when I go on long walks around this beautiful cape and crunch all sorts of leaves between my fingers to find out what actually creates this characteristic smell, aroma, or which variety contributes the most to it.
You know it because it's the scent that promises summer, which intensifies as temperatures rise and lingers in the air long after the plant has shed all its flowers.
You can smell it on the parched, sun-exposed, and poor rocky soils all along the Adriatic coast and much further afield. But let's stay here, where most of us spend at least part of our free days each year.
I'm not a huge fan of summers on the Croatian coast, so I spend my days here on a quieter note. When the beaches are still empty, when nature is peaceful and green, and the temperatures are more "workable," there's peace and a colorful palette of scents in the air.
Upper Kamenjak (photo: personal archive)
If you are not an aroma enthusiast or have not yet discovered this love within yourself, I am sharing with you my insights about the plant I love so much; the brškina.
Why him?
Years ago, on one of our family trips, we took a detour into the interior of Portugal, following a recommendation, where we had the opportunity to harvest and distill cistus in picturesque and idyllic surroundings.
Cistus distillation in Portugal
The owners of the distillery, Marju and Marko, left their home and well-paid jobs in Lisbon and moved with their family to the northeast of Portugal, where they bought an old mill next to a crystal-clear spring and converted it into a distillery.
Mill by the stream, Portugal (photo: personal archive)
We drove through citrus groves in Marko's tractor into the forest, where countless Cistus Ladanifer L. bushes flourish as undergrowth.
Orange and lemon trees (photo: personal archive)
Cistus harvest, Portugal (photo: personal archive)
A musky, sharp, sweet, spicy, herbal scent filled the room as the first drops flowed into the separator. Suddenly my son, then a mischievous ten-year-old, turns to me and exclaims: “Mom, this is just like your perfume!”
It's true, labdanum, a resin secreted by all parts of the Cistus Ladanifer plant as a defense mechanism against high temperatures, is found in the form of an absolute in my favorite perfume, the iconic Chanel No. 5. This is just a reminder of how sharp children's noses are and how good it is to train them at an early age, as they perceive nuances that we adults can hardly do without special training.
I still have a bottle of brškina essential oil and its hydrolate, both of which are still in great shape. In fact, they seem to have improved over the years, so they still serve as a great source of memories and daydreams ;).
Cistus Ladanifer is found in several forms of extracts. The most common extraction process is steam distillation of the whole plant, which yields essential oil and hydrolate.
The third form is the absolute, which is obtained from a resin called labdanum. The absolute also has the same name. While the first two are used in aromatherapy and natural cosmetics (astringent and antimicrobial action), labdanum is today valued as a base and base note in natural and conventional perfumery, as it gives perfumes depth, sweetness and a leathery, ambery scent.
Cistus Ladanifer or labdanum and labdanum are therefore not one and the same!
Brškin on the Adriatic
Something similar, only gentler and less intense, tempts and teases me on my walks around Kamenjak. I know that Brškin also grows on the Adriatic, but I never knew much about the varieties growing here. Croatian sources list three, two of which I caught on camera this year so that I could later identify them and finally research which one gives off this characteristic Mediterranean scent.
Literature says that the following thrive along the Adriatic coast:
Cistus salviifolius (sage-leaved rockrose)
Cistus monspeliensis (narrow-leaved or sticky rockrose or sticky bush)
Cistus x incanus; also Cistus creticus (gray brškin or pink bushin, wild wormwood hr. )
Cistus monspeliensis (photo: personal archive)
Cistus x incanus (photo: personal archive)
The latter two varieties also grow on Kamenjak near Pula, but labdanum (in addition to Cistus ladanifer, which grows on the northern coast of Africa and in the western Mediterranean) is only produced by Cistus creticus , and hence the intoxicating scents that will only intensify with more sunlight and rising temperatures.
Cistus have therapeutic properties and are known for their beneficial effects. Although their aromas are milder, essential oils from varieties that grow in our neighbors have also been well studied. You can read about the phytochemical and antimicrobial properties of individual cistus varieties here. The latest research attributes very good antiviral properties to cistus, and they are also full of flavonoids, which are known for their anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic and anti-tumor properties.
A study comparing the effects of C. incanus and C. ladanifer extracts indicates the extremely beneficial effects of different Cistus varieties on skin health and appearance; both have exceptional antioxidant properties, inhibit tyrosinase activity (increased concentrations of this enzyme can lead to melanoma) and have UV protection potential. We will certainly hear a lot more about rockrose in natural cosmetics in the future.
Preparing bramble tea
Pick leaves and flowers in nice and sunny weather!
Dry both in a shady and airy place. Crush the dried herb and pour approx. 3 g (1 tablespoon) with 1/2 liter of boiling water. After 5 minutes, strain the tea and drink it fresh. If you are going to add honey to the tea, let the tea cool to 40 degrees.
Tea strengthens the immune system and increases its resistance. There are already promising studies showing its antibacterial effects, as daily rinsing of the mouth with brškina tea reduces bacterial colonization.
The Brškin flower blooms here from April to the end of June, hurry up and stock up on Mediterranean herbs in your home pharmacy!
Until next time,
Daria
72 comments
I don’t have time beating around the bush, instead I go straight to the point…. So to you doubters I ain’t expecting you all to believe my testimony but only the few chosen ones by God. In a short summary, I’m here to tell the whole world that I recently got cured from my long term herpes disease, both the HSV1 and HSV2 through the assistance of Herbalist doctor Oyagu I pray God continually blesses Dr Oyagu in all he does, because he is indeed a very good, nice and powerful doctor. I’m cured of herpes disease at last! Wow I’m so much in great joy because I’ve never in my life believed herbs works, but meeting doctor Oyagu was an eye opener and he made me believe that herpes truly got a complete cure. I used the doctor’s herbal medicine for just two weeks and I was totally cured from both my HSV1 and HSV2. I’m so excited. For help and assistance in getting rid of your herpes virus you can Call/WhatsApp doctor Oyagu on his telephone number: +2348101755322 or for more inquiries you can as well contact the doctor on EMAIL: oyaguherbalhome@gmail.com
I want everyone to know that finally there’s a cure for herpes virus because I have tested negative twice since I finished drinking a herbal medicine that I ordered from a herbalist called Dr Oyagu through his website: (https://oyaguspellcaster.wixsite.com/oyaguherbalhome ) I used to believe there’s no cure for the virus because that’s what they all say until I tried a herbal medicine and now I’m totally cured so I would advise anyone with herpes virus to quickly visit his website and order for the herbal cure as well’ I contacted him through his website then we talked and I provided my address as he requested then I received the medication in less than a week. He is a real traditional herbal medicine doctor.
I have been suffering from a deadly disease (Hsv) for the past 2 years now, I had spent a lot of money going from one places to another, from churches to churches, hospitals have been my home every day residence. Constant checks up have been my hobby not until this faithful day, I was searching through the internet, I saw a testimony on how Dr Oyagu helped someone in curing his (Hsv) herpes disease, quickly I copied his email which is oyaguherbalhome@gmail.com just to give him a test I spoke to him, he asked me to do some certain things which I did, he told me that he is going to provide the herbal cure to me, which he did, then he asked me to go for medical checkup after some days after using the herbal cure, behold I was free from the deadly disease, he only asked me to post the testimony through the whole world, faithfully am doing it now, please brothers and sisters, he is great, I owe him in return. if you are having a similar problem just email him on oyaguherbalhome@gmail.com visit his website https://oyaguspellcaster.wixsite.com/oyaguherbalhome Or WhatsApp him via +2348101755322
Healing successor Dr Agbomian Sunday! I am posting this Really hoping I give some hope to those families that deal with chronic pain such as herpes, diabetes, cancer etc I saw a huge improvement in just a few days and feel like its actually going, So happy to report that I have seen an unbelievable huge improvement on my Herpes after being cured with the use of Natural medication…In just less than two weeks!! More energy, no pain actually and not been on flares. I feel great and amazing, smiling and laughing so much now, less anxiety and less repetitive questions, aches and fatigue complaints which has pretty been issues in the struggle etc. These Dr Agbomian Sunday Herbal medications are also known by many to work for arthritis, Diabetes, insomnia, anxiety, depression, Crohn’s, PTSD, COPD, HPV, IBS and lots of conditions They ship worldwide . kindly contact his Gmail: Dragbomianherbalcured77@gmail.com or Whatsapp +2349153314157.
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@agbomianherbalmedication
My husband and I have been infected with HPV although I was the coursed I cheated on my husband it was when I contracted the virus for the pasted 3 years this has been a deeply situation so embarrassed every-time I looked at my self I just pissed off the virus was getting over my life. just to make the story short, few weeks ago I found a herbalist Dr. online who has cured Hpv patients with 100% excellent result and I inquire the treatment me and my husband taking it for two weeks and we got cured I just want to use this medium to thanks Dr Oyagu for his wonderful treatment he so-much saved us out from this virus. his information been attached to my post you can reach out to him via, WhatsApp number +2348101755322 . or email oyaguherbalhome@gmail.com He is capable of curing HIV/AIDS, HERPES, HPV, HSV1&2, CANCER of all kinds, DIABETES and so many other infections. I’m so glad I found you, on Google https://oyaguspellcaster.wixsite.com/oyaguherbalhome
I’m so happy my husband is back! Thanks to Dr. Excellent for saving my marriage. My name is Heather Delaney. I married the love of my life Riley on 10/02/15 and we now have two beautiful girls Abby & Erin, who are conjoined twins, that were born 07/24/16. My husband left me and moved to be with another woman. I felt my life was over and my kids thought they would never see their father again. I tried to be strong just for the kids but I could not control the pains that tormented my heart, my heart was filled with sorrows and pains because I was really in love with my husband. I have tried many options but he did not come back, until i met a friend that directed me to Dr. Excellent a spell caster, who helped me to bring back my husband after 11hours. Me and my husband are living happily together again, This man is powerful, contact Dr. Excellent if you are passing through any difficulty in life or having troubles in your marriage or relationship, he is capable of making things right for you. Here his contact. Call/WhatsApp him at: +2348084273514 "Or email him at: Excellentspellcaster@gmail.com ,For more information visit his website:https://drexcellentspellcaster.godaddysites.com
I’m so happy my husband is back! Thanks to Dr. Excellent for saving my marriage. My name is Heather Delaney. I married the love of my life Riley on 10/02/15 and we now have two beautiful girls Abby & Erin, who are conjoined twins, that were born 07/24/16. My husband left me and moved to be with another woman. I felt my life was over and my kids thought they would never see their father again. I tried to be strong just for the kids but I could not control the pains that tormented my heart, my heart was filled with sorrows and pains because I was really in love with my husband. I have tried many options but he did not come back, until i met a friend that directed me to Dr. Excellent a spell caster, who helped me to bring back my husband after 11hours. Me and my husband are living happily together again, This man is powerful, contact Dr. Excellent if you are passing through any difficulty in life or having troubles in your marriage or relationship, he is capable of making things right for you. Here his contact. Call/WhatsApp him at: +2348084273514 "Or email him at: Excellentspellcaster@gmail.com ,For more information visit his website:https://drexcellentspellcaster.godaddysites.com
Does anyone still doubt natural herbs? I’ve seen the great importance of natural herbs and the wonderful work they have done in people’s lives. I wonder why people still spend their money on surgery, injections and drugs each time they are sick. Natural herbs can cure all kinds of illnesses including Herpes, Diabetics, Asthma, HIV, Hepatitis, Etc. I’ve seen it with my own eyes. I was cured of (Hepatitis B) and my Sister and her Husband were cured of (Herpes Virus) by Dr Lucky who uses natural herbs to cure different kinds of illness. Even Dr Lucky proved to the whole world that natural herbs can cure all diseases and he cured countless people using natural herbs. I know it is hard to believe but I am a living testimony. There is no harm in trying herbs. Trust the process ( Contact Dr Lucky on his Email Address:’ ( drluckyherbalcure@gmail.com ) or WhatsApp him no: ( +2347071651140 ) And his also on facebook, so Follow, Like and Comment:. https://www.facebook.com/remedyforherpes Thanks 😘
My husband and I have been infected with HPV although I was the coursed I cheated on my husband it was when I contracted the virus for the pasted 3 years this has been a deeply situation so embarrassed every-time I looked at my self I just pissed off the virus was getting over my life. just to make the story short, few weeks ago I found a herbalist Dr. online who has cured Hpv patients with 100% excellent result and I inquire the treatment me and my husband taking it for two weeks and we got cured I just want to use this medium to thanks Dr Oyagu for his wonderful treatment he so-much saved us out from this virus. his information been attached to my post you can reach out to him via, WhatsApp number +2348101755322 . or email oyaguherbalhome@gmail.com He is capable of curing HIV/AIDS, HERPES, HPV, HSV1&2, CANCER of all kinds, DIABETES and so many other infections. I’m so glad I found you, on Google https://oyaguspellcaster.wixsite.com/oyaguherbalhome
Good luck to anyone reading this true life story of mine, I Was Diagnosed With type 2 Herpes Virus Last year, And I Was Looking For Solution To Be Cured Luckily I Saw Testimonies On How Dr OYAGU Cure Herpes Virus I Decided To Contact Dr OYAGU I Contacted Him He Prepared A Herbal Medicine Portion And Sent It To Me, I Started The Herbal Medicine For My Health. He Gave Me Step By Step Instructions On How To Apply It, When I Applied It As Instructed, I Was Cured Of This Deadly Herpes Within 2 weeks, I Am Now Herpes Negative. My Brother And Sister I No That There Are So Many People That Have The Same Herpes Virus Please contact Dr OYAGU To Help You Too, And Help Me To Thank Dr OYAGU For Cure Me, I’m Cured By Dr. OYAGU Herbal Medicine, His Contact Email:oyaguherbalhome@gmail.com or visit his website https://oyaguspellcaster.wixsite.com/oyaguherbalhome Or Cell WhatsApp Number +2348101755322 thank you
Professional Crypto Assets Recovery services from Alpha Recovery Experts
If you have been a victim of a fraudulent investment firm, the consequences can be devastating, both financially and emotionally. However, there is hope for recuperation with the help of professionals like ALPHA RECOVERY EXPERTS. With their experience in financial fraud investigation and recovery services, they can guide you through the complex process of recovering your assets and bringing the culpable parties accountable. By conducting thorough investigations, uncovering evidence of wrongdoing, and working tirelessly on your behalf, ALPHA RECOVERY EXPERTS can assist in recovering your losses and providing you with the support needed during this challenging time. Be rest assured that you can take action to recover financial control and move past this regrettable circumstance if you have ALPHA RECOVERY EXPERTS on your side.
Mail; Add (Alpharecoveryexpert@consultant.com).
Phone / WhatsApp; +44(745)742-4681.
I TESTED POSITIVE FOR HSV-2 A FEW MONTHS AGO. At first, Yes, I was devastated thinking I have an incurable STD for life. After doing hours of research I quickly realized genital herpes is a filthy parasite that just likes to hide in your body. Yes, There’s no “medical cure” but that doesn’t mean your body can’t get rid of it. I literally flush it out of my system with the help of Doctor Ikpoko on YouTube, A natural herbal medicine which I ordered after doing some research. And now I’m HSV-2 negative, I never believed it until my doctor finally gave me the test results and behold I was HSV-2 free. I’m so glad that I found you, Dr Ikpoko on YouTube. Thanks so much for your goodness I’m grateful. You can also get your help from him through his Email } drikpoko@gmail.com https://drikpoko.wixsite.com/herbs
I thought the physicians says there is no cure for HSV 2!!! I am telling you today that DR.UMA cure HSV 2 with his herbal medicine and once you get cured you are cured forever it is never reversible, I have been suffering for this deadly disease called HSV 2 for more than 2years and I lost all hope because my doctor says there is no cure for HSV 2. Brethren I saw a testimony on the internet on how DR.UMA cure HSV, Hapatitis etc with his herbal medication and an email and watsapp to contact him was also displayed, I thought this was a joke but I decided to contact him and he replied telling me not to worry that my problem is over . DR.UMA sent me a herbal medication to drink for one month but only 2weeks I feel strange and I went to my doctor and he confirmed me negative. He can help you too. Contact him via email…dr.umaherbalcenter@gmail.com WhatsApp +2347035619585. He is capable of curing AUTISM, HERPES, HPV, HSV1&2, HEPATITIS A B C, and DIABETES.
I thought the physicians says there is no cure for HSV 2!!! I am telling you today that DR.UMA cure HSV 2 with his herbal medicine and once you get cured you are cured forever it is never reversible, I have been suffering for this deadly disease called HSV 2 for more than 2years and I lost all hope because my doctor says there is no cure for HSV 2. Brethren I saw a testimony on the internet on how DR.UMA cure HSV, Hapatitis etc with his herbal medication and an email and watsapp to contact him was also displayed, I thought this was a joke but I decided to contact him and he replied telling me not to worry that my problem is over . DR.UMA sent me a herbal medication to drink for one month but only 2weeks I feel strange and I went to my doctor and he confirmed me negative. He can help you too. Contact him via email…dr.umaherbalcenter@gmail.com WhatsApp +2347035619585. He is capable of curing AUTISM, HERPES, HPV, HSV1&2, HEPATITIS A B C, and DIABETES.
I was diagnosed with HSV type 2 and have been dealing with it for the past two years. Recently, I came across online reviews about natural cures, where people shared their success stories of recovery through herbal treatments. After learning more, I decided to order the herbal treatment they mentioned. After taking it for just two weeks, I was completely cured! I highly recommend anyone who has been diagnosed with HSV type 2 or other similar viruses consider this treatment. You can contact Dr Lucky for more information. WhatsApp Him +2347071651140 Doctor Lucky Herbal Cure and Email drluckyherbalcure@gmail.com Also Text and Follow Him https://www.facebook.com/remedyforherpes
I was diagnosed with HSV type 2 and have been dealing with it for the past two years. Recently, I came across online reviews about natural cures, where people shared their success stories of recovery through herbal treatments. After learning more, I decided to order the herbal treatment they mentioned. After taking it for just two weeks, I was completely cured! I highly recommend anyone who has been diagnosed with HSV type 2 or other similar viruses consider this treatment. You can contact Dr Lucky for more information. WhatsApp Him +2347071651140 Doctor Lucky Herbal Cure and Email drluckyherbalcure@gmail.com Also Text and Follow Him https://www.facebook.com/remedyforherpes
Get rid of all kinds of Herpes and virus infections, Diabetes, Hepatitis A B C, Menopause and HIV with Natural Roots and Herbs, i was once infected with HERPES and after using Dr UMA Herbal Medicine for couple of weeks i couldn’t trace it anymore, i even went for checkup and my test came out Negative. Get your cure today from this wonderful herbalist, Dr. UMA.
You can also reach doctor UMA on WhatsApp
+2347035619585 or Email dr.umaherbalcenter@gmail.com.
Hello, I want to share my testimony with all of you. I have daily 9 to 5 jobs but while I work, I try my luck at playing instant Lotto. On this particular day, I decided to seek help online regarding tips for winning the lottery and I saw many individuals testifying about Meduza spells. I reached out to him and informed him that I needed help to win the lottery and he clarified the process to me stating that after he casts the spell, it will take 48 hours for him to provide me the winning numbers which I accepted. I followed all his instructions and he provided me with the numbers to enter the Lottery. After the draw the following morning I received a notification on the Lottery app on my phone indicating that I was the lucky winner of $273 million on the New Jersey Lottery and I’m here to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Meduza. If you seek for help in any aspect of your life, Whats – App +1 807 798-3042 or Email: lordmeduzatemple@hotmail.com or visit: lordmeduzaspelltemple.com
I was checking about new developments genital herpes virus then i saw how different persons talks about getting cured from herpes through a particular herbalist called Ikpoko so decided i Contacted him through his website https://drikpoko.wixsite.com/herbs and he responded with instructions about what he needs to prepare the herbal medication which i did and he sent the herbal meds to me in LA and after drinking the herbal medicine as he instructed i went back to the hospital few months later and the test result shows I’m negative after all the blister symptoms were gone and now I’m completely free of genital Herpes thanks to Dr Ikpoko on YouTube for his medication.
I was checking about new developments genital herpes virus then i saw how different persons talks about getting cured from herpes through a particular herbalist called Ikpoko so decided i Contacted him through his website https://drikpoko.wixsite.com/herbs and he responded with instructions about what he needs to prepare the herbal medication which i did and he sent the herbal meds to me in LA and after drinking the herbal medicine as he instructed i went back to the hospital few months later and the test result shows I’m negative after all the blister symptoms were gone and now I’m completely free of genital Herpes thanks to Dr Ikpoko on YouTube for his medication.
God bless Dr Lucky for the wonderful works he is doing in people’s lives. Both those that referred me to him and those that want to contact this man will find help in his temple. My name is Anita Becky from United Kingdom. I have been healed of herpes (HSV) by Dr Lucky. I didn’t know African herbs are that powerful until I read a testimony online about how Dr Lucky has been helping people with this sickness and curing Herpes disease. His Email: at drluckyherbalcure@gmail.com This man sent me the herbs and within 3 days, I was healed. Without any hesitation, I want to say a big thank you by bringing help to anyone who needs your healing herbs. The hospitals could not cure this sickness and this spell caster could. I would direct all patients to get in touch with this spell caster and you will be helped immediately you click his email. His email once again is drluckyherbalcure@gmail.com and you can Whatsapp/Call his number +2347071651140
A traditional herbalist has restored my life by curing me from a nasty virus called herpes’’ He cured me and my friend from the virus with his herbal medicine that was sent through UPS for me to drink and now I have just been tested negative several times since I finished with the herbal meds. there is no harm in trying to get help clearing your mess! get to know about this herbal man and his herbal medicine on his website if you’re in same situation because he’s got potentials in putting herbs together to cure that parasite called herpes. know about him on his webpage: https://oyaguspellcaster.wixsite.com/oyaguherbalhome Or Cell WhatsApp Number +2348101755322 thank you
God bless Dr Lucky for the wonderful works he is doing in people’s lives. Both those that referred me to him and those that want to contact this man will find help in his temple. My name is Anita Becky from United Kingdom. I have been healed of herpes (HSV) by Dr Lucky. I didn’t know African herbs are that powerful until I read a testimony online about how Dr Lucky has been helping people with this sickness and curing Herpes disease. His Email: at drluckyherbalcure@gmail.com This man sent me the herbs and within 3 days, I was healed. Without any hesitation, I want to say a big thank you by bringing help to anyone who needs your healing herbs. The hospitals could not cure this sickness and this spell caster could. I would direct all patients to get in touch with this spell caster and you will be helped immediately you click his email. His email once again is drluckyherbalcure@gmail.com and you can Whatsapp/Call his number +2347071651140
Follow him Facebook https://www.facebook.com/remedyforherpes
God bless Dr Lucky for the wonderful works he is doing in people’s lives. Both those that referred me to him and those that want to contact this man will find help in his temple. My name is Anita Becky from United Kingdom. I have been healed of herpes (HSV) by Dr Lucky. I didn’t know African herbs are that powerful until I read a testimony online about how Dr Lucky has been helping people with this sickness and curing Herpes disease. His Email: at drluckyherbalcure@gmail.com This man sent me the herbs and within 3 days, I was healed. Without any hesitation, I want to say a big thank you by bringing help to anyone who needs your healing herbs. The hospitals could not cure this sickness and this spell caster could. I would direct all patients to get in touch with this spell caster and you will be helped immediately you click his email. His email once again is drluckyherbalcure@gmail.com and you can Whatsapp/Call his number +2347071651140
God bless Dr Lucky for the wonderful works he is doing in people’s lives. Both those that referred me to him and those that want to contact this man will find help in his temple. My name is Anita Becky from United Kingdom. I have been healed of herpes (HSV) by Dr Lucky. I didn’t know African herbs are that powerful until I read a testimony online about how Dr Lucky has been helping people with this sickness and curing Herpes disease. His Email: at drluckyherbalcure@gmail.com This man sent me the herbs and within 3 days, I was healed. Without any hesitation, I want to say a big thank you by bringing help to anyone who needs your healing herbs. The hospitals could not cure this sickness and this spell caster could. I would direct all patients to get in touch with this spell caster and you will be helped immediately you click his email. His email once again is drluckyherbalcure@gmail.com and you can Whatsapp/Call his number +2347071651140