Labdanum

Labdanum is a sticky brown resin obtained from the shrubs Cistus ladanifer (Western Mediterranean) and Cistus creticus (Eastern Mediterranean), species of rockrose. Historically, it was collected by dragging a tool called a ladanisterion (Greek ληδανιστήριον) or lambdisterion, a type of rake, across the bushes. In modern times, it is often extracted by boiling the stems and leaves.

Labdanum has a long history of use in perfumery and herbal medicine. The resin contains a complex mixture of aromatic compounds, including labdane-type diterpenoids. It is prized for its rich, amber-like, leathery, and sometimes animalic scent, which makes it a valuable fixative and base note in perfumes.

In perfumery, labdanum is used to create amber accords, chypre fragrances, and leather notes. It can also be used to add depth and warmth to floral and woody perfumes. The scent profile can vary depending on the origin and processing of the resin.

In traditional herbal medicine, labdanum has been used for various purposes, including as an antiseptic, astringent, and expectorant. However, its use in herbal medicine is less common today.

The term "labdanum" can also refer to derivatives of the resin, such as labdanum absolute and labdanum oil. These derivatives are created through solvent extraction or distillation processes, respectively. They offer different scent profiles and application properties compared to the raw resin.