Today we are all living in uncertain times with the arrival of the Covid-19 virus, and there are many people who suffer from respiratory illnesses and may not survive this infection during these dark days.

Text: Glenn Maffia. Research: Jay Jean Jackson

These viruses blight humankind throughout random periods of history and while the human cost can be dreadful, we continue to survive as a species.

Today, we have a most bewildering array of scientific concoctions upon which to draw, so complex in their sophistication. Though, even recalling the last virulent pandemic, that of the ‘Spanish Flu’ during 1918, no technological options were available to us back then.

The human race had the acquired ability to conduct a specialised ‘industrial’ war, fearsome in its power of efficient destructiveness, though medicine lagged pitifully afar.

A history of herbal and supernatural remedies

Jay and I began to dwell on the ancient medicines which were empirically observed for their constituent properties of aiding the healing process. These medicines were mainly plant-based, as indeed are the homoeopathic remedies we continue to use to this day. All medicines derive from that humble beginning.

The ancients had many a ‘potion’ to supposedly cure all manner of ailments. Great trust was also, not unsurprisingly, given to divine intervention from the Pantheon of the Gods, most notably Apollo, the god who could extinguish and alleviate the horrors of any plague.

Properties of the plant

There is a natural plant which grows locally, and is endemic to the entire Mediterranean, named generically as ‘Cistus’, from the Greek ‘kistos’ (commonly known as ‘Rockroses’), which contains roughly 20 species.

It is a rather pretty perennial shrub, white or pink/burgundy in colour. Jay found this plant growing wild upon one of her dog walking excursions, and promptly researched the properties of this fauna.

Cistus’ chemical ingredients are said to bestow the benefits of anti-infection, wound healing, anti-inflammatory properties and an aid to the respiratory system. Or, a little more scientifically in medical terms, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral and biofilm in quality (Rebensburg, 2015).

The properties of Cistus have been known from ancient times when the resin/gum from the plant stuck to the fleeces of sheep, shepherds removing this gum with their fingers found that it had a speedy impact upon open wounds.

A respiratory aid

Today it is primarily used in the homeopathic industry where it comes in two varieties of form; essential oil and tablet. Cistus Essential Oil is said to be able to rid the respiratory system of excess mucus and blockages.

Upon reading this, we both pondered whether the Cistus plant was being included within the current fight against the present pandemic as a possible ingredient of a more sophisticated treatment?

Neither of us proposes that we are medically inclined, merely historically and inquisitively so. Therefore, we shall advise against seeing this plant as some elixir against Covid-19, and that, in conventional wisdom, consult a doctor first.