Labdanum Smudge Stick
Cistus ladanifer
Native to southern Europe, the leaves of this small bush with delicate white flowers ooze a fragrant, amber-like resin called labdanum. Labdanum resin has one of the most complex scents of all, which has fascinated people for thousands of years. From balsamic, woody and earthy to floral, honey-like and minty to fruity, musky and mossy, you discover new fragrance components every time you burn incense. The scent of labdanum warms us, makes us feel sensual, strengthens our body awareness and grounds us. From Ancient Egypt to Ancient Greece to the European Middle Ages, labdanum was much sought after for church and temple incense and as a perfume for scenting the body and clothing. Our resinous incense bundles come from careful wild harvesting in Portugal and are decorated with a small cowrie shell.