Cistus and a debate

I think about working with Cistus today. This oil, obtained by steam destillation from the twigs and leaves of Cistus ladaniferus is long lasting, rich and warm, with a hint of woody-balsamic undertones (more about Cistus and many other naturals see here: An excellent page for anyone interested in natural scents and their chemical constituents) . It goes very well with Cedarwood, Patchouli, Bergamot (with Oakmoss in Chypre) and brings in depth and power into any composition. But...it is not an easy note to work with it. It is rather tricky to get it balanced within a composition. It can turn out very dominant. I sometimes mix it with Ambrein, which is another manifestation of Cistus. This is the solvent extracted absolute of Labdanum, a thick liquid of brownish colour, even more powerful and delicate to balance then the oil. Labdanum is the gum from Cistus leaves that is exuded when they are boiled in water. It is again very intense, but much more woody and somewhat harsher. But it is an excellent natural fixative. Today, or tomorrow, I want to try bringing in (more) cistus on another leather idea of mine.

For all those having lots of time: Here's a discussion (now closed) on Luca Turins blog on ....well.... naturals, sensations, synthetics and beyond. I did not study the douzens of comments in detail. I think it goes too far and somehow misses the point. I leave it to the reader to make his/her own judgments. One thing however strikes me: The intensity of the debate. Could it be that the debate at the very, very end is about something else, about some phantoms hiding behind. Isn't it an almost spiritual debate? Well, I am curious to read what is going to follow. Brave Luca.