Dafni, Ladania

The uniqueness of these species in Lesvos lies in their integration into the local olive oil and soap-making industry, as well as in their high concentration of polyphenols, which is due to the soil and climate conditions.

Specifications of Bioactive Compounds

• Bay Laurel (Laurus nobilis): Its leaves and fruits are rich in bioactive compounds. The main component of its essential oil is Cineole (or eucalyptol), which imparts its characteristic aromatic intensity and has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. From the fruits, laurel oil is produced, which is rich in fatty acids and aromatic oils.

Rockrose (Cistus spp.): It is known as the plant with the highest polyphenol content of any plant in Europe. These substances, including the aromatic resin labdanum (or aladanos) that is secreted by the leaves, give Cistus strong antioxidant and antiviral activity, contributing to detoxification and the strengthening of the immune system.

Lesvos (especially its mountainous and semi-mountainous areas) offers the ideal environment for the growth of Bay Laurel and Rockrose.

• Bay Laurel: It prefers moist locations and rich soils, and is often found along streams, near coasts, or as an understorey in the island’s extensive olive forests. Bay Laurel is also one of the species found in the Petrified Forest of Lesvos, documenting its age-long presence in the area.
• Rockrose (Cistus): As a bushy, shrubby plant, it thrives in the dry, rocky, poor soils and open, uncultivated areas of Lesvos. Its sclerophyllous characteristics and its resistance to drought make it a dominant species in the island’s Mediterranean ecosystems. These conditions, combined with the high summer temperatures, enhance the secretion of the valuable resin (labdanum) on the leaves and shoots.

The exploitation of Bay Laurel and Rockrose in Lesvos is carried out mainly by collecting wild-growing species or through mild, organic cultivation, aiming at the production of flavoring agents, essential oils, and extracts.

1. Bay Laurel Harvesting: The leaves are usually collected throughout the year, although the best quality is achieved before the flowering period. The fruits are collected in autumn. Harvesting is done by manual cutting of the branches, allowing the plant to regenerate.
2. Rockrose (Cistus) Collection: The collection of leaves and shoots takes place during the summer months, when the secretion of the aromatic resin (labdanum) is at its peak. Traditionally, in antiquity, labdanum was gathered by combing the beards of goats that grazed on the shrubs. Today, collection is carried out by manual cutting, and the resin is extracted using modern methods.
3. Drying and Processing: The leaves and shoots of both plants are dried in a shaded and well-ventilated area in order to preserve the volatile essential oils and colors. Processing includes:
   • Bay Laurel: Production of bay oil (from the fruits) and essential oil (from the leaves), which are widely used in the local production of olive oil soaps (green soap).
   • Rockrose: The dried leaves are used for herbal infusions, while the resin (labdanum) is extracted for use in perfumes, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical preparations.

These two plants have a significant impact on the economic diversification of Lesvos, beyond the traditional production of olive oil and ouzo.

• Soap-making: Laurel oil from the fruits of the Bay Laurel and olive oil from Lesvos olives are the basic ingredients for the production of the island’s traditional olive-oil soap (white and green soap), a historic industry of Lesvos (e.g., in Moria).
• Agrotourism and Wellness: Ladanum and Bay Laurel attract interest in the sector of natural cosmetics and wellness products, creating new opportunities for small businesses involved in standardization and essential oil distillation.

Bay Laurel and Ladanum carry a heavy cultural legacy that begins in antiquity.

• Bay Laurel: It was a sacred plant dedicated to the god Apollo (hence the name “Apollo’s Laurel”). In Ancient Greece, the victors of athletic and musical contests were crowned with laurel branches, symbolizing victory, wisdom and eternity. Its use continued in folk tradition as a plant with apotropaic properties (for protection).
• Ladanum (Cistus): Its resin (labdanum) was known in antiquity as a precious aromatic substance and medicinal ingredient. It is mentioned in ancient writings for its therapeutic properties.

The two plants have been incorporated into the local customs of Lesvos, especially around religion and hygiene.

• Palm Sunday Boughs: The name “Vagia” for Bay Laurel is directly linked to Christian tradition. Its leaves are used on Palm Sunday to decorate churches and to be distributed to the faithful, replacing palm fronds.
• Traditional Soap: The production of soap with bay laurel oil is a historic tradition of Lesvos. The soap is traditionally used for the care of skin and hair, as Bay Laurel nourishes, tones the hair, and helps control dandruff.