Domestic Encyclopædia (1802)/Labdanum

LABDANUM, or Ladanum, resinous juice exuding from the Cistus creticus, L. a native of the Levant, whence it is imported. The best sort (which is extremely rare even in Turkey) consists of very dark-coloured, soft masses, and almost liquefies, when held in the hand: it emits an agreeable odour, especially while burning, and has a slightly pungent, bitterish taste.—This medicinal drug is chiefly used externally, for attenuating and discussing tumors.