Editorial note (2026): This article dates from spring 2021 and is a historical document from the pandemic. We have written about how we view this period and the evidence available at the time today—with considerably more sobriety—here: The story behind Cistus+ and Imun Guard.
Research has shown that a positive sense of self-efficacy is one of the most important factors when it comes to a well-functioning immune system. When we repeatedly experience that what we do has an effect, we generally also have an intact immune system. By contrast, when we repeatedly experience that what we do has no effect, we develop a negative sense of self-efficacy, which is often accompanied by a dysregulated immune system. The body can then no longer distinguish well between what belongs to it and what does not.
In the current pandemic situation, we are at risk of sinking into a state of apathy, passivity, and resignation, which is anything but conducive to the proper functioning of our immune system. Yet there is a great deal we can do ourselves—things within our power and our personal sphere of influence. From our diet to our mindset and behavior, there are countless things we can do ourselves, and only what we do ourselves strengthens our positive sense of self-efficacy and, with it, our immune competence.
That is number one. In addition, I think it makes sense to ask what natural remedies might support us. We now have various vaccines available, and I welcome that. The RNA vaccines in particular seem truly innovative and do without some of the excipients required in conventional vaccines.
And yet—we still do not know how well the vaccines protect us or for how long. Moreover, the virus is constantly adapting, so new vaccines will continue to be needed, which also entails very high costs. So why not additionally look for obvious complementary options?
I am fascinated by rockrose. Not only because I have had good personal experiences with it for years—which, strictly speaking, is a single observation without a control group. My gut is convinced; science is welcome to investigate further. But also because studies have shown that rockrose extract was able to inhibit the replication of Ebola, Marburg, and AIDS viruses in vitro. I also found this interesting: In the laboratory study, the viruses did not develop resistance to the extract over several passages. The researchers suspect that a mixture of hundreds of different compounds gives viruses fewer opportunities to adapt than a single active ingredient—an intriguing finding from cell culture, but one that cannot simply be generalized.
Of course, much more research would be needed here, especially in humans, before evidence-based medicine could be derived from these findings. Clinical studies cost many millions—and because plant extracts cannot be patented, there is little private-sector incentive to invest that money. This is not a conspiracy but simple financing logic—and precisely why it is a case for public research funding.
Perhaps one day we will have a form of medicine that also draws on natural resources when doing so does not promise substantial profits. In the meantime, I rely on my own experience and that of many other people—as a complement to everything medicine and common sense otherwise have to offer, not as a substitute for them.
Find out more about the ingredients, research, and our experience with Cistus in our comprehensive Cistus overview.