MASTIC GUM Resin | Pistacia lentiscus

Mastic Gum is a resin obtained from the Mastic tree (Pistacia lentiscus). It is also known as ‘Tears of Chios’, being traditionally produced on the Island Chios, and, like other natural resins, is produced in "tears" or droplets. Mastic Gum is excreted by the trees resin glands and dries into pieces of brittle, translucent resin. When chewed, the resin softens and becomes a bright white and opaque gum. The flavor is bitter at first, but after some chewing, it releases a refreshing flavor similar to pine and cedar.

Mastic Gum has been harvested for at least 2,500 years since Greek antiquity. The word ‘Mastic’ is a Greek word meaning 'to gnash the teeth', which is also the source of the English word ‘masticate’. The first mention of  Mastic 'tears' was by Hippocrates. Hippocrates used Mastic Gum for the prevention of digestive problems, colds and as a breath freshener. Romans used Mastic Gum along with honey, pepper, and egg in the spiced wine Conditum Paradoxum. Under the Byzantine Empire, the Mastic trade became the Emperor's monopoly. In the Ottoman Empire, the Sultan gathered the finest Mastic crop to send to his harem.

 

During the Ottoman rule of Chios, Mastic Gum was worth its weight in gold. The penalty for stealing Mastic Gum was execution by order of the Sultans. In the Chios Massacre of 1822, the people of the Mastichochoria region were spared by the Sultan, in exchange they were to provide Mastic Gum to him and his harem. Sakiz Adasi, the Turkish name for the island of Chios, means 'gum island'. The mastic villages are fortress-like, out of sight from the sea, surrounded by high walls and with no doors at street level meaning that the villages could only be entered only by long ladders, in order to protect the Mastic Gum from invaders.

Producing the Mastic Gum is a whole-year process for the local growers. The harvest is known as Kentos and takes place from the beginning of July to the beginning of October. First, the area around the trees is cleared and sprinkled with inert calcium carbonate. Then, every 5 days, 10 incisions are made in the bark of each tree to release the resin. As these clear drops hang from the tree, and sparkle in the sunlight, they are said to resemble crystalline teardrops; for this reason, the mastic resin is known as the "Tears of Chios". It takes about 15–20 days for the first resin crystals to harden and fall to the ground. The farmers then collect the pieces of dry Mastic Gum and wash them in natural spring water, and spend most of the winter cleaning and separating the tears from the sand. This cleaning process is performed by hand.

Depending on your individual need, Mastic Gum can be chewed as gum or used as an incense. You can also apply Mastic Oil topically to help treat certain skin conditions.

 

1. Relieves digestive issues

 

An article from 2005 reports that Mastic Gum can be used to relieve abdominal discomfort, pain, and inflammation. Mastic Gum’s positive effect on digestion may be due to the antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds it contains. Further research is needed to learn more about the exact mechanisms in which mastic gum works.

 

2. Clear Helicobacter pylori bacteria

 

A  2010 study found that Mastic Gum may kill off Helicobacter pylori bacteria. Researchers found that 19 out of 52 participants successfully cleared the infection after chewing mastic gum for two weeks. Participants who took an antibiotic in addition to chewing Mastic Gum saw the highest success rate. Helicobacter pylori is a gut bacterium related to ulcers. It’s become antibiotic-resistant, but Mastic Gum is still effective.

 

3. Treats Ulcers

 

Helicobacter pylori infections can cause peptic ulcers. Research suggests that the anti bacterial properties of Mastic Gum can fight Helicobacter pylori bacteria and 6 other ulcer-causing bacteria. This may be due to its anti bacterial, cytoprotective and mild anti secretory properties. Researchers found that doses as low as 1mg per day of Mastic Gum inhibited bacterial growth.

 

4. Eases symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease

 

Research  suggests that Mastic Gum may help ease the symptoms of Crohn’s disease, which is a common form of Inflammatory bowel disease. In one  study, people who took Mastic Gum for 4 weeks experienced a significant decrease in the severity of their inflammatory symptoms. Researchers also found decreased levels of IL-6 and C-reactive protein, which are markers of inflammation.

 

5. Lowers cholesterol

 

A 2016 study found that Mastic Gum can have a positive effect on cholesterol levels. Participants who took mastic gum for 8 weeks experienced lower levels of total cholesterol than those who took a placebo. People who took Mastic Gum also experienced lower blood glucose levels. Glucose levels are sometimes associated with high cholesterol levels. Researchers also found that Mastic Gum had a greater effect on people who were overweight or obese.

6. Promote overall liver health

 

According to a 2007 study, Mastic Gum may help prevent liver damage. Participants who took 5g of mastic gum powder for 18 months experienced lower levels of liver enzymes related to liver damage than participants who did not.

 

7. Prevent cavities

 

In 2004, researchers looked at the effect of three types of Mastic Gum on both the pH and bacteria level found in saliva. Depending on their group, participants chewed pure Mastic Gum, Xylitol Mastic Gum, or probiotic gum 3 times daily for 3 weeks.

 

Acidic saliva, Mutans streptococci bacterium, and Lactobacilli bacterium can lead to cavities. Researchers found that all three types of gum reduced the level of Mutans streptococci. Lactobacilli levels were slightly raised in the groups using pure and xylitol mastic gums. However, Lactobacilli levels significantly decreased in the group using probiotic mastic gum.

 

8. Treats symptoms of allergic asthma

 

Mastic gum has anti-inflammatory properties that may make it useful in treating allergic asthma. This type of asthma often includes airway inflammation, eosinophilia, and airway hyperresponsiveness. In a 2011 study on mice, Mastic Gum significantly inhibited eosinophilia, reduced airway hyperresponsiveness, and inhibited the production of inflammatory substances. It had a positive effect on lung fluid and lung inflammation. In vitro tests found that Mastic Gum inhibited cells that react negatively to allergens and cause airway inflammation.

 

9. May prevent prostate cancer

 

Researchers are investigating Mastic Gum’s role in inhibiting prostate cancer development. According to a 2006 study, Mastic Gum can inhibit an androgen receptor that may have an effect on the development of prostate cancer. Mastic Gum was shown to weaken the expression and function of the androgen receptor in prostate cancer cells.  

 

10. May Prevent colon cancer

 

Research suggests that Mastic Oil may also help suppress tumors that can lead to colon cancer. Researchers found that mastic Oil inhibited the increase of colon cells in vitro. When given orally to mice, it inhibited the growth of colon carcinoma tumors.

Mastic Gum is generally well tolerated. In some cases, it may cause headache, upset stomach, and dizziness. In order to minimize side effects, start with the lowest possible dose and gradually work your way up to the full dose. Allergic reactions are also possible, especially in people who have an allergy to the flowering plant Schinus terebinthifolius or other Pistacia species. You shouldn’t take Mastic Gum if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.