Mastic

MASTIC

Mastic called aromatic natural resin extracted from the mastic tree which grows in Chios. The gum is used in food, medicine and industry.

The mastic tree is an evergreen shrub height of 2-3 m which grows slowly to get its final form after 40-50 years, while the production of mastic is possible after the fifth year of planting. 

This evergreen tree called Schinos, belongs to the family of Pistachia.

Around June is carried out the levelling and cleaning of the perimeter around the trunk of the tree, where the mastic will fall. The next step is to spread white soil (calcium carbonate powder) on this area.

In mid July, the bark of the tree trunk is “injured” with incisions 10-15mm long and 2-3mm deep. From these incisions the mastic resin will come out in liquid drops that often look like tears.

   Previous use of the mastic tree: • In ancient Greece was known for its medical

properties.• The Egyptians used it for embalming the dead.• The Romans and the Turks were making toothpicks

from Skinos wood to clean and whiten their teeth but also flavored their breathing.

The use nowadays:• The most widespread use is as gum or perfume

for pastry and well known is the mastic liqueur. • Mastic aromatize foods and sweets but caution

and sparingly in use as if to exaggerate the amount of preparation will acquire a bitter taste!

• The mastic is also used in furnishing and in making musical instruments.

Mastic has many useful qualities and uses.

• It absorbs cholesterol, • it has antibacterial properties,• acts as an oral antiseptic,• aids digestion, tightens the gums,• heals wounds and• scientists recently discovered that when it is administrated even in small doses it cures stomach ulcers. 

Chios mastic had a strong positive effect in stomach comfort, e.g. relieving from gastrointestinal disorders, dyspepsia, stomach ache, peptic ulcers, etc.

Dental Health

Chewing mastic gum can reduce bacterial plaque in the mouth by up to 41%.

Cholesterol RegulationRegular consumption of mastic gum has been clinically shown  to  reduce  cholesterol  levels, which  can  reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Mastic presents excellent wound healing and suturing properties, while at the same time it does not bring undesirable side effects to the skin (such as dermatitis, skin decoloration, etc),  like other common healing products do.This  unique  natural  resin  is  already  used  very  often  as  a component of bandages, adhesive plasters, compresses and other healing agents applied for the protection and healing of wounds or post-surgical incisions.

Thank you for watching!