The mastic tree’s pros and cons come down to the resin that the tree or lentiscus stems exude when cut on the surface. Dioscorides recommended it in the 1st century to “strengthen relaxed gum” and fight bad breath. It is part of many kinds of toothpaste and pharmaceutical preparations.
Mastic Tree Scientific Facts
- Scientific Name: Pistacia lentiscus L.
- Other Names: Lentiscus, lentisk pistache.
- French: Lentisque.
- Spanish: Lentisco, almácigo.
- Environment: Native to the Greek Islands, it has spread all over the Mediterranean region. It grows in the dry land, among carob trees and holm oaks.
- Description: Shrub of the Anacardiaceae family, growing up to one meter high. Its all-year green leaves are coriaceous and hairless. The fruit is a red or blackberry, the size of a pea.
- Parts of the plant used medicinally: The mastic resin and the leaves.
Mastic Tree Pros and Cons
The resin of the mastic tree contains mastic acid, masticine, and pinene-rich essence. It becomes a mass as soft as wax, which sticks to the teeth when chewed. Due to its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic action, it fights pyorrhea and gingivitis (gum inflammation). It helps treat periodontosis (inflammation and degeneration of tissues that attach teeth), the first cause of losing teeth worldwide. It also sweetens the breath, giving a fresh and clean sensation.
Its young LEAVES and STEMS contain fewer active ingredients but more tannin. They are used in the same way as mastic resin and in rinses with a decoction to reduce the gums’ inflammation and strengthen teeth.
How to use Mastic Tree
- Mastic resin chewed or in toothpaste.
- Mouth rinses with a decoction of young stems and leaves (100 grams per liter of water) up to five times a day.
People in the Mediterranean have used mastic resin as medicine for gastrointestinal ailments for thousands of years. Its oil possesses antifungal properties and is widely used in ointments for skin afflictions, disorders, and the manufacture of plasters.
Today, researchers have proved scientifically that the mastic tree does possess medicinal properties. According to one study in 1985, Meikai University and the University of Thessaloniki showed that this tree could reduce dental plaque caused by bacteria by 41.5 percent.
In 1998, a report done by the University of Athens proved that the oil of the mastic tree has antifungal and antibacterial properties. Another study done in 1998 by the University of Nottingham showed that it can treat peptic ulcers by destroying Helicobacter pylori, which is the cause of gastritis, duodenitis, and peptic ulcers.
Other studies showed mastic gum does not affect H. pylori when taken for short periods. However, more recent and extensive studies have shown that mastic gum reduced H. pylori populations after removing the mastic gum’s sticky and insoluble polymer constituent was removed and taken for more extended periods. Also, the mastic tree was the source of a balm created in biblical times that physicians widely used.
Other Uses
The mastic tree continues to be used as a spice in Greece and flavors liqueurs and spirits, such as the native drink of Chios, Mastiha, cakes, pastries, desserts, spoon sweets, and chewing gum. At times, it is even utilized in the making of cheese. The mastic tree resin is a vital ingredient in Turkish puddings and dondurma, which gives those sweets their brightness and unique texture. Also, mastic is an essential flavor in Turkish delight.
In Egypt and Lebanon, the spice of the mastic tree is key to flavoring a variety of dishes such as desserts and soups. In Morocco, people use the smoke of the resin to flavor water. There is also a mastic-flavored soft drink called “Mast” that was just recently launched.
In Greek festival bread, mastic resin is a primary ingredient as in tsoureki, a sweet bread, and the vasilopita, a New Year’s tradition. The mastic tree is also vital to the holy oil known as Myron that the Orthodox Churches use for chrismation.
Along with the many culinary uses of the mastic tree and its resin, it persists in being used for its gum and healing abilities. The Sharawi Bros., which is a Jordanian chewing gum manufacturer, utilizes the properties of this shrub as the main ingredient in their mastic-flavored products that they distribute all over the world. You can also find mastic resin as a significant ingredient in toothpaste production, lotions for the skin and hair, perfumes, and cosmetics.
REFERENCES
George D. Pamplona-Roger, M.D. “Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants.” George D. Pamplona-Roger, M.D. Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants. Ed. Francesc X. Gelabert. Vols. 1 San Fernando de Henares: Editorial Safeliz, 2000. 197. Print.
