Mastic Gum in Traditional and Modern Medicine
Mastic gum (mastic / terebinth resin) is a thick, fragrant sap secreted from the resin ducts of the wild pistachio tree (Pistacia atlantica) or related species. Since ancient times, traditional medicine has used this valuable substance as a key remedy for strengthening the body’s vital organs. Today, modern biochemical and pharmaceutical research supports many of these traditional claims.
1. The Properties and Temperament (Nature) of Mastic in Traditional Medicine
In traditional medicine, knowing the quality and temperament (nature) of a remedy precisely is the basis of treatment. In all the classical reference texts, the temperament of natural mastic is described as hot and dry (usually in the second or third degree) .
This temperament means mastic is strong at dissolving excess moisture, clearing sticky phlegm and raising the natural warmth of the organs. Fresh mastic is more balanced in its dryness; dried, older mastic creates strong dryness in the body (third degree) and is more astringent.
2. The Main Benefits of Mastic in Traditional Medicine
In classical sources, mastic is known as a tonic for the body’s main organs:
Strengthening the stomach and digestive system:Â With its mild astringency, mastic strengthens the stomach wall and relieves slackness and weakness in its tissue. By drying excess moisture and phlegm in the digestive tract, it also improves digestion and considerably reduces chronic gas and bloating.
Strengthening the liver:Â The liver needs the right natural warmth to work properly, and excess moisture from a poor diet makes it sluggish. As a purifier and cleanser, mastic clears cold moisture from the liver and helps improve metabolism.
Strengthening the nerves:
Classical texts state that regular use of mastic reduces nervous weakness and relieves lethargy caused by excess phlegm, by correcting the stomach’s temperament and preventing vapours rising from the stomach to the brain.
Mouth, teeth and gums:
Chewing mastic directly strengthens the gums and freshens the breath.
Lungs and chest:
Mastic acts as a soothing agent in the chest. The resin thins thick phlegm so it is easier to clear, and soothes the airways.
3. The Benefits of Chewing Natural Mastic
Chewing natural mastic (with no industrial sugar or flavourings) sets beneficial processes in motion:
For the mouth and teeth:
It increases saliva, protects tooth enamel against acids, mechanically loosens plaque from the teeth and reduces the bacteria that cause decay.
For the stomach:
By stimulating the salivary glands, it sends enzyme-rich saliva to the stomach, giving the first stage of digestion a stronger start.
For the jaw and face:
It increases local blood flow in the chewing muscles and jaw joints, helping to strengthen the chewing muscles.
4. Modern Scientific and Biochemical Findings
Modern laboratory analyses of mastic gum show that it contains terpenoid compounds, masticadienonic acids and essential oils. These give it the following properties:
Antibacterial:Â It directly inhibits Helicobacter pylori (the main cause of stomach and duodenal ulcers) and reduces the growth of anaerobic bacteria in the mouth.
Anti-inflammatory:
It suppresses inflammatory pathways and blocks inflammation-triggering factors in the cells lining the digestive tract.
Antioxidant:
It mops up free radicals and protects the stomach lining against oxidative stress caused by medicines or alcohol.
5. Harms, Side Effects and Precautions
Despite its many benefits, using mastic too much or in the wrong way can cause side effects:
In people with a hot temperament:
Constant use can cause hot flushes, intense thirst, a dry mouth and throat, and heat-rash-like spots on the skin.
Risk of constipation:Â Because it is strongly astringent, regularly swallowing mastic can dry out the useful moisture in the bowels and lead to severe constipation.
Jaw joint damage:
People with inflammation or arthritis in the jaw joint, and those with very sensitive teeth, should avoid chewing mastic for long periods (more than 15 minutes).
6. The Best Way to Use It, and a Well-Known Traditional Recipe
General method:
To enjoy mastic’s benefits for digestion and oral health safely, chew a small piece of natural mastic (about the size of a chickpea) for 5 to 15 minutes after your main meal each day. People with a hot temperament do better taking it with a little rose water, sekanjabin (honey-vinegar syrup) or sweet almond oil to balance its nature.
A golden recipe for the stomach:
One of the most successful and well-tried traditional formulas for indigestion and severe bloating is a mix of “natural mastic + strained honey + ajwain powder + cumin powder” . In this mix the spices help disperse gas, while the mastic forms a protective layer that helps the stomach lining heal.
Commercial use for natural product makers:
For the natural products industry, mastic is a high-value, strategic raw material. The resin can be used in organic toothpastes for stronger gums, herbal mouthwashes, anti-gas digestive capsules and health-focused natural chewing gums for better digestion.
References
1. Mahboubi M. Pistacia atlantica Kurdica gum, a review on its traditional uses and modern pharmacological properties. J Tradit Complement Med. 2017;7(4):412-421.
2. Paraschos S, Magiatis P, Mitakou S, et al. In vitro and in vivo activities of Chios mastic gum extracts and constituents against Helicobacter pylori. Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 2007;51(2):551-559.
3. Al-Habib A, Al-Mansour E, Al-Sahan M, et al. Effect of Chios mastic gum on salivary mutans streptococci and lactobacilli. J Altern Complement Med. 2009;15(12):1325-1329.
4. Aksoy A, Duran N, Koksal F. In vitro and in vivo antimicrobial effects of mastic gum against oral pathogens. J Clin Periodontol. 2006;33(12):915-918.
5. Arzani, Mohammad Akbar. Tibb-e Akbari. Institute for the Revival of Traditional Medicine, Vol. 1, pp. 112–115.
6. Aghili Khorasani, Mohammad Hossein. Makhzan al-Adviyah. Edited by Dr Mohammad Reza Shams Ardakani. Tehran: Tehran University of Medical Sciences Press; 2008, pp. 450–454.
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This article is for information only and is based on traditional medicine sources and general nutrition knowledge. It is not a medical diagnosis, treatment or prescription and does not replace an examination by a doctor. If you have a complaint, take regular medication, are pregnant, or are considering this for your child, talk to your doctor before changing your diet or using herbs. Herbal products can interact with medicines.
