properties of mastic

1. MASTIC

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

3. 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.

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

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

10. 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.

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

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

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

14. 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.

15. Thank you for watching!