CHIOS MASTIC

Some wonder about the choice of the name Mastic for our magazine. So to get the year off to a good start, we are going to answer the question and thus praise the many virtues of this unique natural resin, used since antiquity in many fields.

Mastic is an all-natural resin that only grows on the island of Chios in Greece and has many virtues. It has been used since ancient times in the fields of health, food and cosmetics. It is also the name of a very pretty color that lends itself perfectly to modern rural interiors. Mastic, symbol of repair, is natural, ancestral and intervenes in many areas of Lifestyle!

Mastic resin (mastiha in Greek) is obtained from the sap of the Pistachio Mastic tree which grows exclusively in the south of the Greek island of Chios, whose temperate climate, limestone soil and volcanic rock are suitable for this special variety. An incision in the trunk of the tree brings out "tears" - a transparent and sticky liquid - which fall on the ground specially prepared for this operation. The drops of resin will then crystallize by drying naturally in the sun and then be harvested after more than two weeks of rest and solidification. They will then be cleaned and prepared by the producers.

The mastic of Chios has benefited from the Protected Designation of Origin label since 1997 and has been listed as a cultural heritage of humanity since 2014. Used as a daily food supplement for centuries (Herodotus already praised its benefits), adored by followers of natural treatments , the Mastic of Chios is renowned for its many properties, and its many virtues have been proven by Greek and international researchers.

The Benefits

The oleanolic acid contained in the Mastic has anti-inflammatory activity. It relieves digestive and gastric problems (ulcers*, heartburn, acid reflux, gastritis) and even heals hemorrhoids. In the form of soap, it soothes skin inflammation.
Its antimicrobial activity reduces inflammation of the oral cavity (fights against the formation of cavities and dental plaque, gingivitis) and provides good breath. To consume in the form of toothpaste or chewing gum!
It acts on liver function and lowers cholesterol levels
Diuretic properties
Aphrodisiac virtues
Boosts the immune system
Mastic oil promotes hair growth

* A publication in the medical journal The New England Journal of Medicine, December 24, 1998, showed that "One gram of Mastic consumed daily for two weeks can cure peptic ulcers" by fighting the bacterium helicobacter pylori, responsible for disease.

préparation du mastic de chios — © gummastic

" Chios Mastiha: a tear that brings joy, perfumes, soothes and heals!"

femme grecque récoltant le mastic de chios — © gummastic

Food

Its camphor taste is appreciated in gastronomy and has always flavored many dishes. It is widely used in Greek cuisine where it is found in brioche or ice cream. It is also used in the manufacture of liqueurs such as fig-based raki and the traditional Ouzo. In the 17th century, the Russian nobility drank vodka flavored with mastic appreciated for its digestive properties.

It has also been widely used in the Middle East since the 7th century. It flavors the rice of Saliq, a traditional Saudi dish, goes into the composition of Bouza al halib, a popular Lebanese dessert and the first Turkish delights were prepared with mastiha which enchanted the Turkish sultan.