Mastic Characteristics

Mastic comes from the trunk of the mastic tree (Pistacia Lentiscus), which belongs to the evergreen shrub family. It is produced from the trunk of the plant as a resin during the summer and autumn months of the year. During these months the bark of the plant is injured to collect the mastic and during the winter months the mastic is cleaned. When extracted from the trunk, it is transparent and sticky, extremely aromatic, but when it dries, hardens, acquires a white and yellow color.
This impressive plant can grow up to 4 meters and live for about 100 years.

Regarding the soil and climate in which it thrives, the plant grows only in South Chios. This fact is probably due to the microclimate and the underwater volcanoes that benefit the soil. There have been attempts to cultivate it in other areas inside and outside Greece without success.

The medicinal properties of mastic have been known since ancient times and have been recognized for many years by the European Medicines Agency. It is used for its healing action against dermatological diseases, oral wounds, gastrointestinal diseases, as well as as an anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antifungal agent.

History of mastic

The cultivation of mastic dates back to the 3rd century BC and references to mastic can be found from the 5th century BC, when the historian Herodotus describes how the ancient Greeks chewed the natural resin of the mastic tree. It is also included in other ancient texts that recognized its medicinal properties and advised its use.
its inclusion in the daily diet.
The medicinal properties of the mastic tree also became known to Roman aristocrats, who added it to wine and even exploited the bark of the plant by using mastic tree toothpicks as a natural teeth whitener.
The popularity of mastic soared during the Byzantine Empire in the 10th century. The island of Chios was a treasure trove of the empire and mastic became sought after in the trading centers of Europe and Asia.
The existence of mastic, also known as “the precious tear”, is explained according to the tradition of the island where in 250 AD the plant began to weep when Saint Isidore was martyred.
Mastic is produced in 24 settlements on the island that have been designated as traditional settlements by the Greek Ministry of Culture.

Today, mastic is a sought-after material and is used in the production of oral hygiene products, ouzo, baked goods, nutritional supplements, pharmaceutical preparations, cosmetics and more.

Ingredients

Mastic essential oil from the trunk of the Pistacia Lentiscus tree.

Chemical composition of mastic essential oil
α-pinene 82.26%, β-pinene 2.96%, β-myrcene 1.92%, p-cymene, limonene, linalool, camphenal, β-caryophyllene, (E) – Me isoeugenol.

Ways of use

- In a basin of warm water, add 5-6 drops of mastic essential oil, use a cloth or towel for hot compresses. Hot compresses with mastic essential oil soothe menstrual symptoms and relieve rheumatic pain.
- Add a few drops to almond oil and massage to improve blood circulation.
- To clean your space from germs, add a few drops to a burner. Additionally, the steam can clean the air ducts.
- For an effective air freshener, add 5-8 drops to a container of water. Shake before each use and spray where needed.
- Blends well with lemon, lavender and cinnamon essential oil

Useful tips

- The use of essential oils should be avoided during pregnancy, breastfeeding and by young children.
- Avoid direct contact with skin, eyes and mouth.
- Always use essential oils dissolved in a base oil or other catalyst.