WebED

Mastic ("tears of Chios")

A plant resin obtained from the mastic tree and historically known as the "tears of Chios." Similar other natural resins, is produced in "tears" or droplets and was medicinally used by the ancient Greeks and collected on the Greek island of Chios. Hippocrates recommended mastic for the prevention of digestive problems, colds and as a breath freshener. Galen, the Greek physician in the Roman Empire, suggested that mastic was useful for bronchitis and for improving the condition of the blood. Mastic was exclusive produced in Greece, until 2008 when limited cultivation of the mastic tree began due to similar climactic conditions. Mastic has been prized for over 2,500 years by Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman empires where it s made into digestive liqueurs, chewed as gum. Under Roman imperial rule the trade and distribution of mastic became widespread in continental Europe and Britain.

Mastic oil continues to be widely used in the preparation of ointments for skin conditions and afflictions. In the past, it was also used in making plasters and adhesive bandages. Today mastic is believed to have some value in preventing tooth decay and gingivitis, and historically was highly valued as a breath freshener and a tooth whitener. In India and Persia, mastic was used to fill dental cavities.