Mastic Mastiha shrub — Pistacia Lentiscus var. Chia
Mastic has been used as a medicine since antiquity and is still used in traditional folk medicine of the Middle
East. In Ancient Greece it was given as a remedy for snakebite, and in India and Persia was used to fill dental
cavities. The first century Greek physician Pedanius Dioscorides mentions the healing properties of mastic in his
book De Materia Medica. Hippocrates wrote that the mastic is good for prevention of digestive problems and
colds and Galenus suggested mastic was useful for bronchitis and improving the condition of the blood. For
more everyday applications, mastic was highly valued in medieval times by sultans’ harems, as a breath
freshener and tooth whitener. Mastic contains antioxidants, and also has antibacterial and antifungal
properties. A Nottingham University study published in the New England Journal of Medicine claims that
mastic can cure peptic ulcers by killing Helicobacter pylori bacteria. Other studies have indicated mastic has
only a modest ability to eliminate H. pylori, but also suggested that refining mastic by removing the polymer
poly-β-myrcene may make the active components, in particular isomasticadienolic acid more available and
effective. Mastic may also have some value in preventing tooth decay and gingivitis as chewing mastic reduces
oral bacteria levels. Regular consumption of mastic has been proven to absorb cholesterol, thus easing high
blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart attacks. Mastic oil is widely used in the preparation of ointments
for skin disorders and afflictions. It is also used in the manufacture of adhesive bandages.
for more info write to : mastihainfo@gmail.com
Mastic has been used as a medicine since antiquity and is still used in traditional folk medicine of the Middle
East. In Ancient Greece it was given as a remedy for snakebite, and in India and Persia was used to fill dental
cavities. The first century Greek physician Pedanius Dioscorides mentions the healing properties of mastic in his
book De Materia Medica. Hippocrates wrote that the mastic is good for prevention of digestive problems and
colds and Galenus suggested mastic was useful for bronchitis and improving the condition of the blood. For
more everyday applications, mastic was highly valued in medieval times by sultans’ harems, as a breath
freshener and tooth whitener. Mastic contains antioxidants, and also has antibacterial and antifungal
properties. A Nottingham University study published in the New England Journal of Medicine claims that
mastic can cure peptic ulcers by killing Helicobacter pylori bacteria. Other studies have indicated mastic has
only a modest ability to eliminate H. pylori, but also suggested that refining mastic by removing the polymer
poly-β-myrcene may make the active components, in particular isomasticadienolic acid more available and
effective. Mastic may also have some value in preventing tooth decay and gingivitis as chewing mastic reduces
oral bacteria levels. Regular consumption of mastic has been proven to absorb cholesterol, thus easing high
blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart attacks. Mastic oil is widely used in the preparation of ointments
for skin disorders and afflictions. It is also used in the manufacture of adhesive bandages.
for more info write to : mastihainfo@gmail.com
