The Ancient Greeks knew of the miraculous healing powers of mastic. They chewed on the hardened resin to ease stomach ache, freshen their breath and whiten their teeth. They ground the crystals and made cosmetics. Modern Greeks are also well aware of the homeopathic properties of mastic and use it in cooking, cosmetics and chewing gum. But it is only recently that the amazing properties of mastic have become known to a wider audience.
What is Mastic?The Mastic tree is found on the small Greek island of Chios. To be exact, Mastic trees are found in many areas of the Mediterranean but it is only in certain areas of Chios that the tree weeps the aromatic mastic resin which contains such medicinal properties. Gashes are cut into the bark of the tree and the resin oozes out, dries in the sun and is then harvested. The spice is distinctive in taste and used widely in cooking, medicines and even varnish.
Mastic in the Fight Against Tooth DecayA piece of chewed mastic resin has been dated to as far back as the New Stone Age and, according to archeologists, was probably the property of a teenager. Not much has changed. Chewing gum is popular nowadays especially with children but frowned upon by many adults, especially mothers and teachers. In Singapore, the chewing of gum is a punishable offence. But it seems that certain types of gum can actually lead to better oral hygiene and a reduction in tooth decay.
Researchers in Greece, Turkey, Iraq and Japan have found that chewing mastic gum in particular leads to a reduction of plaque and so fewer cavities. Mastic has powerful antibacterial and antimicrobial properties and fights the bacteria which form in the mouth after eating and drinking.
In the Japanese experiment, subjects underwent a thorough teeth cleaning and then were forbidden to clean their teeth, floss or gargle for a week. They were divided into two groups. The first group chewed mastic gum after every meal while the second chewed a placebo. At the end of the week, the mastic chewing group had significantly less plaque than the placebo gum chewers. Gingival inflammation was also 50% less in the first group which leads to interesting conclusions regarding the role of mastic in combating gum disease.
Mastic and Heart DiseaseIt is now well known that there is a link between poor oral hygiene and heart disease. It seems that harmful bacteria in the mouth can be absorbed into the bloodstream and infect the interior linings of the heart. In extreme cases, this can damage the heart valves and lead to heart failure.
In recent tests, mastic has also been shown to fight the oxidation of LDL- cholesterol, the 'bad' cholesterol which leads to clogged arteries. Furthermore, if taken regularly, it can absorb cholesterol and thus lower blood pressure.
Stomach UlcersStomach ulcers were always believed to be the result of stress and bad lifestyle choices. It was also believed that only surgery would alleviate the symptoms. In 1984, two Australian doctors who discovered strange bacteria in the stomachs of those who suffered ulcers and concluded that they were the cause of the affliction were laughed at. Until they won the Nobel Prize for their work. The bacteria was called Helicobacter pylori and guess what? Mastic gum reduces the incidence of the bacteria when taken in soluble form.
A Spicy Panacea
Mastic is now being considered for the treatment of a wide range of ailments - Glaucoma, Alzheimer's, Crohn's disease and prostate cancer among others. It is antimicrobial, antibacterial and antiflammatory. Truly a wonder drug. The finding of a potent panacea in nature, one that has been known for thousands of years and yet ignored by modern science until recently, is one more reason why we should look to Mother Nature for solutions to our ills more often.
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