Mastic Tree

Pistacia lentiscus Origin: Spain Improvement status: Wild Seeds per packet: ~25 BOTANICAL SAMPLE - NOT GERMINATION TESTED Life cycle: Perennial Mastic tree is a famous Mediterranean evergreen in the same genus as the pistachio, grown for its edible and medicinal gum (“mastic gum” or “chios mastiha”). Also called “tears of Chios,” after the Greek island off the coast of Turkey that has long been the center of global mastic production. Trees are scored (cut) and the clear resin dries out into cloudy globules of hard but chewy gum. Ancient Greek people prized mastic gum primarily for medicinal purposes. Hippocrates (of Hippocratic Oath fame) used mastic gum to prevent digestive problems and colds, and as a breath freshener. Recent studies have found that mastic gum can reduce bacteria in the mouth by 41.5%, and that it has antifungal properties as well. It may be helpful in treating diarrhoea, bronchial problems, coughs, ulcers, ringworm, and muscle stiffness. Some people like to chew it