Though studies on it have generally been small, it does hold promise as a … ELMA chewing gum Mastiha’s unique aroma cedes its place to its discrete taste rather quickly, as no artificial aroma has been added. In this study, people were made to chew mastic gum for 15 minutes after which they had lower levels of certain bacteria in their mouths. In a cell study, mastic gum extract was able to kill the bacteria that cause gum diseases and inflammation (such as gingivitis) [25, 26]. The effect is likely due to its high antioxidant and mineral content. A 2006 study published in the Archives of Oral Biology found that chewing daily was effective in preventing Streptococcus mutans, which are responsible for causing cavities. Consistently chewing mastic gum is perhaps the best, most accessible way to strengthen your masseter muscle, the one most responsible for the lower half of your face. People are using mastic gum for a range of health reasons. 3. One of these studies conducted in 2007 found that chewing this gum may potentially help prevent teeth cavities. The aromatic oils in mastic gum—the flavor of which is best described as a mix between pine and eucalyptus—can also help fight bad breath. Although mastic gum is generally considered safe and well-tolerated, it is unknown at what point a dose may become excessive or what the consequences of long-term treatment may be (if any). Is Chios mastic gum effective in the treatment of functional dyspepsia? 60 (£70.77/kg) £11.28 £11.28 For this study, 148 people with functional dyspepsia took a thrice-daily oral dose of either 350 milligrams (mg) of mastic gum or 350 mg of a placebo. Mastic gum has been chewed for thousands of years to cure multiple ailments ranging from snake bites to preventing cavities. An article from 2005 reports that mastic gum can be used to relieve abdominal discomfort, pain, and inflammation. Some allergic reactions will be mild and only manifest with nasal symptoms, mouth itchiness, or swollen lips. Not only did mastic gum oil help to slow tumor growth, but it also helped to reduce the risk of lung and prostate cancer. It is mildly sweet to the taste and due to its rise in popularity, is sold in many forms: chewing gum, oil, toothpaste and powder. Dabos KJ, Sfika E, Vlatta LJ, Giannikopoulos G. The effect of mastic gum on Helicobacter pylori: a randomized pilot study. In Vivo. Cocoa Butter: 10 Health Benefits & Reasons Your Skin & Body Crave It. There are no established guidelines for the appropriate use of mastic gum itself. Mastic gum may help treat dyspepsia (indigestion), suggests a 2010 study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology. It is traditionally used as chewing gum to freshen breath and aid in digestion. The Greek Island Chios is where Pistacia lentiscus is traditionally grown, and mastic gum remains a major cash crop today. Mastic gum is full of antioxidants, which has been proven to reduce free radical damage and to rejuvenate living cells. However, did you know that chewing mastic gum has many other significant health benefits besides just working out your masseter muscles? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mastic_%28plant_resin%29, https://nei.nih.gov/health/glaucoma/glaucoma_facts, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Helicobacter_pylori, https://info.achs.edu/blog/bid/331779/Top-5-Reasons-Why-You-ll-Love-Mastic, Coconut Oil in Coffee – The Perfect Morning Boost, 13 Impressive Health Benefits of Cantaloupe (#10 IS MY FAVORITE). Although studies on it were generally small, it holds promise as a treatment for conditions of digestive and oral health. 2.25 hours. The test was to chew mastic gum or a placebo gum for fifteen minutes. Research has shown that chewing mastic gum kills many of the bacteria that cause bad breath. Recent studies have confirmed that the excellent levels of zinc in mastic gum helps to enhance prostate functioning, which raises the libido in men. It’s a powerful anti-inflammatory, which also helps to reduce bloating and infectious inflammation in the gut. The mastic tree belongs to the Pistacia family of plants, which also includes the pistachio tree (Pistacia vera). Mastic producing villages were fortresses, bordered by huge walls. A prospective randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial, The effect of mastic gum on Helicobacter pylori: a randomized pilot study, Antimicrobial Effects of Mastic Extract Against Oral and Periodontal Pathogens, Group A: 350 mg mastic gum three times daily for 14 days, Group B: 1,050 mg mastic gum three times daily for 14 days, Group C: 20 mg pantoprazole twice daily plus 350 mg mastic gum three times daily for 14 days, Group D: 20 mg pantoprazole twice daily plus 1,000 mg amoxicillin twice daily plus 500 mg clarithromycin twice daily for 10 days. J Ethnopharmacol. To ensure safety and quality, opt for brands that have undergone testing by an independent certifying body like the U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP), ConsumerLab, or NSF International. Also, mastic gum is believed to have antibacterial properties that may fight the bacteria responsible for tooth cavities. Helping with weight loss and potentially prevention of obesity. It is unknown if mastic gum can interact with other drugs. Mastic gum will also give your jaw a true workout, supporting the orofacial benefits … https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mastic_%28plant_resin%29 https://nei.nih.gov/health/glaucoma/glaucoma_facts https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Helicobacter_pylori https://info.achs.edu/blog/bid/331779/Top-5-Reasons-Why-You-ll-Love-Mastic. 2010 Feb 3;127(2):205-9. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2009.11.021. Pros and Cons in the Vast World of Mouthwash, The Purported Health Benefits of Magnolia Bark, Chios Mastic Gum: A Plant-produced Resin Exhibiting Numerous Diverse Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Properties, Is Chios mastic gum effective in the treatment of functional dyspepsia? Raw mastic gum poses a risk simply because there is no way to tell whether the product is contaminated or what type of processing it may have undergone (including hydrogen peroxide decolorization). Although this shows that mastic gum is not a viable replacement for standard H. pylori treatments, it may help potentially boost the effectiveness of treatment in people with antibiotic resistance. The study included twenty-five volunteers with healthy gums. In rare cases, a potentially life-threatening, whole-body reaction known as anaphylaxis may occur. The things we know now about this gum that the Greeks have seen in practice for over 2,500 years Ancient lore and cutting-edge science often converge in the arena of natural plant-based medicine. Chewing mastic gum may help with stomach upsets. Because mastic gum is such a powerful anti-inflammatory and antifungal substance it has been linked to reducing the symptoms of multiple ailments, such as skin infections and candida overgrowth. A 2017 study in the Journal for Periodontology aimed to determine whether mastic gum was able to kill oral bacteria commonly associated with periodontitis (advanced gum disease). A 2010 study published in Phytomedicine explored the effectiveness of mastic gum compared to the different types of antibiotics commonly used to treat H. pylori. Not only is it the world ’ s first chewing gum, but it sports a host of health benefits in it s impressiv e resume. There are many studies about Mastic gum and its benefits. The 52 study participants were divided into four groups and were given one of four treatment regimens: (Pantoprazole is a proton pump inhibitor, a type of drug commonly prescribed to those with gastric conditions. Mastic gum is sugarless and has been shown to prevent the risk of getting cavities. Chewing mastic gum frequently helps to relieve symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), and other digestion related ailments. Magical experience! There are multiple varieties of mastic gum available for purchase online and both regular and Chios mastic gum is available in the form of chewing gum, powders and capsules. The ancient Greeks especially enjoyed chewing mastic gum. There is actually a cool legend around mastic gum. Other may be serious and require treatment. Studies have shown that mastic gum helps to destroy bacteria in the digestive tract before it gets absorbed into the bloodstream, which has been directly linked to preventing glaucoma. For instance, sugar free chewing gums can help in preventing tooth decay as it aids in removing plaque. Its natural characteristics remain almost unaltered because no artificial sweeteners, no antioxidants, whatsoever, are used for its confection. Its benefits include fresh breath, clean teeth and much more. If unsure about a supplement or ingredient, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice. Further research is needed. If you decide to use raw mastic gum, choose products that have been certified organic or, at the very least, are marked "100% natural" or "pure." Amoxicillin and clarithromycin are antibiotics.). The first natural chewing gum came from the mastic tree in Chios, Greece. The resin has been used in cancer, infection, surgical wound adhesion, and benign gastric ulcers. By contrast, no one in group C achieved this. Speak with your doctor to fully understand the benefits and risks. Mastic gum may cause allergy in some. Saliva helps dilute the acid in our mouths that is produced by the bacteria every time we eat. However, clinical trials are lacking to support these uses. People allergic to pistachio nuts (or its close cousin cashew nuts) may also be allergic to mastic gum. benefits of mastic gum. Here are several studies that hint at the potential benefits of mastic gum. There are numerous studies, such as this one, that prove the potential and health benefits of the Mastic gum. It offers astonishing health benefits, such as curing digestive disorders, improving dental health and lowering cholesterol levels. Koychev S, Dommisch H, Chen H, Pischon N. Antimicrobial Effects of Mastic Extract Against Oral and Periodontal Pathogens. As a supplement, mastic is available in capsules or can be chewed as a gum. Preliminary studies suggest that mastic gum has activity against Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), a hard-to-treat bacteria considered the predominant cause for gastric ulcers. Despite centuries of use, there has been little research about mastic gum's long-term safety. Mastic gum extract was as effective as chlorhexidine digluconate and far better at killing the oral pathogens than hydrogen peroxide. Here are 10 reasons to get your hands on some: Studies have shown that frequent chewing of mastic gum helps to relieve the symptoms of IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), Crohn’s disease and indigestion. Among the specific symptoms relieved were general stomach pain, stomach pain when anxious, heartburn, and dull aching in the upper abdomen. 2017 Jan;88(5):1-11. doi:10.1902/jop.2017.150691. Mastic gum is a resin from the Pistacia lentiscus tree that grows exclusively in and around Greece. Its effects on antioxidants can also be beneficial for conditions such as heart disease and cancer. Learn about it here. As it also aids in decreasing digestive track inflammation, many medications which target heartburn and acid reflux include the resin as an ingredient. Mastic gum has not been tested in children, pregnant women, or nursing mothers. This tree grows naturally in North Africa and countries on the eastern side of the Mediterranean sea. Ⓒ 2021 About, Inc. (Dotdash) — All rights reserved, Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Phytomedicine. However, there are some recommendations that may help: Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. Mastic gum used to be so valuable that it was worth its weight in gold! Studies have shown that frequent chewing of mastic gum helps to relieve the symptoms of IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), Crohn’s disease and indigestion. The purported uses of mastic are diverse. It is traditionally used as chewing gum to freshen breath and aid in digestion. In the United States, mastic gum is commonly sold as a dietary supplement in capsule or tablet form. 5. Her work is regularly featured in media such as First For Women, Woman's World, and Natural Health. It helps to relieve bloating, comforts the symptoms of Crohn’s disease and IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) and destroys harmful bacteria. It’s a powerful anti-inflammatory, which also helps to reduce bloating and infectious inflammation in the gut. Anaphylaxis, left untreated, can lead to shock, coma, respiratory or heart failure, and death. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. Dioscorides noted many benefits of mastic gum, including that it helped treat internal bleeding (aka ulcer), is a diuretic, strengthens teeth, and fights coughs. [i] However, it also has a history of cultural use, as a gum, for maintenance of oral health. Some of these health claims are better supported by research than others. Mastic gum contains a number of compounds thought to have medicinal effects, one of which is linalool, which alternative medicine practitioners say can treat stress, inflammation, muscle pain, and insomnia. 2012;26(5):777-85. Mastic gum is a resin from the Pistacia lentiscus tree that grows exclusively in and around Greece. The only way to enter these villages was by ladder, designed to shield the resin from invaders. It has the perfect pH level to promote alkalinity, which dissolves away the acidity that causes a burning sensation in the esophagus. Because the extracted sap has a teardrop-like shape, mastic gum is often referred to as the "teardrops of Chios." People who chewed mastic gum for 15 minutes had lower levels of bacterias in their mouths than people who didn’t. In addition to teardrops of Chios, mastic gum is also called: Practitioners of alternative medicine have long touted mastic gum as a natural remedy for indigestion, acid reflux, peptic ulcers, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), respiratory problems, gum disease, and various bacterial or fungal infections. The organic gum base is extracted from various tree species of the Pistacia genus and is also known as mastic. Even still, mastic gum should not be used as a substitute for proper oral hygiene, including brushing and flossing. ELMA Sugar Free Greek Chewing Gum with Natural Chios Resin Gum Mastic and Mastiha Oil - 5 x 10-Packs 4.2 out of 5 stars 71 £4.60 £ 4 . Since the Ottoman Empire, mastic gum has been known as a powerful aphrodisiac that was worth its own weight in gold. Arch Oral Biol 12-15-2005; View abstract. 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