How to use mastic gum properly? A guide to chewing, powder, and capsules

Mastic gum, a resin harvested from the Pistacia lentiscus tree on the Greek island of Chios, has been used since ancient times for its medicinal properties. This natural substance, also known as 'tears of Chios,' offers a versatile approach to wellness, and knowing how to use mastic gum properly is key to unlocking its unique nutritional and health benefits.

Quick Summary

A comprehensive overview of mastic gum, detailing how to use its various forms—chewing tears for oral and jaw health, taking powder or capsules for digestive support, and incorporating it into a wellness routine. It covers proper techniques and potential benefits for gut health and more.

Key Points

• Chew Mastic Tears for Oral Health: Chewing the natural resin directly provides jaw exercise, stimulates saliva, and helps reduce oral bacteria.

• Ingest Powder or Capsules for Digestion: For gut health issues like H. pylori, consuming mastic in powder or capsule form on an empty stomach is often suggested.

• Start Slowly to Avoid Side Effects: Begin with small amounts to minimize potential gastrointestinal discomfort, headaches, or jaw soreness.

• Know Your Mastic Form: The method of consumption (tears, powder, capsules) should be chosen based on your desired health outcome, whether it's oral, digestive, or both.

• Source High-Quality, Authentic Mastic: To ensure purity and effectiveness, seek out authentic mastic gum, preferably sourced from Chios, Greece.

• Consult a Healthcare Professional: Always talk to a doctor before starting mastic gum, especially if pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking other medications.

What is Mastic Gum?

Mastic gum, or mastiha, is a natural resin that comes from the trunk and branches of the mastic tree (Pistacia lentiscus var. chia), which grows almost exclusively on the island of Chios, Greece. The resin is released as a viscous, clear liquid that hardens into translucent, tear-shaped crystals over several weeks. Historically, mastic has been prized not only for its distinct flavor but also for its therapeutic uses documented by figures like Hippocrates. It contains beneficial compounds such as terpenes and polyphenols that are linked to its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties.

How to Use Mastic Gum Tears for Chewing

For those interested in oral health, jawline exercise, and enjoying its traditional use, chewing mastic gum tears is the most direct method. Unlike commercial chewing gum, natural mastic gum is quite hard at first and requires a specific technique to soften and chew properly.

Step-by-step chewing instructions

1. Prepare the gum: Mastic gum tears come in various sizes and hardnesses. For beginners, start with a smaller or medium-sized piece to get accustomed to the texture. For easier chewing, some recommend refrigerating the tears for a couple of hours beforehand.
2. Initial chew: Place the tear in your mouth and begin chewing gently. It will be very hard and might feel like small, brittle rocks at first. Chew with your front teeth initially to break it down. As it warms up from your body heat, it will gradually become softer and more pliable.
3. Achieve consistency: Once softened, you can move the gum to your molars. The goal is to form a single, consistent piece of gum. If the piece is too hard, you can add a softer tear to it; if too soft and sticky, a harder piece can be added.
4. Chew rhythmically: Chew for about 15-20 minutes initially. For jawline exercise, you can gradually increase the duration and intensity, ensuring you chew evenly on both sides of your mouth to prevent muscle imbalance.
5. Reusing mastic: The gum can be re-chewed multiple times. Store it in a clean, dry place between uses.

Using Mastic Gum Powder or Capsules

For internal benefits, such as supporting digestive health, taking mastic gum in powder or capsule form is often preferred as it allows for precise, targeted delivery of the substance. Taking it on an empty stomach allows the beneficial compounds to interact directly with the gastrointestinal tract before food is introduced.

Guidelines for powder

• Usage: Mastic gum powder is often taken with water for general digestive support. For intensive use, such as addressing certain bacteria, specific quantities may be suggested, often split into multiple daily uses.
• Consumption: Take the powder with water, ideally before a meal, especially breakfast.
• Preparation: Small mastic tears can be frozen and then ground into a fine powder using a blender or mortar and pestle. Work in small batches to prevent the mastic from clumping from friction heat.
• Storage: Store mastic powder in a cool, dry place or refrigerate, as it can clump in warm temperatures.

Guidelines for capsules

• Convenience: Capsules offer the most convenient and consistent way to consume mastic gum, eliminating the need for preparation.
• Usage: Follow the manufacturer's usage instructions. For certain applications, specific amounts may be suggested. For general use, multiple capsules daily may be suggested.
• When to take: Like the powder, capsules are often taken on an empty stomach, about 30 minutes before meals, for optimal results.

Potential Benefits and Precautions

Mastic gum's uses extend beyond a simple chew. Research indicates several potential health benefits, particularly in the areas of digestion and oral hygiene.

Nutritional and health benefits

• Supports digestive health: Mastic gum has been shown to have antimicrobial properties against Helicobacter pylori, a bacterium linked to stomach ulcers and gastritis. It also helps protect the stomach lining and may offer relief for symptoms of dyspepsia, bloating, and heartburn.
• Improves oral hygiene: Chewing mastic gum can reduce levels of cariogenic bacteria, like Streptococcus mutans, in the saliva, thereby helping to prevent cavities and reduce plaque buildup.
• Promotes cardiovascular health: Some studies suggest mastic gum can help lower total and LDL (bad) cholesterol levels.
• Aids liver function: A study found that mastic gum powder might help protect the liver by lowering liver enzyme levels.

Precautions and side effects

While generally well-tolerated, some individuals may experience mild side effects, including:

• Upset stomach
• Headache or dizziness
• Jaw soreness (from excessive chewing)

It is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women due to insufficient research. Individuals with a tree nut allergy, particularly to Pistacia species, should also be cautious. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting a new supplement, especially if you have pre-existing conditions or are on other medications.

Comparison Table: Mastic Gum Forms

Feature	Mastic Tears (Chewing Gum)	Mastic Powder	Mastic Capsules
Primary Use	Oral health, jaw exercise, traditional chew	Digestive support, cooking/baking	Digestive support, convenience
Preparation	Requires softening by chewing; can be frozen	Must be ground from tears or purchased pre-ground	None; ready to take
Usage Control	Less precise; depends on tear size	Often used in measured quantities	Encapsulated in specific amounts
Bioavailability	Primarily absorbed via saliva; slow release	Rapidly absorbed in the stomach	Encapsulated for targeted release
Jaw Engagement	High; provides resistance for facial muscles	None	None
Taste	Piney, slightly resinous, traditional flavor	Mild, can be mixed with drinks/food	Tasteless
Portability	Good for on-the-go chewing	Can be messy; best in a container	Excellent; very portable

Conclusion

Whether chewed as a traditional resin or taken as a modern supplement, mastic gum offers a range of potential health benefits, particularly for digestive and oral wellness. How to use mastic gum properly depends on your specific goals. For enhancing jaw strength and oral hygiene, mastering the chewing technique with tears is ideal. For targeted, internal benefits like supporting gut health, opting for the convenience and measured delivery of powder or capsules is the best approach. By following proper usage guidelines and consulting a healthcare provider, you can safely integrate this unique natural remedy into your diet and wellness regimen.

An authoritative outbound link

For more detailed scientific information on mastic gum, readers can consult the overview provided by Drugs.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I swallow mastic gum?

While it is generally safe to swallow the small amounts of resin that may be ingested with saliva, chewing the whole piece of mastic gum and then swallowing it is not recommended due to its non-digestible nature, which could pose a choking hazard.

How long should I chew mastic gum for?

For beginners, chewing for about 15-20 minutes is recommended. Over time, you can increase the duration, especially for jawline exercise, but be mindful of jaw fatigue.

Is mastic gum suitable for everyone?

Mastic gum is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women and should be avoided by anyone with an allergy to Pistacia species or tree nuts.

How do I make mastic gum powder at home?

To make powder, freeze the mastic tears for a few hours. While still frozen, use a blender or a mortar and pestle to grind them in short bursts to prevent clumping from heat.

Is mastic gum effective against *H. pylori*?

Yes, studies have shown that mastic gum can address H. pylori bacteria. Specific usage is often suggested for this purpose.

How should I store mastic gum?

Mastic tears should be stored in a cool, dry place. Mastic powder is best stored in a fridge to prevent it from clumping, especially in warmer months.

Can I reuse mastic gum tears after chewing?

Yes, mastic gum is a natural resin that can be re-chewed. Simply store it in a clean, dry place until you want to chew it again.

Does mastic gum cause dental problems?

Unlike sugary gums, mastic gum is beneficial for oral health by reducing bacteria. However, its hardness could potentially affect weak dental work, so consult a dentist if you have concerns.