Synopsis ~ Mastic EO & Herb resin to understand the nature of Mastic; its description, distillation methods, particular plant properties, uses, and science.
MASTIC Essential Oil &/or Herb Resin Profile
By Jeanne Rose and other sources ~ 2018
Mastic cream & Oleoresin
INTRODUCTION ~ This is the last of the resins, I will discuss. Mastic EO & Herb resin. In prior months I have written about Amber, Balsam of Peru/Tolu, Benzoin/Storax, Elemi, Frankincense, Galbanum, Labdanum/Cistus, Myrrh, Opopanax and also a general article about Resins. I love the resins; I love to burn them for magic and ritual and above all use the essential oils of them in healing blends and via inhalation. I hope that you have enjoyed the series. If you missed any, please go to the ‘Home’ page and look up the resin you wish to read about.
Common Name/Latin Binomial: Gum Mastic / (Pistacia lentiscus L.) is an oleoresin with very little oil obtained from a flowering shrub.
Other Common Name/Naming Information: Mastic also called Gum Mastic / (Pistacia lentiscus L.) or Chios Mastic Gum in Greece. The word “masticate” comes from an ancient Greek word from the Greek practice of chewing this interestingly flavorful resin as a gum and in addition to freshen the breath and to fight tooth decay.
Family: Anacardiaceae
Countries of Origins: Mastic EO & Herb resin is known from Greece, but grows in Mediterranean Europe and Northern Africa Algeria, Morocco and the Canary Islands. Only the true Mastic tree, var. chia, has the true qualities that are desirable. It is true to its terroir and this variety grows well only in the specific area that has this perfect terroir, the southeast corner of the island of Chios, a Greek island in the Aegean Sea.
Endangered or Not: A tree called Mastic (species unknown) is considered critically endangered on the Cayman Islands. The Pistacia lentiscus is considered threatened and endangered.
General description of Plant habitat and growth: The Mastic tree, Pistacia lentiscus, is a flowering shrub with a strong smell of resin, a dioecious tree with separate male and female plants. It is an evergreen from 1 to 5 m high and grows in dry and rocky areas in Mediterranean Europe. The leaves are alternate, leathery, and compound with five or six pairs of deep-green leaflets but no terminal leaflet. It has very small flowers, the male flowers are vivid red with five stamens, the female green flowers with a 3-part style. The fruit is a drupe (a fleshy fruit with thin skin and a central stone containing the seed). It is first red and then black when ripe, about 4 mm in diameter.
The oleoresin is produced primarily in the secretory tissues of the bark of stems and branches.
“Mastic resin collecting is restricted to the southeastern corner of the island of Chios. The resin is collected by making small cuts made in the bark of the main branches and then allowing the trees to drip the sap onto the specially prepared ground below. The harvesting is done during the summer between July and October. After the Mastic is collected, it is washed manually and is set aside to dry, away from the sun, as it will start melting again.”3
Portion of the plant used in distillation, how distilled, extraction methods and yields: Mastic is a resin, or more correctly an oleoresin containing a little oil, obtained from an evergreen dioecious shrub, Pistacia lentiscus L. This small bushy tree occurs throughout much of the Mediterranean region and is also found in North Africa. It produces the natural oleoresin from the trunk, which is obtained by wounding the trunk and larger branches with a gouge-like instrument which makes an incision about 2 cm long and 3 mm deep. Mastic occurs in yellow or greenish-yellow rounded or pear-shaped tears about 3 mm in diameter. The tears are brittle but become plastic when chewed. An essential oil is produced by steam distillation from the oleoresin or occasionally directly from the leaves and branches. 160-170 tonnes per annum from male plants on Chios.
[In Greece to get the Mastic from the Mastic tree, is very precise work and takes all summer. First, the ground around the tree is cleaned. After this, the tree is carved with a special needle to a depth of about 3 mm. Now the Mastic flows slowly from the tree. The first Mastic is collected after fifteen days when the Mastic has become more solid.]
The yield is 0.7-1 and occasionally up to 3% EO.
Organoleptic Characteristics of Mastic:
Color EO is pale yellow
Clarity Clear
Viscosity Very slightly viscous
Taste Bitter (We do not recommend ingestion-only chewing of the resin)
Intensity of odor 5
Intensity scale guide to gauge the Intensity of odor: On a scale of 1-10 if Usnea is a 1, Lavender a 2, and Tea Tree a 5 and Cinnamon or Massoia is 8; then Mastic is about 5-6 in intensity.
Odor Description/ Aroma Assessment: The Mastic odor is green, with strong smoky, herbaceous and fruity notes and hints of spice, citrus, conifer, wood and leather. Excellent to use in a gentleman’s fragrance or for a brunette woman.
Taste: I am at a loss to describe the taste of Mastic and have been chewing the gum and tasting the sweet for weeks, even years, for a valid description. I suggest that you give it a try as it is a very special savor, most memorable. It starts out floral and slightly bitter and then smooths its way to herbal and floral. Delicious!
GENERAL PROPERTIES of MASTIC:
The essential oil is produced by steam distillation from the oleoresin or occasionally directly from the leaves and branches. It is considered antimicrobial, antiseptic, antispasmodic, diuretic, astringent, expectorant and stimulant. Mastic (Pistacia lentiscus) resin and EO has a plethora of qualities and uses. The resin is said to absorb cholesterol when masticated and is an antibacterial and acts as an oral antiseptic, tightens the gums, helps digestion, heals wounds and scientists recently discovered that when it is administrated in small doses it cures stomach ulcers. The EO is used to heal external skin problems.
Mastic varnish has been in use for thousands of years and primarily from the male trees and used to protect oil and watercolor paintings. The varnish is also used in lithography and cement for precious stones1.
Properties and Uses: Gum Mastic is used in medicine, pharmaceutical products like medical creams, dental tooth paste, cures for ulcer; it is used in the paint industry, cosmetics, paint varnish, and in artist color oil. In the food industry gum Mastic is used in liqueurs, ice-cream, for pure Mastic gum, chewing gum and the most precious of all — Mastic EO. After the oil is removed a small very durable and pliable bit of chewing gum is left that lasts for a long time without disintegrating. This is the old Worlde chewing gum while Spruce and Pine gums were traditionally chewed in the USA and Canada.
It is suggested by Franchomme and Daniel Pénoël that Mastic EO can assist cardiovascular function. It also is useful as an inhalant for assisting bronchitis, coughs and colds, and application muscular aches and pains. An interesting oil.
APPLICATION/ SKINCARE: GUM MASTIC (Pistacia lentiscus)
Mastic is widely used in the preparation of ointments for skin afflictions like burns and eczema, frostbite, cancers, as well as other external skin afflications, including the manufacture of plasters. Mastic EO is used in products as well both for this effect and its scent.
Skin Care Recipe
A teaspoon of any unscented cleansing creams with a slight drop of Mastic EO works well in cleansing the skin. Apply and gently massage into the skin for 10 seconds, then take a warm wet washcloth to warm the skin, then gently wipe. This is great in the morning as a wakeup ritual.
This is also considered to be rejuvenative.
Other Uses: Mastic is found in varnishes.
DIFFUSE/DIFFUSION: Since Mastic oil is from a resinous material it can be diffused by using a FanFuser on the scent disc but not from a glass-enclosed diffuser as the resin and will clog the diffuser. The scent should be used as an accessory odor not the primary odor.
Fan Diffuser
EMOTIONAL/ENERGETIC USE: Aleister Crowley considered Mastic to be pale yellow energetically and clean and free from prejudice whether for or against any moral idea. It is used in a ritual blend to intensify them and quicken their rate of vibration. Mastic is used as an incense for Pisces people.
HERBAL USE OF MASTIC: The Mastic fruit (berries) can be crushed to obtain an oil which is used in a liquor or they can be used whole to flavor sausages. The leaf and stem of the plants are burned to smoke meats. Masticha is often prepared in a liquid form, mixed with honey or sugar, and spooned into cold water as the main flavor for a refreshing drink. “In Greece it is mixed with sugar and water to form a thick white cream eaten by the spoonful with dark bitter coffee.” — 375 Essential Oils & Hydrosols.
Pistacia lentiscus is used occasionally as a chewing resin to improve the breath, prevent tooth decay and heal the gums.
Bathing: Francis Bacon’s prescription for a bath is as follows, “First, before bathing, rub and anoint the Body with Oyle, and Salves, that the Bath’s moistening heate and virtue may penetrate into the Body, and not the liquor’s watery part: then sit 2 houres in the Bath; after Bathing wrap the Body in a seare-cloth made of Masticke, Myrrh, Pomander and Saffron, for staying the perspiration or breathing of the pores, until the softening of the Body, having layne thus in seare-cloth 24 hours, bee growne solid and hard. Lastly, with an oynment of Oyle, Salt and Saffron, the seare-cloth being taken off, anoint the Body.” (cited by Classen, Howes & Synnott)
Culinary Use: “One typical spoon sweet is from the island of Chios called the ‘ipovrichio’ or submarine. It can be flavored with vanilla or is made from mastic resin, for which the Aegean island is famous. This is a sugary fondant to be served on a teaspoon and dipped into a glass of ice-cold water, thus why it is referred to as a submarine. Once you get your spoon submerged, the fondant softens, and you go to work licking the spoon like a fondant lollipop of sorts. This dessert is loved by children and adults alike. During the summer you will see people at the beach or cafeterias enjoying a submarine. Although as mentioned the typical flavors are vanilla and mastic, if you opt to make the sweet dessert at home, you can also add fresh berry juices to flavor and experience a glimpse of summertime traditions in Greece.”
Mastic – Tomato Tales
Mastic is a translucent sticky substance similar to tree sap, and when combined with sugar, lemon juice, and water is served on a spoon immersed in cold water. This is a special treat called a spoon sweet. In Greece this ‘spoon sweet’ specialty is called a Submarine. I find it delicious!
In 1993, I had a very formal 8-course meal for friends and for the 7th course was a cheese course of Roquefort with Aromatherapy sweetmeats of Bergamot candied peels, Bitter Orange candied peels and Mastic sweet on Lavender Honey Thins with a delicious wine of Muscat de Beaumes de Venise. It was a very successful meal.
AROMATHERAPY SALONS
Years ago, I would have meetings in my home with women that I called “Aromatherapy Salons”. We would discuss various aromatic subjects, aromatherapy, essential oils and drink fragrant tea, have tea cookies and sweetmeats. (A sweetmeat is a delicacy, prepared with sugar, honey, or the like, as preserves, candy, or, formerly, cakes or pastry. Usually, they are any sweet delicacy of the confectionery or candy kind, as candied fruit, sugar-covered nuts, sugarplums, bonbons, or balls or sticks of candy) One of my favorites sweetmeats was to use the Mastic from Greece that came as a smooth sweet white cream; a small spoonful on a cookie with tea was delicious but it was especially tasty with bitter coffee.
Mastic resin pieces are also delicious when chewed like American chewing gum. It has a mild taste that is not lost after hours of chewing and it can be chewed for hours. The problem is that Mastic takes a few times to learn how to chew it as a small ball of resin needs to be soaked in the mouth first to get to perfect mastication texture. Then you need to roll it around in the mouth once in while so that it doesn’t stick to your fillings.
•Chewing Mastic. In 2018 at a Resin Distillation Conference in Spokane, WA., I asked several well-known gum-chewers [thankyou Monica and Kendall] if they wanted to try Mastic. “Yes, of course” they said, but in fact they were unable to learn to chew it or even try past 30 minutes. This is great gum and can be chewed for 4 hours without losing its eponymous taste and it is good for the teeth.
And the occasional chewing of a Mastic ball will ease the pain of a tooth carie or cavity, act as a mouth antibacterial and has in the past been used as a temporary tooth filling. Remember this when you travel out of country to carry some Mastic resin with you; both to burn as a magical fragrant incense but also as a first aid remedy.
Really, we are forgetting some our simplest first-aid skills!
Chewing Mastic: Mastic is tasteless in a tasty way and a small tear (piece) can be chewed for hours without seeming to melt away. Since it does not have a strong taste, it doesn’t get tiring to chew like American chewing gum. I put a small tear in my mouth when writing this part of the article, slowly let it soften in my mouth and then chewed it a bit and still had it in my mouth three hours later. It was pleasant to chew. I also love Chicle but think I like Mastic more.
The taste is floral with a bitter edge. As you hold it in your mouth, saliva begins to flow which softens the Mastic, chewing becomes easier and the floral taste softens and becomes quite pleasant.
Key Use: Resin is a masticatory and also used to burn to cleanse spaces and EO in skin care.
Use the essential oils in moderation. Use the herb tea or resin when it is more appropriate.
Chemical Components: The main components were α-pinene (58.86–77.10%), camphene (0.75–1.04%), β-pinene (1.26–2.46%), myrcene (0.23–12.27%), linalool (0.45–3.71%), and β-caryophyllene (0.70–1.47%). These six components total more than 90% of the oil. Another source found (E)-methyl isoeugenol as well.
Physiochemical Properties from Guenther:
Specific Gravity at 15° is 0.857 to 0.903
Optical Rotation is +22°0’ to +35°0’
Refractive Index at 20° is 1.468 to 1.476
Solubility only sparingly soluble in 4-10 vol. of 90% alcohol. Up to 5 vol. are required for solution, which is not clear, turning opalescent to turbid on more addition of alcohol.
Blends Best with: Citrus scents, Lavender-fern combos as a top note and in floral odors. In perfume use the tincture as a fixative. I enjoy using Mastic in massage blends.
Jeanne Rose Formulas and Recipes for Mastic EO & Herb resin
I like to use Mastic EO & Herb resin in my Natural Perfumery class as a tincture and used as a fixative where it lends a subtle smoky note.
HYDROSOL: I do not as yet know a source for the hydrosol or its use. However, I postulate that the hydrosol would make a good antibacterial mouthwash.
PLEASE NOTE: A true hydrosol should be specifically distilled for the hydrosol, not as a co-product or even a by-product of essential oil distillation. The plant’s cellular water has many components most are lost under pressurized short steam runs for essential oil, or by using dried material. We recommend that the producers specifically distill for a product by using plant material that is fresh.
HISTORICAL USES: The Mastic resin has been used for chewing since the time of Theophrastus, in relieving halitosis and as a filler for caries, and is also used in varnishes for oil pictures. It is also an ingredient in Ouzo. Ouzo is a high-proof drink whose production begins with distillation in copper stills of 96% alcohol by volume and herbs. Anise is added, sometimes with other flavorings such as Cardamom, Cinnamon, Cloves, Coriander, Fennel, Mastic, and Star Anise.
“In January 1992, National Geographic mentioned that Columbus, sent by Genoese traders to cash in on the money-making crop of Mastic, visited Chios at least once”. — The Aromatherapy Book.
The tear-shaped drops of Mastic gum are associated with Saint Isadoros, whose martyred body was dragged under a Mastic tree where it wept the resinous tears called Mastic. Church use for Mastic includes ritual burning as a resinous incense, not unlike Frankincense, and as an ingredient of chrism, a holy oil used for anointing by the various Orthodox Churches. Some sources identify this as resin with the Sun, but it is more like Mercury in that it is “-clarifying, quickening, brightening, and good for concentration. Smoldered 2-1 with rosemary, it is considered an aid to study, and is a good base for various types of incense for ceremonial magick.” —Alchemy-works.com.
Ancient Egyptians employed Mastic during their embalming procedures, while Biblical scholars believe that bakha—derived from the Hebrew term for weeping (and, thus, the tear-shaped pieces of Mastic gum)—was none other than the Mastic tree.
Medicine – People in the Mediterranean region have used Mastic as a medicine for gastrointestinal ailments for several thousand years. The first-century Greek physician and botanist, Dioscorides, wrote about the medicinal properties of Mastic in his classic treatise De Materia Medica Substances,”. In my personal volume, he says “the resin when drunk is good for old cough, for the stomach, and for ointments for the face. Being chewed it causes a sweet breath and strengthens the gums. The best, & most choice is that which is clear and white, dry and sweet-smelling.”
Interesting Information: It is believed that the Sardinian warbler [a bird] is only found near fruiting shrubs of this species [Mastic].2.
MASTIC EXPERIENCE – JEANNE ROSE’S TOMATO TALES
Mastic is a translucent sticky substance similar to tree sap, and when combined with sugar, lemon juice, and water is served on a spoon immersed in cold water. This is a special treat called a spoon sweet. In Greece this ‘spoon sweet’ specialty is called a Submarine. I find it delicious!
AROMATHERAPY SALONS
Years ago, I would have meetings in my home with women that I called “Aromatherapy Salons”. We would discuss various aromatic subjects, aromatherapy, essential oils and drink fragrant tea, have tea cookies and sweetmeats. (A sweetmeat is a delicacy, prepared with sugar, honey, or the like, as preserves, candy, or, formerly, cakes or pastry. Usually, they are any sweet delicacy of the confectionery or candy kind, as candied fruit, sugar-covered nuts, sugarplums, bonbons, or balls or sticks of candy) One of my favorites sweetmeats was to use the Mastic from Greece that came as a smooth sweet white cream; a small spoonful on a cookie with tea was delicious but it was especially tasty with bitter coffee.
Mastic resin pieces are also delicious when chewed like American chewing gum. It has a mild taste that is not lost after hours of chewing and it can be chewed for hours. The problem is that Mastic takes a few times to learn how to chew it as a small ball of resin needs to be soaked in the mouth first to get to perfect mastication texture. Then you need to roll it around in the mouth once in while so that it doesn’t stick to your fillings. In 2018 at a Resin Distillation Conference in Spokane, WA., I asked several well-known gum-chewers [thankyou Monica and Kendall] if they wanted to try Mastic. “Yes, of course” they said, but in fact they were unable to learn to chew it or even try past 30 minutes. This is great gum and can be chewed for 4 hours without losing its eponymous taste and it is good for the teeth.
And the occasional chewing of a Mastic ball will ease the pain of a tooth carie or cavity, act as a mouth antibacterial and has in the past been used as a temporary tooth filling. Remember this when you travel out of country to carry some Mastic resin with you; both to burn as a magical fragrant incense but also as a first aid remedy. Really, we are forgetting some our simplest first-aid skills!
Abstract/Scientific Data About the Gum Resin Mastic:
Researchers at Nottingham University hospital and Barnet General Hospital have found that Chios Mastic is an effective treatment for ulcers. The findings showed that even in small doses of one gram a day for two weeks, Mastic gum could cure peptic ulcers.
Regular consumption of Mastic resin has been proven to absorb cholesterol, thus easing high blood pressure and reducing the risk of heart attacks. It is also used in the manufacture of plasters. Mastic oil also has antibacterial and antifungal properties, and as such is widely used in the preparation of ointments for skin disorders and afflictions.
In recent years, university researchers have provided the scientific evidence for the medicinal properties of Mastic resin. A 1985 study by the University of Thessaloniki and by the Meikai University discovered that Mastic can reduce bacterial plaque in the mouth by 41.5%. A 1998 study by the University of Athens found that Mastic oil has antibacterial and antifungal properties. A recent and extensive study showed that Mastic gum reduced H. pylori populations after an insoluble and sticky polymer (poly-β-myrcene) constituent of Mastic gum was removed and taken for a longer period of time. Further analysis showed the acid fraction was the most active antibacterial extract, and the most active pure compound was isomasticadienolic acid.
A balm was created from the Mastic tree resin for use by physicians in Biblical times.” — Wikipedia
Contraindications: Side effects of taking Mastic gum may include nausea, diarrhea, and constipation.
References:
Arctander, Steffen. Perfume and Flavor Materials of Natural Origin. Arctander. 1960
Aromatherapy Studies Course/ Jeanne Rose, San Francisco, California, 1992
Dioscorides. The Greek Herbal of Dioscorides. Translated in 1655 by Goodyer and printed in 1933.
Guenther, Ernest. The Essential Oils. Krieger Publishing. Florida. 1976
1Langenheim, Jean H. Plant Resins • Chemistry, Evolution, Ecology, Ethnobotany. Timber Press. 2003
2Mabberley, D. J. Mabberley’s Plant-Book, 3rd edition, 2014 printing, Cambridge University Press.
Rose, Jeanne. 375 Essential Oils and Hydrosols. Berkeley, California: Frog, Ltd., 1999
Rose, Jeanne. The Aromatherapy Book: Applications & Inhalations. San Francisco, California:
3Wikipedia – Mastic
Other References are included within the body of the work.
The Jeanne Rose Aromatherapy Studies Course these blog posts as well as much more information on the many aspects of essential oils, hydrosols, absolutes and aromatic ingredients for health and skin care.
~JR~
Endangered or not: Some of these plants are considered to be threatened and/or endangered due to heavy usage, people moving into the areas where they live and by over-tapping. The trees are dying each year and that they could be gone within 50 years.
Irritants: Some of the gums and resins can be quite irritating or sensitizing. Use the Patch Test before applying.
Do not Ingest essential oils: Although some oils are important flavoring oils in the flavor industry and thus ingested in very small amounts in many foods, especially meats and sausages, it is not a good idea to use them yourself either in capsules or honey to take internally.
Safety Precautions: Do not apply the essential oil neat, especially to the underarms or delicate parts of the body. Most resinous oils are probably not to be used on babies, children or pregnant women. Many aromatherapists suggest that there are some oils not be used at all. However, as with many plants, essential oil chemistry is subject to change depending on species and terroir.
Patch Test: If applying a new essential oil to your skin always perform a patch test to the inner arm (after you have diluted the EO in a vegetable carrier oil). —Wash an area of your forearm about the size of a quarter and dry carefully. Apply a diluted drop (1 drop EO + 1 drop carrier) to the area. Then apply a loose Band-Aid and wait 24 hours. If there is no reaction, then go ahead and use the oil in your formulas. —The Aromatherapy Book, Applications & Inhalations, p. 64
DISCLAIMER: This work is intended for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for accurate diagnosis and treatment by a qualified health care professional. Dosages are often not given, as that is a matter between you and your health care provider. The author is neither a chemist nor a medical doctor. The content herein is the product of research and personal and practical experience. Institute of Aromatic & Herbal Studies – Jeanne Rose©
Epsom Salts – photo by JeanneRose
This booklet was written to accompany the SPA class that I gave yearly for 20 years,
Tea Ball as an Herbal Bath Infuser ~ photo JeanneRose
HEMP SCRUB CLOTH (Cannabis sativa) – Being naturally anti-bacterial and mold and mildew resistant, hemp is the perfect fiber for heavy duty kitchen and bathroom work. Use these hand knitted cloths to scrub pots, bathroom walls, floors, and outdoor furniture. Simply throw them in the wash with the rest of your laundry and hang out to dry. Instead of throwing your synthetic or other similar stinky scrub cloths in the trash, use hemp or other natural fabric. These are not sponging, they are scrubbing cloth, and they exfoliate or act as mild abrasives. When they finally wear out, put them in the compost where they will break down and add organic matter back to the soil.
Loofah Scrubbers
