Characteristics of Mastic
Mastic comes from the trunk of the mastic tree (Pistacia Lentiscus), which belongs to the family of evergreen shrubs. It is produced from the trunk of the plant as a resin during the summer and autumn months of the year. In these months the bark of the plant is injured to collect the mastic and during the winter months the mastic is cleaned. When extracted from the trunk, it is transparent and sticky, highly aromatic, but when dried, hardens, becomes white and yellow in color.
This impressive plant can grow up to 4 meters and live for about 100 years.

Regarding the soil and the climate it thrives in, the plant only grows in South Chios. This fact is probably due to the microclimate and the underwater volcanoes that benefit the soil. Attempts have been made to cultivate it in other areas inside and outside Greece without success.

The medicinal properties of mastic have been known since ancient times and have been recognized for many years by the European Medicines Agency. It is used for its healing effect, against dermatological diseases, in oral wounds, gastrointestinal diseases, as well as as an anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-fungal.

History of mastic
The cultivation of mastic dates back to the 3rd BC. century and references to mastic can be found from the 5th BC. century, during which the historian Herodotus describes how the ancient Greeks chewed the natural resin of the mastic tree. It is also included in other ancient texts that recognized its medicinal properties and advised it
inclusion in the daily diet.
The medicinal properties of the mastic tree also became known to Roman aristocrats, who added it to wine and even exploited the bark of the plant using mastic tree toothpicks as a natural teeth whitener.
Mastic's popularity soared during the Byzantine Empire in the 10th century. The island of Chios was a treasure of the empire and mastic became sought after in the commercial centers of Europe and Asia.
The existence of mastic, also known as "the precious tear", is explained according to the tradition of the island where in 250 AD the plant began to weep when Saint Isidore was martyred.
Mastic is produced in 24 settlements of the island that have been designated as traditional settlements by the Greek Ministry of Culture.

Today, mastic is a sought-after material and is used in the production of oral hygiene products, ouzo, baked goods, nutritional supplements, galenic preparations, cosmetics and more.

Components
Mastic essential oil from the trunk of the Pistacia Lentiscus tree.

Chemical composition of mastic essential oil
α- pinene 82.26 %, β-pinene 2.96%, β-myrcene 1.92%, p-cymene, limonene, linalool, camphenal, β-caryophyllene, (E) – Me isoeugenol.

Ways of use
- Pour 5-6 drops of mastic essential oil into a basin of warm water, use a cloth or towel for warm compresses. Warm compresses with mastic essential oil soothe menstrual symptoms and relieve rheumatic pains.
- Add a few drops to an almond oil and massage to improve blood circulation.
- To clean your space of germs add a few drops to a combustion device. In addition, the steam can clear the airways.
- For an effective air freshener pour 5-8 drops into a container of water. Shake before each use and spray where needed.
- Combines well with lemon, lavender and cinnamon essential oil

Helpful tips
- The use of essential oils should be avoided during pregnancy, breastfeeding and by small children.
- Avoid direct contact with skin, eyes and mouth.
- Always use essential oils diluted in a carrier oil or other catalyst.