Masticha (Mastix)

Other names: mastiha, Chios masticha, Μαστιχα Χιου, μαστιχα, mastic, mastic, mastic, lentiscus, Pistacia lentiscus var. Chia

Harm score: 1 (Natural substances)

Masticha, also called mastiha, mastic, mastic, mastic, or lentiscus (Pistacia lentiscus var. Chia), is an extract from the trunks and branches of an evergreen Mediterranean shrub going by the name lentiscus. This shrub is found in the wild in Sri Lanka, the Canary Islands, North Africa, South and West Asia and the Eastern Mediterranean. Strictly speaking, the name mastic is used only for the resin that is extracted from the lentiscus trees on the Greek island of Chios, where this production is protected by the EU as a protected designation of origin.

Mastic is used in a number of different products. It is a component of some foods and drinks, such as the alcoholic drink Mastika, which is produced in Bulgaria and Northern Macedonia. It is also added to ice cream, candy, chocolate and other sweets, where it gives the product a specific taste and aroma. It is also used as an ingredient in the cosmetics industry as it has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties and is a common ingredient in toothpastes, soaps, creams and other skin and body care products. Masticha is also used in the pharmaceutical industry to produce medicines for stomach disorders and respiratory problems. It is also a component of the traditional Greek liquor mastiha and is made into chewing gum.