- Other Names
- Tears of Chios
- Farming Method
- Certified Organic
- Plant Part
- Leaves
- Country of Origin
- Morocco
- Application Method
- Bath, Diffusion, Inhalation, Massage, and Topical
- Scientific Name
- Pistacia lentiscus
- Extraction Method
- Steam Distilled
About the Plant:
Pistacia lentiscus is a dioecious evergreen shrub or small tree. It grows up to 4 m (13 ft) tall, with a strong smell of resin, in dry and rocky areas in North Africa and Mediterranean Europe. It resists mild to heavy frosts but prefers milder winters and grows on all types of soils, including in limestone areas and even in salty or saline environments, making it more abundant near the sea. When older, it develops large trunks and numerous thicker and longer branches. In appropriate areas, when allowed to grow freely and age, it often becomes a tree of up to 7 m. However, logging, grazing, and fires often prevent its development.
The leaves are leathery with five or six pairs of deep-green leaflets. It presents very small flowers. The fruit is a drupe, first red and then black when ripe, about 4 mm in diameter. The fruit, although not commonly consumed, is edible and has a tart raisin-like flavor.
Mastic is produced by the plant's resin glands and dries into pieces of brittle, translucent substance. When chewed, this resin softens and becomes a bright white, opaque gum. The flavor is bitter at first, but after some chewing, it releases a refreshing flavor similar to pine and cedar. After it is collected, Mastic is washed manually and is set aside to dry, away from the sun, as it will start melting again.
Where It Grows:
The Mastic tree (Pistacia lentiscus) is a broadleaf evergreen that favors the arid, rocky conditions you will find in the hills and beside the sea in the Mediterranean. Native throughout the region, from Morocco and the Iberian peninsula through southern France and Turkey to Iraq and Iran, it's also found in the Canary Islands.
Traditional Uses and Lore:
Mastic is a rare essential oil, a “diamond in the rough.” The gum, better known as resin, from the mastic tree oozes from the trunk silently and slowly in diamond-like droplets, which harden as they fall to the ground. These exquisite drops are then sorted for clarity and quality. Mastic flavor and aroma is fresh and intense, reminiscent of pine or licorice, and is commonly used in Greek cuisine. It also makes a refreshing addition to homemade dental products like toothpaste and mouthwash, perfumery blends, and skin care products.
Many respected Greek scholars and philosophers, as early as the 5th century BCE, including Hippocrates, Dioscorides, and Galen – described the benefits of Mastic. The oleoresin (gum) was a central ingredient in Egyptian incense, burned ceremonially as an accompaniment to meditation. Hippocrates used Mastic for the prevention of digestive problems and colds as well as a breath freshener. Romans used Mastic along with honey, pepper, and egg in spiced wine. In the Ottoman Empire, the Sultan gathered the finest Mastic crop to send it to his harem, to be used as a breath freshener and in cosmetics.* Mastic was the sultan's privilege because of its healing properties.
Other Facts:
- Scent: Earthy, Radiant, Balsamic, Warm, and Woody Aroma
- Fragrance Note: Middle Note
- Composition: α-Pinene, β-Pinene, Myrcene, Linalool, and β-Caryophyllene
- Family: Anacardiaceae Family
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
- USDA Certified Organic
- Supports Lymphatic Functions
- Eases Inflammation
- Helps Clear Airborne Bacteria
Mastic Organic Essential Oil is a powerful aromatherapy aid, renowned for its ability to bring both physical and emotional relief. Its fresh balsamic scent has hints of pine resin, creating an herbal and earthy aroma that blends well with many other oils.
Mastic Essential Oil is known to be a lymphatic and circulatory decongestant.* Known for its vasoconstricting properties and ability to support circulation, this oil may help reduce the appearance of varicose veins.* It is also a great choice to help tackle congestion, head and neck tension, and other uncomfortable cold and flu concerns.* Experience the versatile, fortifying effects of this unique oil in your own life by diffusing it or adding it to a carrier oil and applying topically!
A massage blend featuring Mastic can relax sore muscles while strengthening the spirit in times of stress or discomfort.* By using Mastic, you can deliver an all-encompassing fortification that facilitates your body's own natural healing processes. You can ease discomfort caused by boils or wounds while also providing spiritual strength.* Enjoy the therapeutic benefits of skin massage blends containing mastic—soothing sore muscles and joints as it boosts your body’s resilience towards illness.*
Topical Application (for use on the skin):
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Diffusion / Inhalation (add a few drops to a nebulizer or nasal inhaler):
- Respiratory System:
- Helps Tackle Congestion
- Relieves Symptoms of Cold / Flu
- Clears Airborne Bacteria
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Blends Well With:
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Safety Precautions:
- Mastic Essential Oil has no specific safety concerns associated when properly stored.
- However, if Mastic becomes oxidized it may cause skin sensitization or irritation.
General Safety Precautions:
- Use essential oils only in diluted form on the skin and never internally.
- Always be careful when using essential oils with children.
- Give them only low doses, or better, consult a qualified aromatherapy expert before using.
- Also, use essential oils with care and only under the proper guidance of an expert while pregnant or if you have liver damage, epilepsy, cancer, or other serious health problems.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
For centuries, the mastic tree has been revered for its potent medicinal properties. This Mediterranean native creates a resin that is steam distilled, producing an essential oil with a fresh balsamic scent similar to pine. Used in skin care products and as a flavoring agent since ancient times, mastic oil has many properties such as strong anti-inflammatory, antibiotic, antimicrobial, antiseptic, astringent, expectorant, and diuretic qualities.* From these properties, Mastic is renowned for helping relieve boils, cuts, wounds, ringworm, arthritic pain, bronchitis, and gastric ailments — plus occasional gum chewing!* Its many healing powers continue today making it one of nature’s great gifts.
In recent years, university researchers have provided the scientific evidence for the medicinal properties of mastic. A 1985 study by the University of Thessaloniki and by the Meikai University discovered that mastic can reduce bacterial dental plaque in the mouth.* A 1998 study by the University of Athens found that mastic oil has antibacterial and antifungal properties.*
Mastic Essential Oil is known to be a lymphatic and circulatory decongestant.* Known for its vasoconstricting properties and ability to support circulation, this oil may help reduce the appearance of varicose veins.* The presence of α- and β-pinenes provide beneficial actions on the respiratory and immune systems as well, making this oil a great choice to help tackle congestion, head and neck tension, and other uncomfortable cold and flu concerns.* It has an airborne anti-microbial action that is greatly needed when dealing with any respiratory issue.* It can be used for bronchitis as well as colds and flu.* Lastly, the high monoterpene content supports feelings of pain relief by helping to soothe the sensation of sore muscles and tender joints.* Experience the versatile, fortifying effects of this unique oil in your own life by diffusing or adding to a carrier oil and applying topically!
The following is a list of conditions which Mastic Essential Oil addresses by category:
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*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Bottles are filled by volume. Some bottle sizes may not be filled to the top, but do contain the volume of oil specified.
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Click the link below to view GC Analysis |
Click the link below to view CoA Analysis |
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Click the link below to view Safety Data Sheet (SDS): |
