Mastic
Pistachia lentiscus
Synonyms:
Mastic tree, Mastika
Family:
Anacardiaceae
Origin:
Greece
Part(s) used:
resin
Special constituents:
essential oil 1 - 3%. α- and β-masticinic acid acid, 4% . Masticholic acid, 0.5% . α- mastichonic acid, 20% . β-mastichonic acid, 18%. α-mastic resin 30%. β-mastic resin 20%.
Correspondance:
12 (Crowley); 12,17,30 (Lee)
Uses:
stimulant, antiseptic, antibacterial, diuretic, and expectorant.
Mastiekboom 
Mastikstræ The Mastic tree grows on the island of Chios in Greece. Although the trees and shrubs grow all over the island, the production of gum mastic resin is carried out only in the medieval villages in the southern region of Chios called Mastichochoria (=Gum villages). This is the only place where Mastic is produced, thus explaining the very high price of this product.
Gum Mastic is obtained by the incising of the tree trunk and branches with a sharp tool. The gum mastic resin then exudes through these incisions.
The word “mastic” is most probably derived from the Greek verb “masso” which means “to chew” or from the ancient Greek word “mastix” which means “whip”, because in earlier times the gum mastic tree was whipped instead of incised.
Mastic is soluble in ether and alcohol, but insoluble in water.
There is evidence that even low doses of mastic gum -- 1 g per day for two weeks -- can cure peptic ulcers very rapidly. This is probably due to the fact that mastic is active against the bacteria Helicobacter pylori.
Gum Mastic is used in dental products; it cleans the mouth as well as strengthens the gums. Gum Mastic is also used in perfumery and creams. It cleans the skin and brightens the complexion. Both the scent and taste of Mastic is pleasant, and Mastic is also used to flavour sweets and cakes.
Mastic is much valued in the paint industry; it is added to varnishes and artist colour oil.
An oil is obtained by alcohol extraction of the resin.
As an incense, the scent of Mastic is fresh, slightly lemony, and very purifying in its quality. Although expensive, it should be tried by all incense lovers. Mastic blends well with a lot of scents, including benzoin, chamomile, eucalyptus, juniper, lavender, lemongrass, marjoram, and sage.
The Mastic tree is related to the pistache nut tree, Pistachia vera. It is possible to grow the tree in Northern Europe, but it must be kept frost-free, so you have to have it in a container. You won't get any mastic out of it here, though.