I used to chew regular gum constantly, never thinking twice about what was in it.
Then I learned about microplastics in chewing gum and decided to find a natural alternative.
That's when I discovered mastic gum — crystallized tree sap from the Greek island of Chios.
Trust me, chewing tree sap isn't as weird as it sounds, and the benefits might surprise you.
Stick with me as I unpack my six - month journey with this ancient Greek remedy and its impact on my jaw and gut health.
What is Mastic Gum?
Mastic gum is this unique, natural resin that comes from special trees on the Greek island of Chios. People have been collecting it for over 2,500 years, which is pretty mind-blowing when you think about it.
I first discovered mastic gum when I came across Greco Gum’s website. After doing a bit of research, I decided to place an order. When it arrived, I was surprised by how it looked — it’s nothing like the gum you’d find at a store. Instead, it comes in small, irregular pieces that remind me of tiny crystals.
The trees that make this gum are called Pistacia lentiscus. They're tough little guys that can live for about 100 years. What's really interesting about the mastic tree is that it only produces a small amount of resin each year — somewhere between 60 to 250 grams.
Unlike the artificial stuff I used to chew, Chios mastic gum is completely natural. There's no fake flavors or additives in it. It's just pure tree resin.
The word "mastic" comes from a Greek word that means "to chew." So people have literally been chewing this stuff for thousands of years.
Getting the gum from the trees is a bit like tapping maple trees for syrup. Farmers make little cuts in the tree bark, and the resin oozes out. It dries up into these little "tears," which is why people sometimes call it "tears of Chios."
I was curious about why mastic gum is sometimes hard to find. Turns out, because each tree produces so little and the harvesting process takes time, suppliers can sometimes run out. It's not like they can just whip up more in a factory.
Mastic gum comes in a few different forms:
- Raw resin pieces (this is what I use)
- Mastic oil
- Capsules
- Powder
- Essential oil
I started using mastic gum because I was looking for a natural alternative to regular gum. But it's been used for all sorts of things over the years. Ancient doctors used it for stomach issues and colds, and lots of people used it to freshen their breath.
One thing that surprised me is that mastic gum has over 120 different compounds in it. Scientists are still figuring out what all of them do, but that's a whole other story.
The Amazing Benefits of Mastic Gum
Now that you know what mastic gum is, let's talk about why you might want to give it a try. This gum has some serious perks.
Goodbye, Tummy Troubles
Ever felt like your stomach is waging war against you? Mastic gum might be your new ally. It's been shown to help with various digestive issues, from pesky stomach pain to more serious conditions like inflammatory bowel disease. Some people report relief from irritable bowel syndrome, though individual results may vary.
Bacteria Beware
One of the most impressive qualities of mastic gum is its ability to combat helicobacter pylori bacteria (the bacteria responsible for stomach ulcers). If you've been relying on antacids, Chios mastic might offer a natural alternative.
Freshen Up
Remember how I mentioned the ancient Greeks used mastic gum? Well, they were onto something. It's great for freshening your breath and might even help prevent cavities. Who knew chewing gum could be good for your teeth?
Heart Helper
Now, I'm not saying mastic gum is a miracle cure, but studies indicate it may help lower cholesterol levels. That's good news for your heart!
Inflammation Fighter
Mastic gum has some impressive anti-inflammatory properties. It may provide relief for those dealing with Crohn's disease or general inflammation. Studies have shown that it can reduce inflammatory markers in the body, potentially helping with various inflammatory conditions. If you're looking for a natural way to ease inflammation, Chios mastic gum could be a good option.
Cancer Research
Mastic gum is starting to make waves in cancer research. Early findings suggest that certain compounds in mastic oil might put the brakes on cancer cell growth, including prostate cancer cells. While it’s not a cure, its potential role in slowing the spread is something researchers are eager to chew on as studies progress.
Liver Love
Your liver does a lot for you, so why not show it some love? Some research suggests that mastic gum supplements might help protect your liver. People who took mastic gum showed lower levels of liver enzymes associated with liver damage. Given its anti-inflammatory properties, it might also help reduce liver inflammation.
Mastic gum might not be a cure-all, but it could be a natural way to support your health (and sculpt that jawline of yours).
My Experience With the Mastic Gum
You’ve learned the universal benefits of mastic gum — its impact on gut health, anti-inflammatory properties, and even its ability to fight bacteria. Now, let me tell you about the benefits I’ve personally experienced from using it.
A Jawline Sculptor That Works
I was initially curious about mastic gum for its health benefits, but what really caught me by surprise was how much it worked to strengthen my jawline. After a few months of chewing it, I’ve noticed a more defined look — something that certainly didn’t go unnoticed. Let’s just say it’s done wonders for both my confidence and appearance.
Convenient and Under the Radar
The best part? Mastic gum is super discreet. You can chew it anywhere—whether you’re at work or just hanging out—and no one will realize you’re giving your jaw a workout. It’s a low-key way to put in the reps without making it a big production. Just chew and go, simple as that.
No Digestive Drama
Another big win with mastic gum is that it doesn’t come with any unpleasant side effects. I’ve tried other supplements in the past that left me dealing with indigestion or heartburn. But with mastic gum, the only thing I’ve experienced is some natural soreness in my jaw muscles — proof that it's doing its job.
An Acquired Taste
I won’t sugarcoat this—mastic gum isn’t exactly a treat for your taste buds. It has an earthy, somewhat resinous flavor that can take some getting used to. But the good news is that the taste fades pretty quickly. Unlike regular gum, it’s sugar-free, so you’re not damaging your teeth. It’s a trade-off I’m happy to make for the long-term benefits.
Quality Differences
Not all mastic gums are made equal. I’ve tried a few brands, and while some have been good, others were disappointing. Some crumbled right away or had impurities in them. I learned to stick with high-quality, trusted sources. Even though it might take some trial and error, once you find a reliable brand, it makes all the difference in your chewing experience.
Best Mastic Gum Brand
When I first started chewing mastic gum, I experimented with different brands. After trying a few, I settled on Greco Gum — and I haven’t looked back since.
One thing that sets Greco apart is its source. It’s made from pure mastic resin harvested directly from the Chios island in Greece, which is known for producing the best quality mastic.
Another reason I prefer Greco is that it doesn’t contain any additives or sweeteners. Some other mastic gums add flavors or fillers, which kind of defeats the purpose if you’re chewing it for health benefits. With Greco, what you get is pure, natural resin — and that’s important for me. I like knowing that what I’m chewing is doing its job, whether it’s for jaw strength or digestive health.
Consistency matters too. With Greco, every piece feels the same. I don’t have to worry about getting a batch that’s too soft or so hard it feels like chewing on a rock. Each piece works exactly how I need it to, which isn’t something I found with other brands.
Still, it’s good to have options. If you're looking to try other mastic gums, here are a few brands people often mention:
- Mastic Chios Gum: Sourced from the same island as Greco, it's a bit softer and works well if you prefer a more gentle chew without sacrificing authenticity.
- Elma Mastic Gum: A great sugar-free option that’s particularly popular for its dental benefits. It also comes in fluoride-infused varieties for added oral health support.
- Mast Chew: An organic, mint-flavored mastic gum that’s free from artificial sweeteners. It's ideal for those who prefer a bit of freshness with their gum.
- Suifa Mastic Gum: A more budget-friendly option that still offers quality. It’s natural, fresh-tasting, and provides a clean chewing experience for those wanting to try mastic gum.
While each brand has something unique to offer, I stick with Greco because it consistently delivers the purity and results I’m after.
Greco Gum Nuggets vs. Droplets
When I first tried Greco Gum's mastic gum, I was faced with a choice: Nuggets or Droplets? After giving both a good chew, I've formed some opinions that might help you decide which is right for you.
Nuggets: My Comfort Option
I've found Nuggets to be my everyday favorite. They're larger pieces that I can chew for longer without tiring out my jaw. On busy work days or during Netflix binges, I pop in a couple of Nuggets and I'm set.
What I like about them:
- They're easier on my jaw for long chewing sessions
- They don't stick to my teeth as much
- I only need a couple of pieces to get going
Droplets: When I Want a Challenge
When I'm in the mood for a more intense jaw workout, I reach for the Droplets. They're smaller, but boy, do they pack a punch.
My experience with Droplets:
- They give my jaw muscles an excellent workout
- I need more pieces compared to Nuggets, which can be fun but also a bit messy
- I've noticed they get sticky in cool weather, so I'm extra careful with my dental work
Which One's for You?
- Are you looking for a casual, everyday chew? Go for Nuggets.
- Want to really feel the burn in your jaw muscles? Droplets are your best bet.
- Worried about dental work? Stick with Nuggets to play it safe.
Remember, there's no wrong choice here. It's all about what feels right for you. You might find yourself reaching for Nuggets on lazy days and Droplets when you need that extra jaw workout.
The Final Chew: My Verdict on Mastic Gum
That’s a wrap on my mastic gum journey.
It’s been an interesting six months, with a few unexpected perks and some noticeable benefits along the way.
For anyone curious about alternatives to regular gum, mastic gum could be worth trying, especially if you’re after something that’s all-natural.
