Rumi Mastagi also known as Mastic gum, is a unique resin coming from a tree grown in the Mediterranean.
It comes from Pistacia lentiscus tree.
In Ayurveda and Unani medicine, it is widely used to improve various body ailments. The resin is used for improving digestion, oral and liver health.
The resin is a powerhouse of antioxidants that give it the therapeutic properties. It can be used in many forms depending on the individual need.
It is available in powder form, tinctures, capsules, and as an essential oil. The oil form is used for treating skin conditions majorly.
Table of Contents
Health Benefits & Medicinal Uses Of Rumi Mastagi
Mastic gum has many medicinal uses. Some of the key benefits of Mastic Gum are described below:
1.Bad Breath (Halitosis)
The flavors of the mastic gum effectively treat bad breath. It freshens up the breath and removes bad smell from the mouth. Mastic gum works by reducing the microbes in the mouth responsible for the bad breath.
Inside the mouth, the bacteria’s growth due to the breakdown of food particle in the mouth. This eventually gives a foul smell in the mouth. Additionally, you may develop a foul smell due to poor dental hygiene, or due to gum bleeding.
Chewing the gum eliminates food particles, stops bacterial growth and cleans up the teeth from inside. All these actions reduce bad breath and give a fresh feeling again.
2.Dental Effects
Mastic gum not only a breath freshener but also prevent cavities. It is because it has anti-bacterial properties which kill the bacterias inside the mouth. Mastic gum is a powerful ingredient in many kinds of toothpaste and mouthwashes.
The main cause of dental cavity or plaque is the growth of the bacterium Streptococcus mutans. Studies suggest people who chew mastic gum show low levels of bacteria inside their mouth than people who don’t chew mastic gum.
3.It Relieves Digestive Issues
Studies suggest mastic gum is a powerful resin to relieve abdominal discomfort, pain, heartburn, bloating, and inflammation. It affects digestion as it has anti-oxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.
4.Chronic Gastritis
People suffering from gastritis show improvement by consuming mastic gum on a regular basis. It works by showing its anti-inflammatory action on the stomach linings. You can use it with other herbs to increase its action.
5.GERD
Gastroesophageal Reflux occurs due to the weakness of the lower esophageal sphincter valve. The weakness of the valve causes intense acid reflux. People who suffer from GERD when chew mastic gum can strengthen the sphincter valves and thereby reduce the gastroesophageal reflux.
6.Ulcer
Stomach and intestinal ulcers are caused by a chronic bacterial infection caused by Helicobacter pylori. A study published in 2010 evaluated the effect of mastic gum on H.Pylori. The study was done for two set of participants.
One set of participants were given mastic gum and the other set was on pantoprazole plus antibiotics. The outcome showed some people who were taking mastic gum experienced elimination of the bacteria. On the other hand, people who were on antibiotics didn’t experienced elimination of the bacteria.
Thus, this study proved that the mastic gum is efficient in eradicating H.Pylori due to antibacterial activity against the bacterium. Mastic gum can also cure ulcer caused by NSAIDs or other hard drugs that erupt in the gastric and intestinal lining.
Regular use of mastic gum builds a protective layer on the linings of stomach and intestines, which cures the ulcer.
6.Skin Regenerative Action
Mastic gum can heal wounds because of its skin regenerating property. It does not have any side-effects on the skin.
Mastic gum is an important component of bandages, plasters, compresses, and other healing ointment used for protecting and healing wounds and incisions.
7. Fight Against Atherosclerosis
Recent studies suggest mastic as a protective agent against Atherosclerosis. Natural antioxidants work well against atherosclerosis.
Mastic gum has substances that offer a protection against the plaque formation which further prevents atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular diseases.
The resin has strong phenolic compounds like triterpenic and phytosterols to act against Lipoprotein as an antioxidant.
However, nothing is confirmed, still, researchers are emerging and a lot is to be researched to prove the positive effect of mastic gum on atherosclerosis.
8.Cholesterol Lowering Effect
In a study, it was found that the regular intake of mastic can reduce the low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. LDL is a bad cholesterol which gives rise to heart issues. So, it’s desirable to keep its level low.
9.Urinary Incontinence
Mastic gum when consumed along with Shilajit(ayurvedic medicine) strengthen the urinary bladder. Strengthening of the bladder can reduce incontinence and the problem of frequent urination.
10.Prevents Colon Cancer
Mastic gum won’t eradicate colon cancer completely but rather prevents it and reduce its progression. A recent study done last year states that mastic essential oil can suppress tumors that can lead to colon cancer.
In an in-vitro study done on mice, it was fund mastic oil inhibited the growth of colon cells and degraded the growth of colon carcinoma tumors.
However, further studies are needed to prove its exact working mechanism on colon cancer patients.
11.Prevents Prostate Cancer
Studies are going on to investigate the effect of mastic gum on the progression of prostate cancer. In a laboratory study, it was found that the mastic gum inhibits the androgen receptor that may develop prostate cancer.
Mastic gum slows down the expression and function of the androgen receptor in the prostate cancer cells. The studies were done on animals. More research is to be done to find the effect on humans.
12.Treats Allergic Asthma
Mastic Gum has loads of anti-inflammatory properties that make them useful to treat allergic asthma. Allergic asthma affects the airways making them inflamed and hyperresponsive.
In a laboratory study, it was found that the mastic gum can inhibit the eosinophils, airway inflammation, and reduce the airway hyperresponsiveness. Still, a lot needs to be done to confirm the outcomes, especially in humans.
13.Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Studies were done to find the efficiency of mastic gum on moderately active Crohn’s disease. It is inflammatory bowel disease. People who take mastic gum experience significant alleviation of the symptoms and the inflammation.
Dosage & Administration Of Rumi Mastagi
The appropriate dose of mastic depends on various factors like the age of the patient, health, and several other conditions.
The human body can tolerate this substance well and has no serious effect when digested in the recommended dose. The recommended amount of the dosage are 1-2grams a day.
Scientifically, there is no exact information on what dosage you should take. Be careful of the dosage as the natural products are safe only when taken in the required amount.
Overdose can lead to unknown health complications. Always read the instructions on the product label or consult your physician before using the product.
Side Effects Of Rumi Mastagi
Mastic is for people when taken by mouth. There are no side-effects but they are special precaution you should take before consuming it.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Pregnant, breastfeeding, or people who are trying to conceive should take mastic only after consulting a doctor
Allergy to Schinus terebinthifolious and other Pistacia species: People who are allergic to the plant should not consume it
Pollen allergy: People who have pollen hypersensitivity should not consume it
Medicinal Parts Of
The Gum coming from the tree is useful for therapeutic purposes. It’s the mastic gum collected from the trunk of Pistacia Lentiscus that has medicinal properties. The gum has light yellow color and a sweet taste and fragrance.
Originally the sap(mastic) from the tree is sun-dried into pieces. Upon drying, the gum becomes brittle and translucent.
When chewed the resin becomes soft and opaque gum. The taste is bitter at first, but after chewing it gives a refreshing pine-like flavor.
Phytochemistry (Chemical Composition)
Mastic Gum has hundred of components in it. Among which, only 80 are identified. Due to its diverse components and beneficial properties, it is used in the food industry, beauty industry, and cosmetology too.
The active component of Mastic Gum is Masticonic Acid. It has around 1-3% of essential oil in it. The other major components of mastic gum and mastic oil are alpha-pinene, limonen, beta-myrcene, beta-caryophyllene, and beta-pinene.
Additionally, there are some trace components too that gives it the anti-bacterial properties. These traces components are linalol, verbenone, and alpha-terpineol.
The gum shows anti-microbial activity against Bacilus subtilis, E.Coli, and S.Aureus. All the components together work to make it a good therapeutic agent.
Medicinal Properties Of Rumi Mastagi
Mastic Gum has many medicinal properties. The gum act as an antacid, anti-inflammatory, digestive agent, anti-ulcer, anti-spasmodic, muscle relaxant, astringent, liver stimulant, diuretic, ulcers, and analgesic. It works by affecting the stomach, intestine, and reproductive system.
Ayurvedic Properties Of Rumi Mastagi
Mastic Gum has following ayurvedic properties:
RASA(Taste): Madhura(sweet) and Kasaya(astringent)
Guna(Chief qualiy): Laghu(easily digestible) and Ruksha(dry in texture)
Virya(potency): Ushna(hot)
Vipaka: Madhura(sweet)
Dosha Karma(Effect on Doshas): Effects the Tridosha by balancing the Vata and Pitta dosha
Therapeutic Indications
The mastic gum provides an effective and efficient cure to many health conditions. It’s capable of curing the following health conditions:
- Indigestion
- Bloating
- Heartburn
- Apetitie loss
- Severe gastritis issues
- Stomach ulcers
- Breathing troubles
- Bad breath
- Sexual issues like erectile dysfunction
- Liver issues
- Seminal weakness
Final Talk
Mastic gum is generally safe to use. But, however, you should check with your doctor before use. It is because the remedy might interfere with your medical drugs.
The remedy is not a replacement for your medical treatment but can be taken upon octor’s permission along with your medical treatment.
The resin won’t do wonder in one day but when taken daily it can reduce the side effects over time. Initially, start it off with a low amount and then slowly and gradually increase the amount.
If you are pregnant or trying to conceive or breastfeeding ask your doctor before use. Moreoff, if you face any unusual symptoms discontinue the use and consult a doctor immediately.
