Mastic gum is a natural resin that drips from the bark of the mastic tree (Pistacia lentiscus var. Chia), grown almost exclusively on the Greek island of Chios. When the bark is scored, the sap oozes out and hardens into teardrop-shaped crystals with a distinctive pine-like aroma. It has been prized in Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and North African cultures for thousands of years — both as a medicine and a flavoring.

Mastic gum works on the gut in two main ways: it has direct antimicrobial action against H. pylori (the bacteria behind most stomach ulcers), and it helps soothe and protect the stomach lining by reducing inflammation and supporting the mucous barrier. Some of its active compounds also appear to gently calm digestive muscle activity, which may ease cramping and discomfort associated with IBS.

Capsules standardized to mastic resin content are the most convenient and widely studied form. Chewing the raw resin tears is the traditional method and may be effective for oral and upper digestive symptoms. Powders can be added to water or smoothies. The essential oil is used topically or for oral hygiene, not typically ingested for gut conditions.

• Stomach ulcers and H. pylori infection
• Acid reflux and heartburn
• Gastritis and stomach inflammation
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Crohn's disease and gut inflammation
• Bad breath and oral bacteria
• High cholesterol
• Liver health and fatty liver
• Functional dyspepsia (chronic indigestion)

• Recurrence of H. pylori-associated ulcers (when used as maintenance support alongside dietary changes)
• Dental plaque buildup and gum disease (with regular chewing of mastic resin)

Mastic gum is a tree resin and is not naturally found in common foods — it must be taken as a supplement or chewed in its raw resin form. To support the same digestive and anti-inflammatory goals, focus on: fermented foods like yogurt and kefir (which support a healthy gut microbiome), broccoli and broccoli sprouts (shown to have activity against H. pylori via sulforaphane), extra-virgin olive oil (anti-inflammatory, supports gut lining integrity), garlic (broad antimicrobial activity in the gut), and green tea (reduces gut inflammation and may inhibit H. pylori adhesion). Avoid alcohol, NSAIDs, processed foods, and excessive caffeine, all of which worsen the stomach lining damage that mastic gum is often used to heal.

• Mild stomach discomfort or nausea (usually at higher doses or on an empty stomach)
• Loose stools or mild diarrhea in sensitive individuals
• Allergic reactions — rare, but possible in people sensitive to Pistacia species (related to pistachio, cashew family)
• Headache — reported infrequently in clinical trials
• Contact dermatitis with topical use of mastic essential oil on sensitive skin

• Recommended daily: 1,000–2,000 mg per day (typically 500 mg capsules taken 2–4 times daily). For H. pylori specifically, some clinical protocols use up to 2,000 mg/day in divided doses. Chewing 1–2 g of raw resin daily is the traditional oral hygiene dose.
• Best time of day: Divided doses are preferred — typically morning and evening. For ulcer and H. pylori support, taking before meals helps the resin coat the stomach lining before food arrives.
• With or without food: Best taken 30 minutes before meals for gut and ulcer conditions. Can be taken with a small amount of food if stomach sensitivity is a concern.
• Time to effect: Digestive symptom relief: 2–4 weeks. H. pylori reduction: 4–8 weeks. Cholesterol effects: 8–12 weeks.
• How long to take it: For acute issues like H. pylori or gastritis, 4–8 weeks of consistent use is the standard. For chronic gut support, ongoing daily use is generally well tolerated. No formal cycling protocol is required, but periodic reassessment of need is reasonable.