In today’s modern world, chewing gums are available at every corner, but from all of them, we were not able to find one single brand that is actually totally natural or even good for you! However, there is something completely natural, completely sugar-free and extremely aromatic that can and should become a part of every lifestyle. This ancient chewing gum is called Mastic or mastiha and guess what – it comes from Greece!

In Greece, from ancient times, people have been chewing resin that was collected from a specific Pistachio tree on the island of Chios. It has been used for mouth refreshing, but even Hippokrates prescribed this ancient chewing gum as medicine. For many centuries, Mastic literally had the value of gold and was used as a payment method by the Chios people.

An intriguing aspect of mastic trees is the fact that they grow in many parts of our planet but they only give the aromatic resin on the island of Chios. The mastic trees of Chios were so significant from the economic point of view. Numerous invasion attempts and pirates were continually frightening the islanders. This defined the architecture of the island, as many fortifications were constructed in the mastic region villages. Villages in the southern part have the shape of a fortress.

Mastiha is a powerful antibacterial agent

Many studies reports that mastic gum has potential antibacterial properties and it can be used to relieve gastrointestinal problems. From ancient times, Greeks used it to relieve pain and inflammation. Another study proved that Chios mastic is effective in the treatment of functional dyspepsia.

Mastic gum’s beneficial effect on our digestive system is related to the antioxidants and anti-inflammatory substances. There are numerous studies, such as this one, that prove the potential and health benefits of the Mastic gum. Yes, it’s called gum, because, after just a few seconds in your mouth, the resin crystals turn into real chewing gum. Magical experience!

Elma, stocked my Olympian is a unique chewing gum containing Chios mastiha which is natural resin that grows only in the south part of Chios island in Greece and has been scientifically proven for its beneficial effects on oral and stomach hygiene due to its antibacterial, antioxidant activity.