Producing the mastic resin is a whole-year process for the local growers. The harvest is known as kentos and takes place from the beginning of July to the beginning of October. First, the area around the trees is cleared and sprinkled with inert calcium carbonate. Then, every 4–5 days, 5–10 incisions are made in the bark of each tree to release the resin. As these clear drops hang from the tree, and sparkle in the sunlight, they are said to resemble crystalline teardrops; for this reason, the mastic resin is known as the "tears of Chios". It takes about 15–20 days for the first resin crystals to harden and fall to the ground. The farmers then collect the pieces of dry mastic and wash them in natural spring water, and spend most of the winter cleaning and separating the tears from the sand. This cleaning process is performed by hand and is regulated by the legislative framework of the Mastic Growers' Association. In addition to mastic, mastic oil is also produced. Takahashi, K., et al. (2003). A pilot study on antiplaque effects of mastic chewing gum in the oral cavity [Abstract]. Mastic has important qualities for medicine and pharmaceutics, some of which are known since antiquity. In medicine it has been used to treat high blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol, bronchitis and stomachache. It is also used in the production of surgical threads. In pharmaceuticals, it has been used in vitamin manufacture. It has also been used in dentistry, cosmetics industry, distilleries etc. Kaliora, A. C., Stathopoulou, M. G., Triantafillidis, J. K., Dedoussis, G. V., and Andrikopoulos, N. K. Chios mastic treatment of patients with active Crohn's disease. World J Gastroenterol. 2-7-2007;13(5):748-753. View abstract. The aromatic, ivory-coloured resin, also known as mastic, is harvested as a spice from the cultivated mastic trees grown in the south of the Greek island of Chios in the Aegean Sea, where it is also known by the name "Chios tears". Originally liquid, it is hardened, when the weather turns cold, into drops or patties of hard, brittle, translucent resin. When chewed, the resin softens and becomes a bright white and opaque gum.

Amiri M, et al. (2016). Cytotoxic effects of the ethanol bane skin extract in human prostate cancer PC3 cells. DOI: Sporadically for some time during the early 19th century to 1950s there was mining activity on the island at Keramos Antimony Mines. Mastic is an essential ingredient of chrism, the holy oil used for anointing by the Eastern Orthodox Churches. Triantafyllidi A, et al. (2015). Herbal and plant therapy in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.Miyamoto T, et al. (2014). Chemical composition of the essential oil of mastic gum and their antibacterial activity against drug-resistant Helicobacter pylori. The island's mastic production is controlled by a co-operative. Founded in 1938, the Chios Gum Mastic Growers Association ( Greek: Ένωση Μαστιχοπαραγωγών Χίου), abbreviated CGMGA, is a secondary cooperative organisation and acts as the collective representative organ of twenty primary cooperatives founded in the twenty-four mastic villages. [5] it has the exclusive management of natural Chios Mastiha in Greece and abroad. [6]

The island's climate is warm and moderate, categorised as temperate, Mediterranean ( Köppen: Csa), with modest variation due to the stabilising effect of the surrounding sea. Average temperatures normally range from a summer high of 30°C (86°F) to a winter low of 7°C (45°F) in January, although temperatures of over 40°C (104°F) or below freezing can sometimes be encountered. Mastic gum is the resin of a tree that grows in the Mediterranean. Let's introduce this sap, which has been known for centuries for its effects on the digestive system (not only the stomach and esophagus). Read on for 10 reasons why Chios mastic gum is growing in popularity. An unforgettable sight, the once fortified village of Anavatos lies in ruin, but it still clinging defiantly to the side of the cliff, offering a reminder of Chios’ medieval past.As of 2018 [update] there were twenty-four mastichochoria, or mastic villages, on the island of Chios dedicated to the cultivation and production of mastic. [ citation needed] Mastic production in Chios is protected by a European Union protected designation of origin. Al-Habbal, M. J., et al. (1984). A double-blind controlled clinical trial of mastic and placebo in the treatment of duodenal ulcer [Abstract]. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy. Although Greece was officially neutral, the island was occupied by the British during World War I, on 17 February 1916. This may have been due to the island's proximity to the Ottoman Empire and the city of İzmir in particular. [45] Mastic tree ( Pistacia Lentiscus) is an evergreen shrub 2-3 meters tall, which grows slowly and reaches full growth after 40-50 years. It thrives in other countries, especially in the Mediterranean basin.