---
title: "Mastic Gum: Benefits, Uses & Side Effects | Herbadex"
description: "Mastic gum is a natural resin traditionally taken by mouth for mild indigestion and used on the skin for minor inflammation and small wounds."
language: en
url: https://herbadex.com/en/herb/mastic-gum/
source: Herbadex (https://herbadex.com)
---

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# Mastic Gum

Pistacia lentiscus

T Traditional use

Mastic gum is a natural resin traditionally taken by mouth for mild indigestion and used on the skin for minor inflammation and small wounds.

[Digestion](https://herbadex.com/en/for/digestion/) [Skin & Hair](https://herbadex.com/en/for/skin-hair/)

 

Image: Herbadex Botanik Stüdyosu · Özel Üretim

Pregnancy **⚠ Avoid**

Breastfeeding **⚠ Avoid**

Children **⚠ Avoid**

Drug interactions **No recorded interactions**

## At a glance

The EMA classes the resin of the Pistacia lentiscus tree grown on Chios (mastic) as a traditional herbal medicine taken by mouth for mild indigestion, and used on the skin for minor inflammation and to help heal small wounds. The monograph lists no known adverse effects.

**Parts used:** resin

**Key constituents:** Mastik Asitleri

Updated: October 15, 2026

✓ This herb record is backed by official European Medicines Agency (EMA HMPC) herbal monographs.

## What is it used for?

-   T Traditional use
    
    Traditionally used for mild indigestion. \[1\]
    
-   T Traditional use
    
    Traditionally used on the skin for minor inflammation and as an aid in healing minor wounds. \[1\]
    

## How is it used?

### Food

Adults take 0.5–1 g of mastic by mouth.

**Amount:** Twice daily (1–2 g a day)

**Duration limit:** See a doctor if no better after 2 weeks

\[1\]

### Topical

Apply a thin layer of cream or ointment containing 9–11% powdered mastic.

**Amount:** Up to 3 times daily

**Duration limit:** See a doctor if no better after 1 week

\[1\]

## Safety & interactions

Minimum age: 18 years

-   Oral use not recommended under 18; skin use not recommended under 12.
-   See a doctor if the skin shows signs of infection.
-   Not recommended in pregnancy or breastfeeding because safety has not been shown.

\[1\]

### Drug interactions

No recorded interactions

### Side effects

-   None known according to the monograph; report any unexpected effect to a doctor

#### ⚕ When to see a doctor

-   If high fever, shortness of breath or purulent/bloody phlegm develops
-   If symptoms do not improve within 1–2 weeks or worsen
-   If severe abdominal pain, jaundice, rash or allergic reaction occurs

## Did you know?

Mastic is a resin the EMA assesses both by mouth for indigestion and as a skin ointment. \[1\]

## Frequently asked questions

Is mastic gum good for the stomach?

The EMA accepts mastic as a traditional remedy for mild indigestion.

How is mastic gum taken?

For indigestion, adults take 0.5–1 g by mouth twice a day.

Is mastic used for H. pylori?

The EMA monograph has no indication for H. pylori. See a doctor about the cause of stomach complaints.

Can children take mastic gum?

Oral use is not recommended under 18.

## Sources

1.  [European Union herbal monograph on Pistacia lentiscus L., resin (mastix)](https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-monograph/final-european-union-herbal-monograph-pistacia-lentiscus-l-resin-mastic_en.pdf) EMA HMPC · 2016

### Cite This Page

Mastic Gum (Pistacia lentiscus). Herbadex — Doğal Şifa Rehberi (2026). https://herbadex.com/en/herb/mastic-gum/

## Related guides and comparisons

-   [How to Prepare Herbal Tea](https://herbadex.com/en/guide/how-to-prepare-herbal-tea/)
-   [How to Use Essential Oils Safely](https://herbadex.com/en/guide/essential-oil-safety/)
-   [Herbal Products and Drug Interactions](https://herbadex.com/en/guide/herb-drug-interactions/)

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This page is for information only and is not medical advice. If you take medication, are pregnant, or have a health condition, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before use.