Mastic gum is a natural resin obtained from the trunk and branches of the mastic tree (Pistacia lentiscus), a shrub-like tree species that mainly occurs in the Mediterranean, especially on the Greek island of Chios.

The resin is traditionally harvested on Chios in Greece, but the mastic tree also grows in parts of Turkey and other countries around the Mediterranean. The resin has been used in food and local traditions in this region for centuries.

Taking mastic gum on an empty stomach, before breakfast, is intended to take the supplement without other nutrients being processed at the same time. This is a common recommendation for plant extracts.

No, although mastic gum is sometimes used as a natural chewing gum, in supplement form it is a dried and encapsulated extract of the resin. The applications and forms therefore differ.

Yes. Mastic gum is available as dried resin, powder, capsules, and even in dental care products or chewing gum. In this supplement, it is used as pure resin in plant-based capsules.