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Why Mastiha? In a corner of the Aegean Sea is an island full of mystery and desire, an island that has a secret. Many Empires have sought to gain control of this beautiful island and steal its prize. This is the Hellenic Island of "Chios" and its prize is a rare and mystical golden drop that can restore health and maintain beauty, a golden drop that civilizations past believed held the secret to eternal youth. This prized golden drop, from the trunk of a small tree (Pistacia Lentiscus var. Chia) is called "Mastiha". Mastiha is steeped in mystery; its qualities have benefited the lucky ones who took it in medicines and used it as cosmetics for thousands of years. In medieval times its cosmetic properties were highly prized and could only be used by Empresses and Sultan's Harems, where beauty was essential and the rewards high Mastiha was recognized from ancient times as much for its distinctive flavour for foods, drinks and a natural chewing gum, as for its therapeutic properties. It was also used in cosmetology for cleansing the face and body. Nowadays, the international scientific community, has proven through analysis and clinical tests that Mastiha displays beneficial action against digestive disorders, contributes to oral hygiene, displays significant antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory action, is a natural antioxidant, and also aids in trauma healing and skin regeneration. Mastiha has extensive applications and uses as a raw material in the food and drink field, in the pharmaceutical and chemical industry and in the production of cosmetics and perfume. Some typical products using Mastiha are: baked goods, sweets, ice cream, chocolate, chewing gum, liquor, ouzo, dietary supplements, oral hygiene products, surgical sutures, compresses for burns, dental floss, soap, cosmetics, scented candles, essential oils, artists’ varnishes and resin-based adhesives. What is Mastiha? Mastiha is the natural resin that is excreted from the trunk and branches of an evergreen bush that only grows on the Greek island of Chios and nowhere else in the world. Since 1997, Chios Mastiha has been designated by the EU as a “PDO” product (Protected designation of origin) subject to No.123/1997 Regulation (LO224/24-1-97) of the European Union. Additionally, Chios Mastiha complies with: |
