Also known as Mastagi Rumi or simply Mastic, it is a natural resin obtained from Pistacia Lentiscus tree. The resin is obtained from the mastic tree. It has been used in Ayurveda for its various health benefits. The tree is native to the Mediterranean region and is abundant in countries such as Turkey, Greece and Middle Eastern area. The tree exudes a transparent resin when the bark is cut. This hardens into crystalline droplets known as ‘tears of Chios’.
What can Mastagi be used with?
The drug can commonly be used with water or honey.
Oral hygiene.
For promoting gum health, Mastagi Rumi is chewed for freshening the breath.
Digestive aid.
The resin can also be consumed with lukewarm water. It helps soothe the digestive system.
Wound care.
It can be applied to wounds to aid in healing.
With honey.
Rumi Mastagi and honey are combined for their antibiotic properties and this helps soothe coughs.
What are the physical properties of Mastagi Rumi?
Following are the physical properties of Mastagi Rumi-
1. Appearance- Its appearance is pale yellow.
2. Taste- The resin is slightly bitter and then becomes pleasantly aromatic.
3. Texture- It is initially soft and then hardens like gum.
4. Aroma- It is earthy.
5. Solubility- It is not soluble in water. However, it dissolves in alcohol and oils.
What are the other names of Mastagi Roomi?
Some of the other names of Mastagi Roomi are Pistacia Lenticus, Mastic Gum, Mastagi Asli, Mastagi Runi, Roomi Mastaki Asli, Roomi Mastak Asal desi etc.
What are the benefits of Mastagi Rumi?
Following are some of the major benefits of Mastagi Roomi-
1. Improved digestion by Rumi Mastagi
Rumi Mastagi is considered important in the world of Ayurveda for improving the digestive system. The consumption is beneficial for the ones who suffer from acidity, indigestion and flatulence. The consumption helps in controlling the formation of gas and then later one also relieves heaviness and cramps in the stomach. The drug has several anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce inflammation and irritation in the stomach. The drug has carminative and guts-soothing properties which makes it useful for individuals suffering from bloating, constipation and gas.
How does it work?
· Mastic resin encourages the release of gastric juices and digestive enzymes by interacting with the stomach mucosa.
· The leads to a breaking down of food. Fats and carbohydrates are broken down.
· It boosts enzyme secretion and ensures that the food is processed efficiently from the stomach to the intestines.
2. Regulates intestinal movement
Food is moved along the digestive tract in a healthy rhythm when the digestive system is balanced. It is not merely just about breaking down the food.
· Mastagi has astringent nature which has a mild triggering effect on the gut walls. This helps in case of irritable bowel movement.
· When bowel movements are regular, the drug helps relieve constipation. Constipation is the ailment in which the stools are not passed from the anus too easily.
· Mastagi tones the intestinal muscles.
3. Relieves heaviness
What people complain the most about is a sense of fullness after eating. It occurs mostly in the individuals in which we can see Kapha dominance and weak digestion. How does Mastagi work in such individuals?
· The Laghu and Ruksha, i.e light and dry qualities counteract the heavy, sticky and moist nature of Kapha. Kapha is responsible for the feeling of stagnation.
· Mastagi prevents the formation of toxic undigested material by aiding in proper breakdown of the food. Ama or undigested material is responsible for bloating, gas and long-term disorders in Ayurveda.
· For amplifying the effects of Mastagi, one can use it with Elaichi, Saunf and long pepper.
4. Relief in cough
Rumi Mastagi’s expectorant action is one of its core benefits in respiratory health. The medicine helps loosen and thin the phlegm stuck in the throat and sinuses.
After the mucus is thinned, human body tends to expel it easily. This relieves blocked sinuses and chest congestion.
Inflammation of bronchi and respiratory lining worsens the cough. The anti-inflammatory properties of the resin reduces swelling and calms persistent dry cough.
5. Antimicrobial action
We are aware of the havoc respiratory infections create. The respiratory tract infections have antimicrobial compounds that prevent the spread of infection and support faster recovery from chronic cough conditions.
Mastagi Roomi has various compounds present within the resin. Essential oils and bioactive compounds are present in the resin. These can disrupt the cell membrane or interfere with the processes of microorganisms. Known for its oral hygiene, Mastagi Roomi reduces gum disease and reduces plaque.
6. Enhanced action with honey
The drug can be combined with honey. When combined with honey, it tends to enhance the therapeutic value to a great extent. Following are the benefits of Mastagi Roomi
· It is a natural anti-inflammatory agent.
· Mastagi roomi with honey coats the throat, this provides a great relief from irritation.
· It also helps dissolve and expel mucus from lungs.
· It also boosts immunity.
Following are the benefits of Mastagi Roomi with honey-
· It reduces night-time cough.
· It reduces cold-induced cough.
· It reduces asthma-related mucus.
How to take Mastagi Roomi?
One can take the drug in a powdered form. One should take about 125-250mg with one tablespoon raw honey.
It should be taken 2-3 times daily.
Chewing a small piece of resin with the drug stimulates saliva and also helps clear throat irritation.
Powdered Mastagi Roomi can be added to hot water. It can be added with a pinch of ajwain. Many people also mix Mastagi Roomi with herbs such as Tulsi, Pippali and Vasaka.
7. Mastagi Roomi reduces Cholesterol.
Some compounds such as polyphenols, plant sterols and triterpenes are found in Mastagi Roomi. These compounds have the ability to inhibit HMG-CoA which is the key enzyme involved in the production of cholesterol in the liver. This reduces the overall fat formation, also known as lipogenesis in the liver cells. This action results to a natural drop in bad cholesterol. Thus, the total cholesterol levels drop.
Sample References & Research Links
Mastic Gum & Digestive Health
🔗 NCBI – Effects of Mastic Gum on H. pylori and stomach
Anti-inflammatory & Antimicrobial Effects
🔗 PubMed – Mastic Gum Pharmacological Review
Mastic for Oral Health
🔗 PubMed – Mastic in Dental Hygiene
Mastic Gum and Cholesterol
🔗 Study on Lipid-Lowering Effects