Mastic

Mastic is an evergreen shrub or small tree of the cashew family native to the Mediterranean Basin, growing to about four metres. It is cultivated mainly on the Greek island of Chios for its aromatic resin, which hardens into pale tears.

The resin, known in India as Rumi mastagi, is used in Unani and Ayurvedic practice. It has traditionally been chewed for oral freshness and used in preparations for digestive comfort.