Mastika mastic gum a resin produced by the pistacia lentiscus tree an evergreen shrub from the pistachio tree family has been used for a variety of gastric ailments in mediterranean and middle eastern countries for at least 3 000 years in ancient times mastika mastic gum was highly revered for its medicinal properties in the relief of dyspepsia and other intestinal disorders the benefits of this naturally occurring resin is now being rediscovered for its antimicrobial effects