Around the world and since the beginning of time, humans have used tree resins as chewing gum. Many types of natural tree resins are beneficial when chewed. Not only do they deliver therapeutic compounds to our body, but the act of mastication increases saliva production and enzyme production in the mouth, stimulates our gums to keep them healthy and cleans our teeth.

If you do a little research online, you will discover that both Chios mastic, (Pistacia lentiscus) and Frankincense Frereana resins help kill the H Pylori bacteria which causes stomach ulcers. 

They also deliver their own special aroma and flavour.

Nowadays, our Western market is flooded with synthetic chewing gums made of petroleum byproducts and Polymers such as butadiene-styrene, polyvinyl acetate, polyethylene and Butylated hydroxytoluene.

Gauging by the increase in inquires about natural chewing gum and the rise in Chicle, Mastic Chios and Frankincense Frereana sales in the shop, I believe the market for a natural alternative to synthetic chewing gums is growing.

While most every natural tree resin is chewed locally where it grows, those that contain a resin or oleo resin and no water-soluble gum are best for chewing.

It is fairly simple to melt one, two or three different tree resins together and add flavour or essential oil and a sweetener to create your own healthy alternative to synthetic chewing gums.

Some resins such as raw fresh pine or Spruce resin will need to be heated and filtered before use. This is something for those with more experience working with resins. One must keep in mind that some of these materials are flammable and can burst into flame or burn you if not handled properly. 

However, there are plenty of wonderful, ready-to-chew tree resins are available in the shop.

There is lots of room to explore, experiment and enjoy the process!

Dan