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.
Most tree resins also deliver their special aroma and flavour.
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.
The increase in inquiries about natural chewing gum and the rise in Chicle, Mastic Chios, and Frankincense Frereana sales in the shop indicate that the market for a natural alternative to synthetic chewing gum is growing.
While most natural tree resins are chewed locally where they grow, those that contain resin or oleo resin and no water-soluble gum are best.
It is fairly simple to melt a pure tree oleoresin with a small amount of beeswax to give it pliability and add flavour or essential oil and a sweetener to create your own healthy alternative to synthetic chewing gums. Confectioner's sugar and Xyletol are two common additives used to sweeten natural chewing gum.
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 remember that some of these materials are flammable and can burst into flame or burn you if not handled properly.
However, plenty of wonderful, ready-to-chew tree resins are available in the shop.
There is much room to explore, experiment and enjoy the process!
I will divide the resins in this section into 2 groups.
- Pure resins. To soften, they need to be warmed in the mouth for 20-30 seconds. Then, they can be chewed for extended periods of time without deteriorating.
- Oleo gum resins contain water-soluble gum. They do not need to be warmed in the mouth but slowly break down with chewing and saliva. Most contain therapeutic compounds, and there is no need to be concerned about swallowing the residue. All the Frankincense types except for Frankincense Frereana contain water-soluble Gum.
- Chicle. Because Chicle has been processed by boiling the oleoresin in water, it makes an excellent "Gum Base" for making your own chewing gum. The moisture in it will absorb water-soluble sweeteners and flavours.
Other ingredients in home-made chewing gum. Most chewing gum formulas contain a pure oleoresin and some wax, such as Beeswax, to lend it softness and pliability.
Dan
