Mastic is one of the popular drinks in the Balkan areas, but we can safely say that it is one of the drinks, which people either adore or do not like it at all. This is most likely due to the characteristic aniseed character and aroma of the highly-alcoholic beverage.
Many fans of the drink wonder whether mastic is unhealthy or rather these are just myths. To answer this question, it is important to emphasize that mastic has an alcohol content of 45-50 percent, which is equal to or slightly higher than the content of brandy. Like any highly-alcoholic beverage, mastic can harm the body if it is regularly abused.
Daily consumption of too much mastic can lead to suppression of some brain functions, especially in the frontal lobe. This affects a person's behavior, a lot of inhibitions are lost and the control over actions reduced.
But when we talk about the harms of abusing mastic, it is worth mentioning the benefits of mastic, especially when consumed wisely, in moderation and for pleasure. Herodotus and Hippocrates also discovered its beneficial effects for snake bites and rabies. Mastic has been used successfully for skin problems, as well as diabetes.
Mastic gum has had an excellent effect on patients with asthma and has significantly improved the condition of those suffering from stomach complaints, stomach ulcers and others. Some folk healers even recommend mastic in the treatment of infertility, persistent cough, heartburn and kidney problems and many swear that mastic is an excellent aphrodisiac.
