Mastic gum — sold under the brand name Mastika — is one of the most researched natural remedies for Helicobacter pylori, gastritis, and peptic ulcer disease. If you've been searching for mastic gum Ireland or Mastika Ireland, Pat Coffey at The Honey Pot in Clonmel stocks this product and has extensive experience advising Irish customers on using it for gut health conditions.
Mastic gum is a natural resin obtained from the mastic tree (Pistacia lentiscus var. chia), grown exclusively on the Greek island of Chios. For over 2,500 years, mastic has been used medicinally across the Mediterranean — the ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Arabs used it for stomach complaints, tooth pain, and respiratory conditions. In Chios, mastic gum is produced by deliberately wounding the bark of the mastic tree, which releases a milky resin that hardens into small, translucent "tears" — hence its Greek name mastiha (from the verb "to chew").
Mastic gum has a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status — genuine mastic can only come from Chios.
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a bacterium that infects the gastric mucosa of approximately 50% of the world's population — and is the primary cause of gastric ulcers, duodenal ulcers, and a major risk factor for gastric cancer. In Ireland, H. pylori prevalence is estimated at 30–40% of adults, with higher rates in older age groups and those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds.
The conventional treatment is triple antibiotic therapy — a two-week course of two antibiotics plus a proton pump inhibitor (PPI). While effective, this approach has growing limitations:
A landmark 1998 study in the New England Journal of Medicine (Huwez et al.) showed that mastic gum (1g/day for 2 weeks) eradicated H. pylori in 7 of 10 patients — a statistically significant finding that generated substantial interest. Laboratory studies have confirmed that mastic gum compounds (particularly isomasticadienolic acid) have direct antimicrobial activity against H. pylori, including against antibiotic-resistant strains.
Important caveat: mastic gum is not recommended as a standalone treatment for confirmed H. pylori infection — clinical H. pylori eradication protocols require confirmation testing and, in most cases, antibiotic therapy. However, mastic gum may be useful as:
Mastic gum has been shown to stimulate protective mucus secretion in the stomach lining and to promote healing of gastric and duodenal ulcers. A randomised trial in 38 patients with duodenal ulcers found mastic gum (1g/day for 4 weeks) produced significantly greater ulcer healing than placebo on endoscopy.
Mastic gum's anti-inflammatory properties — mediated through NF-kB inhibition and leukotriene suppression — have been studied in Crohn's disease. A pilot study showed reductions in disease activity index in patients taking mastic gum.
Mastic's traditional use for oral hygiene is supported by research showing antimicrobial activity against oral pathogens including Streptococcus mutans (the primary cavity-causing bacterium) and periodontal bacteria.
Mastic gum has demonstrated hepatoprotective activity in studies — reducing liver enzymes and inflammation. It may offer support for people with fatty liver disease or chemical liver stress.
Mastika is a standardised mastic gum supplement available at The Honey Pot. It provides authentic Chios mastic gum in capsule form, making dosing consistent and convenient. Key features:
Available at The Honey Pot, 14 Abbey Street, Clonmel. Order at thehoneypotonline.ie or call 052-612 1457.
Buy Mastika Mastic Gum in Ireland — Chios Quality at The Honey Pot
Shop at The Honey Pot → 📞 052-612 1457DYOR disclaimer: General information only — not medical advice. If you have confirmed H. pylori infection, consult your GP. Do not self-treat a diagnosed gastric ulcer without medical supervision.