What Is the Daily Recommended Dose of Mastic Gum and Why?
Ondřej DvořákIn short: typical daily mastic intake is about 1–2 g of raw tears, or 1200–1600 mg of pure mastic in capsules (split into two doses), or 1–2 drops of mastic oil. Mastic is a food supplement that contributes to the normal function of the digestive system.
In this article
What is mastic for?
Mastic is a natural resin from the mastic tree (Pistacia lentiscus var. Chia), grown on Chios. As a food supplement, mastic contributes to the normal function of the digestive system. It has been used traditionally for centuries — the EMA's herbal committee recognises mastic resin (based on long-standing use) for the relief of mild digestive complaints and for minor skin inflammation — and it has been studied by modern research, including a well-known study in The New England Journal of Medicine. The right dose helps you get the most from it.
Recommended daily dose
| Form | Daily dose | How to use |
|---|---|---|
| Raw tears | 1–2 g | Chew 20+ min after meals (≈3–6 large crystals) |
| Capsules (powder) | 1200–1600 mg | Split into 2 doses, on an empty stomach 30 min before meals |
| Mastic oil | 1–2 drops | Very concentrated — take as drops |
For a gentle, preventive intake, about 300–800 mg/day is enough. The forms differ in where mastic starts to act: tears and powder work in the mouth and oesophagus as well as the stomach, while capsules are designed to release mainly in the stomach.
How and when to take it
A few simple rules make the dose work for you:
- On an empty stomach. Take capsules about 30 minutes before a meal, when the stomach is empty, so the mastic isn't mixed straight into a large meal.
- Split the dose. Morning and evening rather than all at once — it keeps a steadier daily intake.
- With water, at room temperature. Swallow capsules whole; if you find capsules hard to take, sachets or powder are an easier option.
- Not with probiotics. Keep live cultures at least 3 hours apart from mastic — see mastic and probiotics together.
How long should a course last?
It depends on what you're using it for:
- Intensive course: at the higher dose (1200–1600 mg/day), people typically take mastic for 2 weeks up to about 2 months.
- Preventive / everyday: a lower dose (300–800 mg/day) can be taken on an ongoing basis.
- Chewing: for oral freshness you can chew tears a few times a day, as you like.
Give it a little time — many people prefer to take a natural supplement consistently over days and weeks rather than expecting an instant effect.
How were these doses determined?
They draw on research, traditional use and safety data:
- Research: studies have looked at mastic at around 1 g per day over a couple of weeks (for example the NEJM study).
- Traditional use: in the Mediterranean, mastic has been used for centuries — typically 1–2 g/day as a natural chewing gum.
- Safety: doses above about 3 g/day don't add benefit. Avoid mastic if you're allergic to it or to other Pistacia / Anacardiaceae plants.
Which product for what
| Goal | Daily dose | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Intensive digestive support | 1400–1600 mg (2 caps × 2) | Mastic Strong&Pure — 100% pure mastic |
| Everyday digestive comfort | 700–800 mg (1 cap × 2) | Mastic+ Prebiotic — with inulin |
| Easy to take (no capsules) | 800 mg per sachet | Mastic Comfort — sachets |
| Chewing / oral freshness | 1–2 g (chewing) | Raw mastic tears |
Mastic contributes to the normal function of the digestive system. For long-term use, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
FAQ
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| How many pure mastic capsules a day? | For intensive support, Mastic Strong&Pure is 2 capsules twice a day (about 1400 mg). For everyday comfort, 1 capsule twice a day is enough. |
| Why take it on an empty stomach? | Taking capsules about 30 minutes before a meal means the mastic isn't mixed straight into a large meal. Splitting the dose morning and evening keeps a steadier intake. |
| How long should I take mastic? | An intensive course usually runs 2 weeks to about 2 months; a lower preventive dose (300–800 mg/day) can be taken ongoing. |
| What's the maximum sensible daily dose? | Around 3 g/day; above that there's no added benefit. For digestive support, 700–1600 mg/day is usual. |
| Any reasons to avoid mastic? | Avoid it if you're allergic to Pistacia lentiscus or related plants. If pregnant or breastfeeding, or on medication, ask your doctor. |
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