MASTICH, in the materia medica, a solid resin, of a pale, yellow, white colour, brought to us principally from the island of Chios, in drops or tears as it naturally forms itself in exuding from the tree, about the bigness and much in the form of a pea. It is to be chosen clear, pellucid, and of a pale yellowish colour, well scented, and brittle. We meet with a kind of cement sometimes kept in the shops under the name of mastich. It is composed of mastich, and several other ingredients, and is formed into cakes for use. This is intended for the service of the lapidaries, to fill up cracks in stones, and for other such purposes: but
but is by no means to be used as mastich for any of the medicinal purposes.
Mastich is detergent, astringent, and stomachic; it is greatly recommended in inveterate coughs and against spitting of blood. It strengthens the stomach, assists digestion, and stops vomiting.