Lentisk (Pistacia lentiscus)

Lentisk (Pistacia lentiscus) is a member of the Anacardiaceae family, native to Mediterranean Region, Middle East, and North Africa. Traditionally, its resin, bark, and fruits have been used for decoctions, infusions, and powders.

This herb is particularly valued for its anti-inflammatory, astringent, and tonic actions, and has a long history of use in mediterranean herbal traditions, european herbal medicine, and tibetan medicine.

Lentisk (Pistacia lentiscus) dried pieces of the herb arranged on a wooden table for reference — Lentisk (Pistacia lentiscus) dried pieces of the herb arranged together on a wooden table for reference, used in teas and remedies.

Quick Facts / Key Information

Common Name	Lentisk
Scientific Name	Pistacia lentiscus
Plant Family	Anacardiaceae
Genus	Pistacia
Species	lentiscus
Native Range	Mediterranean Region, Middle East, North Africa
Plant Parts Used	Resin, Bark, Fruits
Primary Medicinal Actions	Anti-Inflammatory, Astringent, Tonic
Primary Traditional Systems	Mediterranean Herbal Traditions, European Herbal Medicine, Tibetan Medicine
Historical Preparation Methods	Decoction, Infusion, Powder

Botanical Identity

Scientific Name: Pistacia lentiscus
Common Name: Lentisk
Synonyms / Alternative Names: Lentisc, Mastic Tree, Lentisque
Plant Family: Anacardiaceae
Genus: Pistacia

Botanical Description

Growth Habit: Perennial shrub.
Height: It typically grows to a height of 1 to 5 meters.
Leaves: Simple leaves with upper surface gray-green and lower surface pale white, bearing prominent stomatal bands along the midrib.
Flowers: Small, yellowish-green flowers arranged in dense clusters, actinomorphic, with five sepals and five petals, bearing inconspicuous stamens and a superior ovary.
Stems: Woody, branched, with smooth, grayish-brown bark, and opposite branching pattern.

Traditional Uses / Historical Use

Traditional Systems

Mediterranean Herbal Traditions
European Herbal Medicine

Historical Preparation Methods

Decoction
Infusion
Powder
Poultice

Medicinal Actions

Anti-inflammatory: In herbal texts, considered a gentle anti-inflammatory, for general calming applications.
Astringent: As described in traditional systems, a warming astringent, for surface-level applications.
Tonic: In herbal literature, noted as a moderate tonic, for long-term use contexts.
Diuretic: Commonly referenced as a mild diuretic, in cleansing-oriented uses.

Active Compounds

Tannin: Plant-derived compounds known for their ability to bind proteins.
Phenolic Acid: Simple phenolic molecules widely distributed across plant tissues.
Flavonoid: Plant-based polyphenolic compounds frequently distributed throughout aerial plant parts.
Terpenoid: A large class of naturally occurring compounds derived from isoprene units.

Modern Research Overview

Contemporary research on this plant includes areas such as chemical analysis, laboratory-based studies, and observational research. Detailed summaries of published findings are not included at this stage and will be added during future content updates.

Safety & Contraindications

General Precautions: Precautionary considerations have been reported in relation to this herb.
Contraindications: Certain contraindications have been reported in relation to the use of this herb.
Allergies: Information regarding allergic responses to this herb is limited.
Drug Interactions: Interactions with prescription medications have not been well documented.
Toxicity: Toxic effects have been reported in association with the use of this herb.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been well documented.

Preparation & Usage Methods

Infusion: Plant material is steeped in hot water to extract water-soluble compounds.
Decoction: Plant parts are gently boiled in water to release soluble constituents.
Poultice: Poultices involve external application of prepared plant matter.
Powder: A preparation created by pulverizing dried plant material.
Extract: This method isolates plant compounds using alternative solvents.

Growing, Harvesting & Storage

Growing / Cultivation

Soil: Prefers loamy soil with well-drained conditions. Typically grows best in organically rich soils.
Sunlight: Thrives in partial sun. Tolerates full sun to partial shade.
Watering: Prefers well-balanced moisture levels. Tolerates periodic dry conditions.