The historical roots of popular practices in oral health: Pistacia lentiscus in Cartagena, Murcia (Spain).

All over the world, different cultures have made use of the plants that nature has provided for their oral care and hygiene. Many of these popular uses were integrated into scientific medicine during ancient times, but have once again returned to occupy a place in popular medical practice. This article will trace the historical route of the popular uses of Pistacia lentiscus (the mastic tree, or evergreen pistache) in the province of Murcia in the south of Spain.