This reminds me of when we used to chew Sassafras leaves as kids, and call it gum.
Re: chew Sassafras leaves
I put another link about ancient gum in Comment #1.
Apparently, this tree pitch was used to glue basic tool parts together and also as a sealant.
So, it’s not completely clear if people chewed it for pleasure, or just for utility.
Maybe “Birch Tree Breath” guys got the most beautiful women?
Assuming, of course, that the ladies did not object to kissing a mouth full of black teeth!