Benefits of the "Miswak" from the "Arak tree"
Here's another highly beneficial substance that has been used by man for centuries before the advent of technology. It is locally known as Miswak.
Miswak is a local toothbrush or chewing stick used in dental care. In usage, it suffices a toothbrush and toothpaste and even surpasses both in maintaining proper dental hygiene. Although, it is slightly bitter, it is not unpleasant and it is very cheap.
Miswak is made from the flexible, fibrous, strong root of the Arak tree, Salvadora persica also known as Mustard tree.
The tree is native to part of Middle east and Africa, particularly Saudi Arabia, India and Egypt.
During the past few decades, researchers have been carried out to analyse the chemical constituents and benefits of the miswak.
Benefits of the Miswak
Some chemical components and their benefits:
The root has been found to contain,
• Fluoride and chloride - which has anti-bacterial properties and can remove stains
• Silica - which can enhance teeth whitening
• Resin - that forms protective coating over the enamel and prevent infectious bacteria
• Traces of tannins, sterol, flavonoids.
These components make miswak:
• anti-bacterial,
• anti-fungal,
• heal teeth wounds and gum inflammation,
• anti-viral to an extent,
• and also prevent and decrease the chances of tooth decay, dental plaque, bleeding gum.
Salvadora persica L. (Meswak) in dental hygiene is a nice read for more information.
Question of the day: Considering the aforementioned benefits, what else would your teeth require to be healthy if not the miswak?
The miswak is highly beneficial. For the World Health Organisation to recognise, recommend and encourage it usage means its definitely worth trying out. Local areas practicing the use of miswak have been discovered to have better dental hygiene and very few dental issues, including among the aged.
In addition, it can be used as much as one likes a day; even more than 3 times without any side effect. However, it is advice that one use a fresh part of the brush each time. And It is very rare to develop an allergic reaction to it.
Unfortunately, just like other ancient medicinal plants, the practice of using the miswak is fading despite its benefits.
There's definitely a need to re-consider our forefathers' approach to medicine. Just like the black seed in my previous post
Please upvote and comment if you like what you read. Thank you.
References:
The cleaning stick does not contain chemicals, fragrances, chemicals etc.. It is a 100% natural product - just the root of the plant. At my native place they are used to prevent gum diseases, it is better to clean with Miswak than to clean with toothpaste.
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