The Root of a tree known in Arabic as ‘Arak’ (Salvadora persica), and in Urdu, as ‘Peelu’, more commonly known as the ‘toothbrush tree’. The Miswak has a rich, and well-documented usage history, resplendent with intrinsic medicinal value and benefits. Known throughout the Middle- East and Asia, from time immemorial, up to the present, with a promising future in terms of its medicinal benefits and advantages. Most significantly it was a constant practice of Prophets upon awakening, before sleep, when entering or leaving the house, after meals, before recitation of the scriptures, and most importantly before every ablution and prayer. Muslims use it on the recommendation of Prophet Muhammad (Peace & Blessings be upon him), who said to the effect that: ‘Were it not that I might over-burden the Believers I would have ordered them to use Siwak (Miswak) at the time of every Prayer’. (Abu Dawood) ‘Four things are from among the practices of the Prophets: Circumcision, Perfume, Miswak, and Marriage’. (Ahmad + Tirmidhi) ‘Make a regular practice of Miswak for verily it is the purification for the mouth and a means of the pleasure of the Lord’. (Bukhari) By contrast with the conventional plastic toothbrush, the Miswak, is most user and environmental friendly, and can be used any time, anywhere. It completely dispenses with the need for toothpaste squeezing, vigorous brushing, and foaming at the mouth. Scholars have mentioned as many as 70 medicinal and spiritual benefits related to the Miswak. Dental Research has revealed that it contains as many as 19 natural substances, which are beneficial to dental health. Its natural antiseptics have a bactericidal action, killing harmful microorganisms in the mouth that would, if gone unchecked, promote plaque formation, tartar build-up, and caries. The tannic acid it contains has astringent qualities, which protects the gums from gingivitis, and eventual abscess formation under the root of the affected teeth. Its aromatic oils increase salivation that help in the process of digestion. Because of its built-in-antiseptics, the Miswak needs no cleaning, and because its bristles are parallel to the handle rather than perpendicular, it can reach more easily between the teeth, where a conventional plastic toothbrush often misses.
Posted on: Tue, 02 Jul 2013 10:44:50 +0000
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