Reading your recent messages, I realized that you would like to know more about the wonderful plant Miswak. In one of my previous articles, I mentioned Miswak as an excellent natural remedy for whitening teeth. But beyond that, it has many other benefits, which I promised to tell you about if you express any interest.
Since many of you were curious about what this plant is beneficial and what diseases it can treat, I decided to write more about it here.
Salvadora Persica, also known as miswak, sivak, toothbrush tree, arak or mustard tree, is an evergreen, low-growing tree in the Salvadoraceae family that grows in countries with tropical and subtropical climates. The rough, knotty trunk and tangled branches are covered with a grayish-brown bark. Inside the branches the light bluish-gray wood consists of individual thin-walled vessels and fibrous elements. Moreover, the fibers grow along the entire length of the branch. The rounded leaves are smooth on top and pubescent on the lower surface. Fruits are juicy berries with a pleasant pronounced odor, up to 1 cm in diameter. As the fruits ripen, the color of the rind changes from pale pink to bright scarlet.
But it's not what the tree looks like that interests you the most, right?
Well, let's explore the medical value of this plant and how it can be used!
Salvadora persica is not used in official medicine. However, in search of new sources of therapeutic and prophylactic raw materials, scientists conducted a number of studies of biologically active compounds of Salvadora persica and proved antibacterial, antiseptic, antimycotic, anti-ulcer and anticonvulsant activity of the plant, as well as its analgesic effect.
For many years Salvadora Persica has been widely used in folk medicine. Over the years, the list of ailments that can be cured with the Miswak plant has only expanded. At the top of this list are dental problems. Modern research has proven that Miswak has many beneficial properties, especially for the teeth, but also for the oral cavity in general, namely:
- it serves as an effective preventative, especially for decayed teeth;
- it whitens, polishes, strengthens enamel;
- it eliminates stains on the surface of teeth;
- it cleans teeth from plaque and tartar;
- it freshens the oral cavity, eliminates unpleasant odors;
- it strengthens and eliminates bleeding gums;
- it reduces toothache;
- it reduces inflammation, swelling of the gums when wearing and permanent dentures;
- it prevents the development of pathogenic bacteria, but does not disrupt the natural oral microflora;
- it reduces the threat of oral cancer;
- it continues to fight bacteria even days after use…
In addition to all these beneficial effects, I find it essential to note that Miswak also stimulates the biologically active points (BAP) located in the oral cavity, on the border of the gums and teeth. These points regulate the work of the five sense organs (ears, eyes, nose, tongue and pharynx), three paired (sphenoid, maxillary, lattice), one unpaired sinus, temporomandibular joint, 28 spinal nerves regulating the work of almost all internal organs, muscles and joints of the upper and lower extremities. These points also regulate the urinary and gallbladder, liver, kidneys, stomach, pancreas, spleen, lungs, heart, small and large intestine.
Although this tree is best known for its "toothbrush sprigs", other parts of it are also useful. The bark, roots, wood, leaves and seeds of Salvadora also serve as medicinal raw materials.
The leaves have astringent and diuretic properties, aid in digestion and metabolism, and are used as an expectorant for bronchitis and colds. Fresh leaves are used externally for tumors and abscesses.
The bark obtained from the stem and roots differs in properties and applications. From the bark of the stem prepare decoction, which is used for stomach ulcers and skin diseases. Decoction from the roots of the plant is used to treat breast ailments, abdominal pain, toothache, etc.
Powder from the wood promotes wound healing and the treatment of ulcers.
The fruit is a sweet chewy option for those who don't like bitter leaves, it also has diuretic properties and is used to treat stomach and liver problems.
Salvadora persica seed oil, bitter and spicy, is used as a laxative and diuretic. When used externally, it has a warming effect, so it is used in the treatment of rheumatism, arthritis and arthrosis.
With its numerous medicinal properties, this plant should definitely be included in the list of miraculous plants.
Honestly, I have learned more about Salvadora persica along with you, because before I knew only some general information. I will definitely test its properties in practice and I am going to start with Miswak sticks. It is said that regular use of Miswak sticks almost completely eliminates the need to use a toothbrush and toothpaste. Well, I don't know… I have to try it first and then tell you my opinion.