The miswak (miswaak, siwak) is a natural toothbrush made from the twigs of the Salvadora persica tree,
also known as the arak tree or the peelu tree. Other tree types that
are used are the olive, walnut, and other trees with bitter roots.
Salvador Persica is
an upright evergreen small tree or shrub, seldom more than one foot in
diameter reaching maximum height of three meters. The leaves are small,
oval, thick and succulent with a strong smell cress or mustard.
Millions
of muslims use miswak and know how amazing it is, once you use it, you
will never need any dentist as it even takes care of your calculus,
which in modern medicine has no other way than visiting a dentist. you
don't need mouthwash, tooth brush and toothpaste.
Those
of you who have never heard about it and might be wondering or laughing
in mind that how can a stick take care of your teeth and gums, well let
me put a few facts before you and then please decide.
Scientific studies
A
2003 scientific study comparing the use of miswaak with ordinary
toothbrushes concluded that the results clearly were in favor of the
users who had been using the miswaak, provided they had been given
proper instruction in how to brush using it. The World Health
Organisation WHO) recommended the use of the miswaak in 1986 and in 2000
an international consensus report on Oran hygiene concluded that
further research was needed to document the effect of the miswak.
Recent
research by Dr Otaybi from Saudi Arabia opened a new area for research
on the systemic effects of Miswak (Sewak) after discovering its great
positive effect on the immune system . Dr. Rami Mohammed Diabi who spent
more than 17 years researching on Miswak effects on health and
especially its anti-addiction effects on smokers (curative and
preventive sides) had opened a great field of science and researches by
his last research: "Miswak Medicine theory" or Sewak Puncture
medicine which led him to what is so called Beyond Sewak: World of
Science and Research. Miswak also is contributing in the fight against
desertification, thereby affecting our environment and global climate.
A
study which compares toothbrushing and using Miswak (Miswak ing!) can
be seen on Pubmed (U.S National Library for Medicine Service). The study
concluded that Miswak was more effective than tooth brushing in
reducing plaque and gingivitis provided it was used correctly.
Health Effects of Miswak
Physically,
the Miswak is a natural toothbrush. It is composed of a compact group
of minute natural fibers that perform exactly the same job as a normal
toothbrush except that it is made of natural fibers and not plastic
ones. For this reason it may well be gentler on the gums.
Miswak's
natural toothpaste is made up of a number of substances that play an
important role in cleaning teeth. Many researchers have studied the
miswak in depth, and have proven that miswak contains over ten different
natural chemical compounds considered essential for good oral and
dental hygiene.
They are: fluoride,
silica, tannic acid, resins, alkaloids (salvadorine) , volatile oils
(sinigrin), sulfur vitamin C, sodium bicarbonate, chlorides, calcium,
benzylisothiocyanat e (BIT), and others including salicylic acids,
sterols, trimethylamine, saponins, flavenoids.
Some
of these components are stain removers and teeth whiteners, some
protect teeth against caries, some are bactericidal and antiseptic, some
help in healing and to repair tissue, some promote remineralization
(building) of tooth enamel, and some give the taste and smell.
Modern dental care theory:
Many
people believe that it is the toothpaste which fights against the
beacteria and prevent cavity. Yeah that is true to may be reduce the
bateria count (No oral product can every completely irradicate the
bacteria) , the main mechanish how the cavity prevented is that , we
don't allow the bacteria to attach to our teeth.
[
Bacteria live and reproduce on the teeth and tongue. It takes 24 hours
for bacteria to attach to a tooth and develop a biofi lm, a sticky layer
more commonly known as plaque. Plaque is a fertile breeding ground for
bacteria and the start of trouble ]
So, it means, if you brush regularly without any tooth paste using the conventional plastic brush you won't have any cavity.
What
I am trying to say is, if a platic brush (with nothing chemical
constituents) can prevent cavity, then think about miswak, which has
bitter oil in it. The wood which consists of cellulose acts as a
deodorant because just like regular tissue paper( a cellulose) absorbs
the spill on the surface, the miswak absorbs the odor of your mouth. The
same miswak can be used as tongue cleaner. Other benefits (from the oil
released) just follows.
Only
precaution you have to is, use it properly.( The same rule is required
for using conventional brush). Miswak has another additonal advantage,
it can easily reach the molar teeth at the back, where toothbrush often
don't reach.
I
also want to mention another source, my favourite one, Neem tree (
Azadirachta indicahi), It's sticks are also great for brushing teeth.
Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) taught us the complete way of life, and using Miswak was highly recommended by him .
Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), said, "Siwak
cleanses the mouth and pleases the Lord", and "if I had not found it
hard for my followers or the people, I would have ordered them to clean
their teeth with siwak for every prayer."
Abu Ayyub (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) said: "Four
things are amongst the practices of the Ambiyaa(Prophets of ALLAH)
—circumcision, application of perfume, Miswaak and marriage". (Ahmad and Tirmizi)
Also the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "One who uses miswak before wudu and then prays two raka'ats of namaz, they are equal to 70 namazs".
Advantages of Miswaak:
1. Miswaak strengthens the gums and prevents tooth decay.
2. Miswaak assists in eliminating toothaches and prevents further increase of decay which has already set in.
3. Miswaak creates a fragrance in the mouth.
4. Miswaak is a cure for illness.
5. Miswaak eliminates bad odors and improves the sense of taste.
6. Miswaak sharpens the memory.
7. Miswaak is a cure for headaches.
8. Miswaak creates lustre (noor) on the face of the one who continually uses it.
9. Miswaak causes the teeth to glow.
10. Miswaak strengthens the eyesight.
11. Miswaak assists in digestion.
12. Miswaak clears the voice.
13. The greatest benefit of using miswaak is gaining the pleasure of Allah.
14. The reward of Salaah (Prayers) is multiplied 70 times if Miswaak was used before it.
2. Miswaak assists in eliminating toothaches and prevents further increase of decay which has already set in.
3. Miswaak creates a fragrance in the mouth.
4. Miswaak is a cure for illness.
5. Miswaak eliminates bad odors and improves the sense of taste.
6. Miswaak sharpens the memory.
7. Miswaak is a cure for headaches.
8. Miswaak creates lustre (noor) on the face of the one who continually uses it.
9. Miswaak causes the teeth to glow.
10. Miswaak strengthens the eyesight.
11. Miswaak assists in digestion.
12. Miswaak clears the voice.
13. The greatest benefit of using miswaak is gaining the pleasure of Allah.
14. The reward of Salaah (Prayers) is multiplied 70 times if Miswaak was used before it.
Times when usage of Miswaak is Sunnah:
1. For the recitation of the Qur'an.
2. For the recitation of Hadith.
3. When the mouth emits and odor.
4. For the learning or teaching of virtues of Islaam.
5. For making Dhikrullah (Remebrance of Allah, meditation).
6. After entering ones home.
7. Before entering any good gathering.
8. When experiencing pangs of hunger and thirst.
9. After the signs of death are evident.
10. At the time of Sehri.
11. Before meals.
12. Before undertaking a journey.
13. On returning from a journey.
14. Before sleeping.
15. Upon awakening.
2. For the recitation of Hadith.
3. When the mouth emits and odor.
4. For the learning or teaching of virtues of Islaam.
5. For making Dhikrullah (Remebrance of Allah, meditation).
6. After entering ones home.
7. Before entering any good gathering.
8. When experiencing pangs of hunger and thirst.
9. After the signs of death are evident.
10. At the time of Sehri.
11. Before meals.
12. Before undertaking a journey.
13. On returning from a journey.
14. Before sleeping.
15. Upon awakening.
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