The Islamic religion places a great deal of stress on cleanliness. The importance of hygiene in the Muslim faith is summarized in a famous tradition in which the Prophet Muhammad said: “Purification is half of faith” (Muslim, Ahmad, Tirmidhi). Considering the Islamic dichotomy between physical and spiritual purity, it comes as no surprise that the Prophet Muhammad would exhort his followers to observe proper oral hygiene as an act of devotion: “Brushing one’s teeth with miswak is a good hygiene practice that purifies the mouth, and pleases the Lord” (Ibn al-Qayyim al-Jawziyyah, Ahmad, Shafi‘i, Nasa‘i, Ibn Khuzaymah, Hakim, Bayhaqi). Imam ‘Ali ibn Abi Talib, who followed in the footsteps of the Prophet, stated that “Recitation of the Qur’an, al-siwak [a twig of miswak], and storax are purifiers of phlegm” (Nisaburi). The Prophet Muhammad even came close to making brushing and flossing a part of the obligatory religious ablutions: “If I did not think that it would be too burdensome to my Ummah [Nation],” stated the Prophet Muhammad, “I would have ordered them to brush their teeth with a miswak before each prayer” (Bukhari, Muslim).

The miswak or toothbrush referred to in these prophetic traditions or ahadith is often fashioned from the Salvadora genus made up of four or five species of salt-tolerant evergreen trees found in the more arid areas of Africa, the Middle East, India, and China. The miswak is made from sections of the root. The bark is removed and the inner wood is frayed. It is then chewed and applied to the teeth and gums, serving simultaneously as both a toothbrush and floss. Several species of Salvadora are used for making the miswak, all sharing similar chemical properties, including S. persica which is commonly called Arak tree, toothbrush tree, salt bush, or mustard tree.

S. persica, like other species of Salvadora, possesses multitudinous medicinal properties, several directly beneficial for oral hygiene. The leaves of S. persica are detoxicant. They are beneficial for cleansing toxins that exude from infections. The wood of S. persica promotes healing. Both the bark and pulp of S. persica are anti-microbial (Almas, 1999, 1997; Al, 1996). Abrasions and cuts resulting from brushing and flossing, as well as canker sores, cavities, abscesses, inflammation, and infections, all benefit from the external use of its leaves. Research confirms that S. persica possesses significant anti-inflammatory activity (Monforte, 2001; Zakaria, 1998).

An astringent herb, S. persica precipitates proteins from the surface of cells, contracts tissues, forms a protective coating, and reduces bleeding and discharges. It is also an expectorant, encouraging the expulsion of phlegm from the respiratory tract. S. persica extract possesses significant protective action against ulcers (Galati, 1999; Monforte, 2001; Islam 1998). Its root and leaves are anti-parasitic. The regular use of S. persica may help prevent, reduce, and cure cases of intestinal parasitic infestation which are of particular concern in warmer climates. Research has shown the miswak extract is even more effective in removing plaque than Chlorhexidine Gluconate which is one of the best-proven anti-plaque agents (Almas, 2002). S. persica is indeed a “natural toothbrush” (Hattab, 1997).

Revealed by religion and endorsed by traditional medicine and modern science, the regular use of miswak made from the Salvadora genus is thus a complete and comprehensive approach to oral hygiene and a manifestation of the wisdom and validity of Islamic herbalism.

Works Cited

Al S. et al. A Study of the Antimicrobial Activity of the Miswak Ethanolic Extract in Vitro. Biomedical Letters 1996; 53 (212): 225-38.

Almas K. The Effect of Salvadora persica Extract (Miswak) and Chlorhexidine Gluconate on Human Dentin: A SEM Study. J Contemp Dent Pract 2002; August 3:3: 27-35.

Almas K. et al. The Antimicrobial Effects of Bark and Pulp Extracts of Miswak, Salvadora persica. Biomedical Letters 1999; 60 (235): 71-75.

Almas K. et al. In Vitro Antimicrobial Effects of Extracts of Freshly Cut and 1-Month Old Miswak (Chewing Stick). Biomedical Letters 1997; 56 (223-24): 145-49.

Galati EM et al. Anti-Ulcerogenic Evaluation of the Persian Tooth Brush Tree (Salvadora persica). Pharmaceutical Biology 1999; 37:5; 325-28.

Hattab FN. Meswak: The Natural Toothbrush. Journal of Clinical Dentistry 1997; 8:5: 126-29.

Islam MW et al. Anti-Gastric Ulcer and Cytoprotective Effects of Arak Tree (Salvadora persica) in Rats. 46th Annual Congress of the Society for Medicinal Plant Research, 31 Aug-4 Sept 1998, Vienna; Abstract No. J55.

Monforte MT et al. Antiulcer Activity of Salvadora persica on Experimental ASA-Induced Ulcer in Rats: Ultrastructural Modifications. Pharmaceutical Biology 2001; 39: 4: 2890-92.

Zakaria MNM et al. Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Salvadora persica. 46th Annual Congress of the Society for Medicinal Plant Research, 31 Aug-4 Sept 1998, Vienna; Abstract No. J54.