It’s a piece of twig. But miswak has excellent benefits, as it can be used as an effective home remedy for oral hygiene and general health. Miswak is a tree twig that has been used for its oral and general health benefits for centuries by people in Arab and African countries.
The word ‘Miswak’ comes from ‘Iswaq’ which means chew or suck. It is also known as siwak, warka, arka, virdo or araar unche. It is derived from the roots of the trees such as Acacia Senegal and Salvadora Persica. Let’s take a look at how you can use this piece of twig to improve your dental hygiene!
Oral Health Benefits of Miswak
Miswak is an effective way to improve your oral health. The twig is rich in antibacterial properties and can kill oral pathogens, keeping the mouth clean and preventing gum diseases. It is a natural way to prevent dental cavities and bleeding gums. It is also a healthy alternative to harsh chemical-based oral hygiene products such as toothpaste and mouthwash. If you are going to oral surgery or any other dental procedure, you can also use miswak. It may have an anti-inflammatory effect that will help you recover faster after the surgery.
General Health Benefits of Miswak
Besides oral health benefits, miswak is also beneficial for your general health. It helps boost immunity, prevent cold and flu, and promote mental health. Some of the benefits include –
- Helps fight infections
- The anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties of it make it an effective home remedy to fight infections.
- Helps boost immunity
- The presence of thymol and carvacol in it makes it an excellent choice during the winter season when you are susceptible to infections.
- Helps reduce cholesterol
- Miswak is a rich source of beta-sitosterol, which is a natural cholesterol reducer.
- Helps fight diabetes
- The miswak can help lower the blood sugar levels in people with diabetes.
- Helps prevent cancer
- The anti-oxidant properties are effective in preventing the growth of cancer cells.
- Helps promote mental health
- The active ingredients in it can help promote mental health.
How to Use the Miswak for Oral Health?
The best way to use the miswak is to chew the end of the twig. This breaks down the fibers and releases the essential oils that help keep the teeth and gums healthy. The inner bark of the twig has medicinal properties, so you can also chew the inner bark of the twig. Make sure to use it after brushing your teeth to remove any food particles in your teeth. You can also use the miswak as a mouthwash by dipping it in a mixture of warm water, salt, and baking soda.
What Are The Side Effects?
The miswak is a natural product, but it can also cause side effects such as bleeding gums and an increased risk of infection. To prevent these side effects, use the miswak at an interval of 3-4 days. If you have an open wound in your mouth or a recent extraction site, then you should avoid using the it. It can also irritate if you use it for a prolonged duration.
Conclusion
The miswak is a cost-effective, easy-to-use, and non-toxic home remedy for oral hygiene. It can also be used for general health benefits like fighting infections, boosting immunity, and reducing the risk of diseases like cancer. It can be used by all people, including people who are pregnant, have bleeding gums, or have an open wounds in their mouths.
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