Miswak / Siwak (Salvadora persica)



Family

  • Salvadoraceae

Constituents

  • Fluorine
  • Bactericidal sulfur, which reduces the level of bacteria in the oral cavity
  • Sodium carbonate, a mild abrasive that removes stains and whitens teeth
  • Silica, which removes stains, plaque and whitens teeth
  • Salvadoretin, an alkaloid with bactericidal and anti-inflammatory properties, which also stimulates the gums
  • Essential oils, which disinfect the oral cavity, give good breath, and stimulate salivary secretion
  • Potassium, phosphorus, calcium...

Parts used

  • Root
  • Fruits and seeds
  • Leaves and flowers

Properties

  • Antibacterial 
  • Fungicide
  • Elimination
  • Purifies, sanitizes the mouth and fights bad breath
  • Protects and soothes sensitive gums
  • Promotes teeth whitening

Side effects

-

Contraindications

-

Interactions

-

How to use siwak?

  • First, soak the siwak in water for 3 to 5 hours, until soft. The bark is then removed by 1 cm with a knife or scissors. It is important to handle the siwak stick well so as not to damage the gums.
  • It is then necessary to separate the pith fibers using your teeth by chewing it.
  • To do this, simply chew the naked part of the siwak with your molars and rotate it with each bite to soften the fibers.
  • Then the stick is placed against the tooth, making about ten circular movements per tooth, taking care not to exert too much pressure.
  • You will need to remember to brush the biting part of the teeth with a simple straight motion.
  • Ecological tip: when the siwak stick becomes too short to use, simply plant it in the ground and nature will do the rest.
  • For a diverse use and the making of home recipes, siwak branches in powder form are interesting for making toothpaste powder or paste.
  • It can also be used in infusions or aqueous macerates, to compose mouth rinses or tooth creams.