Page 21 - December2023

plants were used as toothbrushes during

ancient times. The sages recommended
these ‘herbal toothbrushes’ be nine
inches long and as thick as one’s pinky

finger. One end of the stick was crushed
and chewed and used to clean the teeth.

The sticks came from the fresh stems of
specific plants, such as neem, licorice,
and catechu plants. The bitter, astringent,

and pungent tastes impart antimicrobial
properties which also stimulate

digestion, salivation, and even anti-
carcinogenic actions. A similar tooth-
cleaning twig, called miswaks from the

peelu tree, was used in the Middle East
and other areas of the world.

While most of us aren’t ready to switch to
twig cleaning, we can use biodegradable

toothbrushes made of bamboo and
toothpowder or toothpastes with herbs

that are bitter, pungent, and astringent
such as neem, black pepper, pipalli,
pomegranate, licorice, cinnamon, clove,

chamomile, turmeric, ginger, triphala,
eucalyptus, rock salt, and tea tree

oil. These helps protect the teeth and
gums from cavities, plaque, gingivitis,
and infections. To whiten teeth, neem

and babul (Acacia species) twigs were
chewed. Other ways to keep your teeth

nice and bright are to use a charcoal
powder toothpaste or sprinkle a small
measure of charcoal powder on top of

your toothpaste to remove stains and
gently polish the teeth.

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