Siwak

Siwak, also known as Miswak, is a stick used for cleaning the mouth and teeth, and it is one of the practices of natural disposition (Sunan al-Fitrah).

Siwak is derived from the roots or stems of certain types of trees, including the Salvadora persica, a common shrub in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It is also known as the toothbrush tree.

Siwak is a natural tool for cleaning teeth and can be effectively used as a natural toothbrush to clean, freshen, protect, or maintain the oral cavity and teeth in good condition. It is a small, inexpensive stick that is popular in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and possesses several medicinal properties.

Muslims use Siwak as part of the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammed, peace be upon him (PBUH). He said, "If it were not that I would make it difficult for my people, I would have commanded them to use the Siwak before every prayer". This emphasis stems from Islam's concern for oral health. In addition to cleaning the teeth, Siwak is also used to massage the gums, helping to maintain their health and promote growth.

The health benefits of Siwak are numerous, and many diseases can arise from neglecting oral hygiene, such as tooth decay, pyorrhea, ulcerative stomatitis, tonsillitis, and pharyngitis. The benefits of Siwak include removing plaque, reducing phlegm, strengthening the gums, preventing decay, and improving stomach health. Therefore, Siwak is recommended at any time, especially during prayer times, after eating, before sleep, upon waking, during ablution, and when there is a change in mouth odor.

In addition to the Salvadora persica tree, Siwak is also derived from five other types of trees: Neem tree (Azadirachta indica), the African Ebony tree (Diospyros mespiliformis), the Lemon or Orange tree, the Olive tree, and the Bisham tree (Commiphora gileadensisa).

There are also different types of Siwak itself. The fresh Siwak is considered one of the finest varieties and is more expensive than the dry type due to its higher content of beneficial substances. The fresh Siwak can be used without soaking in water. On the other hand, the dry Siwak needs to be soaked in water and pounded until the fibers separate. Between these fibers is a substance known as medullary rays, which separates the fibers and contains starch granules, silica crystals, and acids that can be observed under a microscope in a cross-section of the Siwak.

Siwak is widely used in the Kingdom, and the most common tree from which it is sourced is the Salvadora persica. This tree is particularly abundant in the southern region, specifically in Aseer and Jazan, as well as along the southern coast in areas like al-Hijarah, al-Shawaq, and al-Wasqah.

The Salvadora persica tree provides a natural source of Siwak in the Kingdom. It resembles the pomegranate tree, with oval-shaped, smooth, opposite leaves, and thorny branches. The leaves measure between two to six cm in length and are evergreen. The tree spreads over a large area on the ground, with a single tree resembling a forest in appearance. Its flowers are yellowish-green.

Siwak is typically cut from these trees to be about the thickness of a finger, with a length ranging from fifteen to twenty-five cm. Its color is brownish if dry, and greenish if fresh. Salvadora persica Siwak is the most commonly used type. Occasionally, Siwak is taken from the branches and twigs of the tree, though this type is less popular.

In the national context, the Saudi Food and Drug Authority warns against the promotion and sale of unnatural or commercially imitated Siwak, as it may contain harmful levels of lead, mercury, and fungi. Regulated Siwak is now available at authorized sales points in commercial markets and pharmacies.

In addition to the natural, traditional form of Siwak, it is legally permitted to sell Siwak with added flavors, such as lemon and mint. However, products classified for therapeutic and medical use, rather than cosmetic purposes, are excluded from this allowance.