- Region
- Africa
- Origin
- Africa, Asia (west and south)
- Sanskrit
- Pilu
- Other names
- Miswak
- Traditions
- Local African healing traditions, Ayurveda, Unani medicine
Africa · Herb · № 549
Salvadora persica
Herb · Africa
Toothbrush tree
Salvadora persica
Traditionally attributed effects: carminative, diuretic, decongestant; leaves for rheumatism, scurvy, painful tumours, haemorrhoids, asthma and cough; flower oil for flatulence, mucus, worms, leprosy, gonorrhoea, headache and rheumatic pain.
Safety notes
Serious illnesses such as infections, cancer or hepatitis need a doctor: there is no evidence that this remedy cures them. Traditional use is no proof of effectiveness; if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult a doctor or pharmacist.
Cautions by tradition (1)
- Ayurvedic materia medica: Serious illnesses such as infections, cancer or hepatitis need a doctor: there is no evidence that this remedy cures them.
Preparation
Fruit tea 7–14 ml; seed or leaf powder 1–3 g; decoction of root bark 28–56 ml; leaves externally; twigs as a toothbrush.
Use in traditions
Twigs of this tree are the miswak or siwak: a natural toothbrush that, according to tradition, was recommended by the Prophet Muhammad and is still used by millions of people. The WHO encouraged the use of such chewing sticks in 1987. In Ayurveda the tree is called pilu, in Unani medicine arak. Sanskrit name: Pilu.
Applications
Use by tradition
How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.
Ayurvedic materia medica
Attributed effects
Carminative, diuretic, decongestant; leaves for rheumatism, scurvy, painful tumours, haemorrhoids, asthma and cough; flower oil for flatulence, mucus, worms, leprosy, gonorrhoea, headache and rheumatic pain.
Preparation and amount
Fruit tea 7–14 ml; seed or leaf powder 1–3 g; decoction of root bark 28–56 ml; leaves externally; twigs as a toothbrush.
Caution: Serious illnesses such as infections, cancer or hepatitis need a doctor: there is no evidence that this remedy cures them.
- Ways to prepare herbs
- Tea (infusion)DecoctionPowder and kitchen