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Salvadora persica L

Arabic Name(s): Arak, Miswak, el Rak, kabats, shaow, shau, siwak

Swahili: msuake, mswaki, musuake

English Name(s): mustard tree, salt bush, toothbrush tree

History and use : Salvadora persica is a popular chewing stick throughout the Indiansubcontinent , as well as the wider Muslim world. Also commonly referred to as miswak , itis often mentioned that the Prophet Muhammad recommended its use. He is quoted invarious Hadith extolling the twig's virtues. In Pakistan these ancient, majestic and sturdytrees are more closely associated with graveyards like the cypress tree in English culture.

Ecology & distribution

The tree is able to tolerate a very dry environment with mean annual rainfall of lessthan 200 mm.

Highly salt tolerant , it can grow on coastal regions and inland saline soils.

Influential Factors : Extremely well-adapted to arid conditions, is salt tolerant and verydrought resistant.

Branches are cut repeatedly to produce short stems that are harvested fortoothbrushes

USES AS TOOTHBRUSHES: Young stems of 3 to 5 mm are used as toothbrushes andsold in most major markets.

A toothstick is also said to relieve toothache and gum disease , The leaves are used as a mouthwash and for tooth and gum problems.

The bark is said to contain an antibiotic which suppress growth of bacteriaand the formation of plaque in the mouth

FODDER: Leaves make good fodder as they have high water content (15 to 36%) and arerich in minerals. Leaves and young shoots are browsed by all stock

The high salt content of the leaves is said to affect the taste of milk, but theleaves are said to increase lactation in cows.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indian_subcontinenthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indian_subcontinenthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indian_subcontinenthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miswakhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prophets_of_Islamhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prophets_of_Islamhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muhammadhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hadithhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hadithhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miswakhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prophets_of_Islamhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muhammadhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hadithhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indian_subcontinenthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indian_subcontinent

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NOTES : The leaves and bark contain the alkaloid: tri-methylamine .

There is potential for making soaps, candles, and using it as a substitutefor coconut oil.

Role of Salvadora persica essential Oil in Dental Care: Its essential oil has amazing power to cure caries , decay and weakening of teeth.

The stem of the tree has been used as tooth cleanser for many years and have offeredeffective results to people.

The plant holds brawny antibacterial chattels that cause minimal decay in the teeth.

A thick blend of leaves is used for gargles and other gum related diseases.

Distribution: Salvadora is native to the hottest, driest areas of the Middle East . Localy: Southern (lower) Jordan valley, Dead Sea area (Ghore Safi and Fifa), Araba valley

http://www.myaromatherapyoil.net/Essential_Oil_Making_Kit.phphttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Middle_Easthttp://www.myaromatherapyoil.net/Essential_Oil_Making_Kit.phphttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Middle_East

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Botanic description: It grows as small tree up to 7 m high, but its branches commonly hang down to the ground, makilike a shrub than a tree. Shoots and leaves are eaten as salad

Salvadora persica essential oil is advised and used for dental caries, plaque and bacterial growth on teeth.

Every part of the plant is quite useful and can be utilized for curing distinct problems in body

Fruits have a sweet edible , aromatic, slightly pungent and peppery taste. They can be eaten raw, cooked, or dried and stored.

Seeds of S. persica contain 30-40% of a greenish-yellow, non-edible oil. Seeds dispersed by animals and man after they

Thid tree is generally a slow-growing tree.Apiculture: S. persica is reported as a good source of nectar.

Reclamation : Planted in sand dune reclamation and also useful for reclaiming saline soils.