Dinacharya Brushing the Teeth

Dinacharya Brushing the Teeth

Our resident Dr Arya gives us some specialist advice of brushing our teeth from an Ayurvedic perspective, with a recipe that you can mix yourself.

Ancient Practices

In ancient time people would use twigs and herbs to clean their teeth understanding the importance of using natural products for dental hygiene, there was no toothpaste as the actual twigs and herbs held the necessary qualities to cleanse the teeth. The Ayurvedic sages knew that the natural twigs and herbs contained antibacterial qualities that helped to protect the gums. If only we did that nowadays, rather than relying on commercial toothpaste.

Elimination

The person who has woke up in Brahma muhurta should pass bowels and urine afterwards according to Ashtangahridaya. Practically, ideally after waking up one can have a glass of medium hot water with half a lime squeezed into it. It helps in a gentle detox and aids in proper bowel movement.

Brushing Teeth

Brushing teeth is given importance after clearing the bowels. Ancient classics advise the use of bitter, pungent and astringent herbs for cleaning the teeth. Twigs were used in previous days for brushing. The tip of the twigs were chewed to form bristles, and this twig used to reach all the corners of the gum and teeth and would ensure proper dental hygiene. In addition, the medicinal properties of the herbal twigs used to prevent dental caries and plaques.

Which herbs can be used for brushing teeth?

Herbs like Neem, Acacia catechu helps in preventing dental caries and plaque formation and also helps in healing oral ulcers.

Homemade Ayurvedic tooth powder recipe

1 tbsp. holy basil powder
1 tbsp. neem powder
1 tbsp. clove powder
1 tbsp. cinnamon powder
 Mix all the ingredients together. Sieve and store in an airtight jar.

The herbs mentioned above are predominantly of astringent, pungent and bitter taste. It ensures good oral health and also gum health.

Use 1 tsp of powder with coconut oil and apply to your toothbrush. Use this for brushing daily in the morning.

After brushing Ayurveda advises the application of collyrium in eyes to ensure proper eye health.

Home made kajal can be used for this purpose.

After application of collyrium,

Nasya has to be done.

Nasya is the nasal instillation of medicine. It is one among the panchakarma (Purification) procedure.

Based on the dose of the medicine instilled, Nasya has been classified in Marsha and pratimarsha nasya. Pratimarsha nasya is instilling 2-4 drops of medicine in each nostril on daily basis as a part of daily regimen. Any suitable oil according to your body constitution can be used for this purpose. Anu thaila is a widely used medicinal preparation which can be used for prathimarsha nasya.

Benefits of Nasya are numerous. One who practices Nasya will be devoid of greying of hair. He/She will be devoid of any allergies or diseases related with nose, eyes or ear. It helps in clearing the sense organ and is good for mental health as well.

After Nasya, gargling is advised. For gargling either you can use warm water. For more benefits, you can use water boiled with Triphala which helps in complete oral care. In cases of oral ulcers , water boiled with turmeric or honey can be used for gargling.

After gargling, one is advised to inhale herbal smoke called as Dhoomapana. I will give a quick Dhoomapana recipe which can be used on daily basis.

Take 1 tbsp. of Turmeric powder and 1 tbsp. of ghee. Mix it together and make a smooth paste. Now smear a cotton gauze with above paste and keep it in sunlight until medicine becomes dry and has properly smeared to the cotton gauze. Make a wick out of the cotton gauze by rolling it. Burn this cotton gauze piece and inhale the smoke coming out of it. It opens the deeper channels and helps in clearing the sinus and gives mental nourishment.