NATURAL MISWAK ( PEELU )

It is used for centuries as a natural toothbrush, its fibrous branches have been promoted by the World Health Organization for oral hygiene use, Research suggests that it contains a number of medically beneficial properties influding abrasives, antiseptice, astringent, detergents, enzyme inhibitors, and fluoride.

Peelu is a small tree or shrub with a crooked trunk, seldom more then one foot in diameter. Its bark is scabrous and cracked, whitish with pendulous extremities. The root bark of the tree is similar to sand, and the inner surfaces are an even lighter shade of brown. It has a pleasant fragrance, as well as a warm and pungent taste. it sheds its leaves from late December to January. The leaves break with a fine crisp crackle when the foot falls over them. In Pakistan these ancient, majestic and sturdy trees are more closely associated with graveyards like the cypress tree in English culture.

Peelu is a popular chewing stick wider Muslim world. also commonly referred to as miswaak it is mentioned that the Islamic Prophet Muhammad ( pease be upon him ) recommended its use. He is quoted in various Hadith advising the use of the Miswaak.

"Were it not that I might over-burden the believers I would have ordered them to use Miswaak at the time of every PRAYER".