A Toothbrush made of a Root

The Arak (Salvadora persica L.) is one of the most significant plants growing in desert ecosystems in the Arab region, especially those that include sand dunes.

Aykah is an Arabic term known to be a thicket of toothbrush tree “Arak”, palms and other plants growing densely side by side.

The Arak is cultivated as one of the most important grazing plants, as well as for “Miswak” toothbrushes.

The fruit of the Arak tree bear the Arabic name Kabath. 

Kabath are small, berry-sized edible fruits that have a pungent taste. They are an important food source for birds in the Arabian desert ecosystem. 

Arak trees grow abundantly in desert ecosystems, especially those that include dunes, where mounds of sand form around them. 

The roots are known as Miswak. The creeping Miswak extends for several meters within fine sand.

The Miswak is the creeping root of the Arak tree. It is soft, smooth and saturated with water. 

It is used as an herbal toothbrush and is a traditional oral remedy in the Arab region.