The Secret to a Cleaner Mouth and a Healthier You
Ever woken up with bad breath, a coated tongue, or a feeling that your mouth isn’t as fresh as it should be? You’re not alone! These are common issues, but many people don’t realize that a simple Ayurvedic practice—tongue cleansing—can solve them while also improving overall health.
Unlike brushing and flossing alone, this practice removes toxins, improves digestion, and even enhances your sense of taste. But is it just a trend, or does Ayurveda truly consider it a must-have for well-being? Let’s dive in!
What Is Tongue Cleaning in Ayurveda?
Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of holistic health, considers the tongue a reflection of the body’s internal health. The practice of cleansing the tongue, known as Jihwa Prakshalana, helps remove ama (toxins) that accumulate overnight, preventing them from being reabsorbed into the body.
Learn more about Ayurveda and oral health
Benefits of Tongue Cleaning
Here’s why Ayurveda has recommended this practice for thousands of years:
- Removes toxins: Clears bacteria, food debris, and dead cells, reducing bad breath.
- Enhances digestion: A clean tongue sends better signals to the digestive system, improving gut health.
- Boosts immunity: Removing toxins prevents harmful bacteria from affecting overall health.
- Heightens taste perception: Without a coated tongue, flavors become richer and more distinct.
- Supports oral hygiene: complements brushing and flossing by reducing plaque and bacteria.
Read a scientific study on the benefits
How to Practice Tongue Cleansing the Ayurvedic Way
- Choose the Right Scraper: Ayurveda recommends a scraper made of copper or stainless steel for antibacterial benefits.
- Morning Routine: Do this first thing in the morning before eating or drinking.
- Scrape Gently: Start at the back of the tongue and gently pull forward. Repeat 5-7 times.
- Rinse Well: Rinse your scraper after each stroke and finish with warm water.
- Follow with Oral Care: Brush, floss, and oil pull (if part of your routine) for complete oral hygiene.
Best Ayurvedic Herbs to Boost Health Alongside This Practice
Pairing cleansing with Ayurvedic herbs amplifies the benefits. Here are some top choices:
- Triphala: Detoxifies and supports gut health.
- Neem: Antibacterial and great for oral and overall wellness.
- Turmeric is anti-inflammatory and boosts immunity.
- Ashwagandha: reduces stress and enhances vitality.
- Tulsi (Holy Basil): Supports respiratory health and fights toxins.
Find more Ayurvedic herbs for holistic health
What Science Says About This Practice
Modern studies support Ayurveda’s claims. Research shows that tongue cleansing significantly reduces volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs), which cause bad breath, and improves oral hygiene compared to just brushing 1. Additionally, Ayurvedic medicine links oral hygiene to gut health, and emerging research confirms that oral bacteria influence digestion and immunity 2.
Trending: Celebrities & Wellness Influencers Swear by It
From wellness influencers to Hollywood celebrities, this practice has become a staple in modern self-care routines. Even wellness gurus like Dr. Mark Hyman and Deepak Chopra advocate for this simple yet powerful habit 3.
Final Thoughts & Your Next Steps
Incorporating this habit into your morning routine is a small yet powerful step towards better health. Ayurveda teaches us that oral health is a window to overall wellness, and this practice proves it!
Try it today!
- Do you already practice this habit? Share your experience in the comments!
- If not, challenge yourself to do it for a week and let us know the results!
- Don’t forget to share this post with a friend who needs better breath and a healthier lifestyle!
Visual Suggestions:
- Infographic: Steps on how to cleanse your tongue correctly.
- Lifestyle Image: A person using a copper scraper.
- Comparison Chart: Brushing vs. cleansing vs. oil pulling benefits.
By making this simple Ayurvedic habit part of your daily life, you’re investing in long-term health, improved digestion, and fresher breath. So why wait? Start today!
Bonus Tip:
For optimal results, drink a glass of warm water with lemon after cleansing. This further aids detoxification and digestion, keeping you energized throughout the day!
