Long before tubes and fluorides, the subcontinent cleaned its teeth with manjan: astringent galls to tighten the gums, roasted alum to cleanse, rock salt to polish, mint and cubeb for the breath. Laraib still makes it that way in Multan, milled fine enough not to scratch, dark and unglamorous and quietly effective.
What it is traditionally used for
- Traditionally used to strengthen the teeth and firm up loose, tender gums
- Long applied to bring back brightness and shine to dulled or stained teeth
- Traditionally used to relieve toothache and gum soreness
- Applied where gums bleed on brushing
- Used daily to help keep tooth and gum trouble from taking hold
How it is made
Oak galls, pomegranate rind and cubeb are dried and milled, and the alum is roasted before grinding so it loses its harshness. Everything is sieved through a fine mesh so the powder polishes without abrading enamel. Single-origin material throughout, with no artificial foaming agent, sweetener, colour or synthetic flavour.
How to take it
Dip a damp finger or a soft, wet brush into the jar, take a small pinch and massage it slowly along the gum line and over the teeth for a full minute. Rinse thoroughly. Use morning and night. Keep the jar dry by never dipping a wet finger back in.
Good to know
- 30 gm jar, which lasts one person roughly two months
- 100% natural herbal formulation, free from fluoride and artificial foam
- For external oral use only, not to be swallowed
- Keep the lid closed and use a dry finger or spoon to avoid caking
Qasim Tariq (verified owner) –
Old-fashioned in the best way. Reminds me of what my grandfather used in Larkana. I use it in the morning and normal paste at night. The 30 gm jar has lasted me nearly two months.
Saad Abbas (verified owner) –
It genuinely tightened my gums and my teeth do look cleaner. But it is gritty and salty and stains the sink, and I could not persuade my teenage son to use it at all. Works, just not pleasant.
Anum Mehmood (verified owner) –
My gums used to bleed every time I brushed. Two weeks of this at night alongside my usual paste and the bleeding stopped completely. My dentist in Lahore had no objection to it.