# Tongue Scraper Tongue Cleaner

> Tongue Scraper Tongue Cleaner (Sanskrit: Jihwa Nirlekhana / Jihwa Prakshalana) is an instrument used in nasal and oral devices. A thin, curved strip of metal used to scrape the tongue from back to front, removing Ama (toxin) coating, bacteria, and dead cells from the tongue surface. Essential part of Ayurvedic Dinacharya (daily routine).

## Key facts

- **Sanskrit name:** Jihwa Nirlekhana / Jihwa Prakshalana
- **Ayurvedic category:** Nasal and Oral Devices

A thin, curved strip of metal used to scrape the tongue from back to front, removing Ama (toxin) coating, bacteria, and dead cells from the tongue surface. Essential part of Ayurvedic Dinacharya (daily routine).

## Where is it described in the classical texts?

Charaka Samhita Sutrasthana Chapter 5 (Dinacharya); Bhavaprakasha Nighantu; Sushruta Samhita. Charaka specifies the scraper should be made of gold, silver, copper, tin, or brass, and should be flexible, non-sharp, 10 angula (finger-widths) long.

## How is it used traditionally?

Oral hygiene, removal of Ama (coating indicating toxins/poor digestion), improvement of taste perception (Rasa), stimulation of digestive fire (Agni), prevention of halitosis.

## Traditional materials

- Gold (Suvarna) - for Vata
- Silver (Rajata) - for Pitta
- Copper (Tamra) - most common, antimicrobial, for Kapha
- Tin (Vanga)
- Brass (Pittala)

## Modern variants

- Stainless steel tongue scrapers
- Copper tongue scrapers (most popular)
- Plastic tongue cleaners

## Regulatory status

- **India Cdsco:** Not classified as a medical device. Considered a personal hygiene product.
- **Us Fda:** Tongue scrapers/cleaners are classified as Class I medical devices (Product Code EIW - Manual Toothbrush family), 510(k) exempt.
- **Eu Mdr:** Generally not classified as a medical device in EU; considered a hygiene/cosmetic product.

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Published by Age Ayurveda in the Nighantu. Educational reference only, not medical advice.
Incorporates material from the Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database under CC BY 4.0.