Morning Rituals: The Benefits of Saliva According to Ayurveda

This article explores the Ayurvedic practice of drinking water first thing in the morning and the surprising benefits of morning saliva. It discusses how saliva can aid in healing, improve skin conditions, and even enhance eye health. With insights from Rajiv Ji, a practitioner of Ayurveda, readers will learn about the medicinal properties of saliva and its role in overall wellness. The article also highlights the importance of maintaining saliva production and the potential consequences of using certain dental products. Dive into this fascinating topic to uncover how a simple morning routine can lead to significant health improvements.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 11, 2026, 02:33 IST

Starting Your Day Right

What should you do first thing in the morning? According to Ayurveda, the best way to start your day is by drinking water as soon as you wake up. This practice is known as 'Ushapan', which involves rising at around 4 AM and hydrating immediately.

There are two main reasons for this. Firstly, when we wake up, the saliva in our mouths increases significantly. Drinking water helps to swallow this saliva, which is beneficial for our health. Therefore, it is advised not to brush your teeth or rinse your mouth immediately after waking up, as this would lead to spitting out the saliva. Morning saliva is highly alkaline and provides numerous health benefits, potentially alleviating various stomach ailments.

Rajiv Ji shared that he tested morning saliva and found its pH level to be 8.4, indicating its medicinal properties. Many people suffer from dark circles under their eyes, and he suggests applying morning saliva to the affected area and gently massaging it for a few days to see improvement.

For those with weak eyesight wishing to avoid glasses, applying morning saliva like kohl to the eyes may help. Additionally, if you have an injury that isn't healing quickly, applying saliva to the area can accelerate recovery. For skin issues like pimples or blemishes, using morning saliva on the face can help clear them up.

Rajiv Ji recounted a case where a patient suffered burns from hot milk. Although the wound healed, the scars remained, causing distress as the patient was preparing for marriage. He advised her to apply saliva regularly, and within 6-7 months, the scars disappeared.

You may have noticed that animals lick their wounds to heal. This instinct is similar to humans, as animal saliva is also alkaline and aids in healing. For instance, cows lick their calves to cure them of ailments, and humans can do the same with a bit of awareness.

Rajiv Ji mentioned two patients in the last stage of cancer, whose salivary glands had ceased functioning. They spend a fortune on imported saliva products from the USA, which are sold in small packets, but their condition remains unchanged.

Interestingly, some life insurance companies now require saliva tests before issuing policies. If the alkaline levels are low, they may deny coverage, as it indicates a reduced chance of survival.

This natural system provided by the body should not be compromised. Saliva production decreases significantly when using products that are anti-alkaline, such as most toothpaste brands. These products diminish the body's ability to produce saliva, so it is recommended to avoid toothpaste altogether.

You might wonder what in toothpaste affects saliva production. The culprit is a chemical called Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, which is detrimental to salivary glands. Sensible dentists advise against using toothpaste while brushing.

In conclusion, saliva can be a remedy for many issues. To maintain its production, always start your day with a glass of water.