Significance of Saliva
Saliva is defined across different contexts, including Vaishnavism, Mahayana, and science. In Vaishnavism, it is seen as a liquid often related to spitting. Mahayana describes saliva as a digestive fluid produced by salivary glands. From a scientific perspective, saliva is a bodily fluid that contains various constituents, helps in the breakdown of food for taste, and possesses antimicrobial properties. It plays a significant role in oral health and nutritional processes.
Synonyms: Spit, Mucilage, Expectoration, Secretion
In Spanish: Saliva; In Dutch: Speeksel; In Finnish: Sylki; In German: Speichel
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Saliva'
In Buddhism, saliva is seen as a physical substance, specifically the digestive fluid produced by salivary glands, symbolizing the interconnectedness of the body and the material aspects of existence.
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) The digestive fluid in the mouth, produced by salivary glands, included as a physical substance.[1]
Hindu concept of 'Saliva'
In Hinduism, saliva is a bodily fluid linked to oral functions and significant rituals. Its act, particularly spitting, may symbolize purification or the expulsion of negativity, reflecting deeper cultural meanings associated with bodily fluids.
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) A liquid produced in the mouth, often associated with the act of spitting.[2]
The concept of Saliva in scientific sources
Saliva is a fluid from salivary glands that helps dissolve food for taste and contains antimicrobial properties. It also includes components from various sources and can substitute for gingival crevicular fluid in assessments.
From: The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences
(1) A fluid in the mouth, with properties that influence salivary pH changes, the type of sugars in the beverage, and the baseline pH, all affect the observed changes.[3]