10 Best Herbal Essential Oils For Difficulty Chewing

Herbal essential oils can be beneficial for individuals experiencing difficulty chewing by promoting oral health and reducing inflammation.

Oils such as peppermint, eucalyptus, and chamomile are often used for their soothing and antiseptic properties, which can help alleviate pain and irritation in the mouth. When diluted properly, these essential oils can be applied topically to the gums or used in a mouth rinse to support healing and improve comfort during eating. However, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional before using essential oils, especially for those with existing medical conditions or allergies.

Incorporating these oils into a holistic oral care routine may offer natural support for individuals struggling with chewing difficulties.

1. Salvia (Salvia officinalis)

Salvia officinalis, commonly known as sage, contains essential oils that have been traditionally used to support oral health and ease difficulty chewing.

These essential oils, which include compounds like thujone and camphor, possess anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that can help reduce oral discomfort and promote healing. When used in diluted form, sage essential oil may help soothe inflamed gums and mouth tissues, making it easier to chew food. It is often incorporated into oral care products or used in aromatherapy to provide a calming effect on the mouth and throat.

However, it is important to use sage essential oil with caution, as undiluted application can be irritating or even toxic in some cases.

2. Ginger (Zingiber officinale)

Zingiber officinale, commonly known as ginger, is a popular herb used in essential oils for its therapeutic properties, including its ability to alleviate difficulty chewing.

The essential oil derived from fresh ginger roots contains compounds like gingerol and shogaol, which have anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects that can reduce oral discomfort and inflammation. When used in aromatherapy or diluted topical applications, ginger essential oil may help soothe sore gums and reduce the pain associated with chewing. It is often recommended as a natural remedy for individuals experiencing oral pain or inflammation that interferes with normal chewing functions.

However, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional before using ginger essential oil, especially for those with existing medical conditions or allergies.

3. Black pepper (Piper nigrum)

Piper nigrum, commonly known as black pepper, contains essential oils that have been traditionally used for their stimulating and warming properties.

These oils may help improve oral muscle tone and increase saliva production, which can aid in making food easier to chew for individuals experiencing difficulty in this process. The active compound piperine in black pepper essential oil is believed to enhance sensory perception, potentially making food more palatable and easier to manage. However, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional before using these oils, especially for those with existing oral or digestive conditions.

While some anecdotal evidence suggests potential benefits, more scientific research is needed to fully understand the efficacy of piper nigrum essential oils in addressing chewing difficulties.

4. Turmeric (Curcuma longa)

Curcuma longa, commonly known as turmeric, is a medicinal plant whose essential oils have been explored for their potential benefits in addressing difficulty chewing.

The essential oils derived from turmeric contain bioactive compounds such as curcuminoids, which possess anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that may help reduce oral discomfort and inflammation associated with chewing difficulties. These oils can be used in topical applications or as part of oral care routines to soothe mouth sores or irritated tissues. However, it is important to consult a healthcare professional before using turmeric essential oils, as they may interact with certain medications or conditions.

Despite its promising properties, more clinical research is needed to fully understand the efficacy and safety of curcuma longa essential oils for this specific purpose.

5. Peppermint (Mentha piperita)

Mentha piperita, commonly known as peppermint, is a popular herb used in the production of essential oils that can help alleviate difficulty chewing.

The essential oil of peppermint contains menthol, a compound known for its cooling and analgesic properties, which can reduce oral discomfort and make chewing more comfortable. When applied topically to the gums or throat, peppermint oil may help soothe inflammation and numb pain, thereby improving the ability to chew. It is often used in oral care products and can be diluted with a carrier oil for safe application.

However, it is important to consult a healthcare professional before using peppermint oil, especially for individuals with certain medical conditions or allergies.

6. Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)

Foeniculum vulgare, commonly known as fennel, is a herb whose essential oil has been traditionally used to support digestive health and ease difficulty chewing.

The oil contains compounds like anethole, which have mild antispasmodic and carminative properties that may help relax the muscles involved in chewing and swallowing. When used in aromatherapy or diluted in a carrier oil, fennel essential oil may soothe oral discomfort and reduce inflammation in the gums or throat. However, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional before using essential oils, especially for individuals with existing medical conditions or those taking medications.

While fennel essential oil can be a complementary aid, it should not replace professional medical advice or treatment for persistent chewing difficulties.

7. Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra)

Glycyrrhiza glabra, commonly known as licorice, contains essential oils that have been traditionally used to support oral health and ease difficulty chewing.

The essential oils derived from licorice root possess mild anti-inflammatory and soothing properties that can help reduce irritation and discomfort in the mouth. These oils may also have a mild anesthetic effect, which can temporarily numb the gums and soft tissues, making chewing more comfortable. However, due to the presence of glycyrrhizin, licorice essential oils should be used cautiously, as they may cause side effects such as hypertension in excessive amounts.

Overall, licorice essential oils can be a beneficial complementary therapy for individuals experiencing difficulty chewing, though consultation with a healthcare professional is recommended before use.

8. Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)

Rosmarinus officinalis, commonly known as rosemary, is a herbal plant whose essential oil is widely used for its aromatic and therapeutic properties.

The essential oil of rosemary contains compounds like cineole and camphor, which have been shown to stimulate saliva production and improve oral moisture, making it beneficial for individuals experiencing difficulty chewing. This increased saliva can help soften food, making it easier to manage for those with oral motor challenges or dry mouth conditions. Additionally, rosemary essential oil has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that may support overall oral health, further aiding in the process of chewing.

When used appropriately, such as in aromatherapy or diluted topical applications, rosemary essential oil can be a valuable natural aid for enhancing oral function and comfort.

9. Ceylon cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum)

Cinnamomum verum, also known as true cinnamon, contains essential oils that have been traditionally used for their aromatic and therapeutic properties.

The essential oil derived from its bark is rich in compounds like cinnamaldehyde, which may help reduce inflammation and improve oral health. When used in moderation, these oils can support the healing of mouth sores and gum inflammation, making it easier to chew. Some studies suggest that the antimicrobial properties of cinnamon oil may also prevent infections that contribute to difficulty chewing.

However, it is important to consult a healthcare professional before using cinnamon essential oil, as it can be potent and may cause irritation if not properly diluted.

10. Ceylon cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum)

Cinnamomum zeylanicum, commonly known as cinnamon, produces an essential oil that has been traditionally used for its aromatic and therapeutic properties.

The essential oil contains compounds like cinnamaldehyde, which possess anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, potentially aiding in reducing oral discomfort. While it is not a direct remedy for difficulty chewing, its soothing properties may help alleviate inflammation or irritation in the mouth, making it easier to chew. Some individuals use cinnamon essential oil diluted in a carrier oil for topical application or as a mouth rinse to promote oral health.

However, it is important to consult a healthcare professional before using essential oils for any medical condition, as they can be potent and may cause irritation if not used properly.