By Leen Randell
Updated: Nov 13, 2024
10 Best Herbal Teas For Jaw Clenching
Herbal teas for jaw clenching are a type of natural remedy that helps alleviate the symptoms of bruxism, a condition characterized by involuntary jaw clenching and grinding.
These teas work by promoting relaxation, reducing muscle tension, and improving sleep quality. The best herbal teas for jaw clenching include Valeriana officinalis, Passiflora incarnata, Lavandula angustifolia, Zingiber officinale, Melissa officinalis, Avena sativa, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Corydalis ambigua, Cinchona officinalis, and Achillea millefolium.
If left untreated, jaw clenching can lead to migraines, tooth wear, and sleep disturbances, negatively impacting daily life and overall well-being.
1. Valeriana officinalis
Valeriana officinalis teas helps with jaw clenching because it contains valerenic acid, a natural compound that promotes relaxation and reduces muscle tension.
The tea's sedative properties help calm the nervous system, which in turn relaxes the jaw muscles and reduces the incidence of jaw clenching.
Additionally, valerian root has been shown to have a balancing effect on the body's autonomic nervous system, helping to regulate the body's stress response and promote a sense of calm, which can help alleviate jaw clenching and related symptoms.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Valeriana officinalis teas that help with jaw clenching.
- Valerenic acid: Valerenic acid is a sedative compound that helps reduce muscle tension, thereby relieving jaw clenching and associated anxiety or stress.
- Valeranone: Valeranone is a GABA receptor agonist that promotes relaxation and reduces muscle spasms, including those associated with jaw clenching.
- Isovaleric acid: Isovaleric acid is a naturally occurring compound that possesses a sedative effect, helping to calm the nervous system and reduce muscle tension, including jaw clenching.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Valeriana officinalis used to make teas for jaw clenching.
- Roots: The roots of Valeriana officinalis are most commonly used due to their high concentration of valerenic acid, which has a sedative and relaxing effect on the muscles.
- Leaves: Valeriana officinalis leaves are also used to make teas, as they contain a smaller amount of valerenic acid, but still provide a calming effect on the body.
- Roots can be substituted with rhizomes: Rhizomes (underground stems) of Valeriana officinalis are another part used to make teas, as they have a similar composition to the roots and provide a similar relaxing effect.
2. Passiflora incarnata
Passiflora incarnata teas helps with jaw clenching because it promotes relaxation and reduces muscle tension.
The sedative properties of this herbal tea work by inhibiting the activity of neurotransmitters that contribute to anxiety and stress, leading to a decrease in jaw clenching episodes. By calming the nervous system, Passiflora incarnata tea helps to regulate the body's response to stressful situations, thereby reducing the frequency and severity of jaw clenching.
This natural remedy offers a soothing solution for individuals experiencing chronic jaw tension.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Passiflora incarnata teas that help with jaw clenching.
- Flavonoids: These compounds help with jaw clenching by exerting a calming effect on the nervous system, reducing muscle tension and promoting relaxation.
- Isovitexin: This flavonoid glycoside has been shown to have anxiolytic and sedative properties, which can help alleviate jaw clenching caused by stress and anxiety.
- Ferulic acid: This phenolic acid has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress that may contribute to jaw clenching and related disorders.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Passiflora incarnata used to make teas for jaw clenching.
- Leaves: Used to make teas for their sedative properties, which can help to relax the muscles and reduce jaw clenching.
- Roots: Used in teas for their calming effects, which can help to reduce anxiety and stress that may contribute to jaw clenching.
- Buds: Used to make teas for their anxiolytic properties, which can help to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation, alleviating jaw clenching symptoms.
3. Lavandula angustifolia
Lavandula angustifolia teas helps with jaw clenching because of its calming and relaxing properties, which can help reduce muscle tension in the face and jaw area.
The tea's ability to promote deep relaxation can also alleviate stress and anxiety, common triggers of jaw clenching. Additionally, the tea's anti-inflammatory properties may help reduce inflammation and discomfort associated with jaw clenching.
By promoting relaxation and reducing inflammation, Lavandula angustifolia teas can provide relief from jaw clenching and promote overall well-being.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Lavandula angustifolia teas that help with jaw clenching.
- Linalool: Acts as a muscle relaxant, helping to reduce muscle tension in the jaw and surrounding areas, thus alleviating jaw clenching.
- Linalyl acetate: Exhibits sedative and anxiolytic properties, which can help reduce stress and anxiety that contribute to jaw clenching.
- Caryophyllene oxide: Possesses analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, helping to soothe jaw pain and reduce inflammation caused by clenching.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Lavandula angustifolia used to make teas for jaw clenching.
- Leaves: They are used to make teas due to their calming properties, which can help to relax the muscles and reduce tension that leads to jaw clenching.
- Flowers: The flowers of Lavandula angustifolia are commonly used in teas to promote relaxation, reduce anxiety, and ease jaw tension.
- Stems: The stems of the plant contain a high concentration of essential oils that can help to calm the nervous system and reduce muscle spasms associated with jaw clenching.
4. Zingiber officinale
Zingiber officinale teas helps with jaw clenching because of its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
The active compound gingerol, found in ginger, has been shown to reduce muscle spasms and alleviate pain associated with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, a common cause of jaw clenching. Additionally, ginger's ability to relax muscles and reduce stress can also contribute to its benefits in managing jaw clenching.
Regular consumption of ginger tea may help promote relaxation and alleviate tension in the jaw muscles.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Zingiber officinale teas that help with jaw clenching.
- Gingerols: These compounds help to relax the muscles in the jaw, reducing tension and clenching.
- Shogaols: Acting as anti-inflammatory agents, Shogaols help to reduce pain and inflammation associated with jaw clenching.
- Zingiberene: This sesquiterpene has anti-spasmodic properties, which help to relax the muscles and reduce the frequency of jaw clenching.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Zingiber officinale used to make teas for jaw clenching.
- Rhyzomes: Rhizomes are the most commonly used part of Zingiber officinale to make teas for jaw clenching as they contain a high concentration of gingerols, which have anti-inflammatory properties that help alleviate jaw pain and tension.
- Roots: The roots of Zingiber officinale are also used to make teas for jaw clenching, as they contain compounds that help relax muscles and reduce inflammation in the jaw area.
- Leaves: The leaves of Zingiber officinale are sometimes used to make teas for jaw clenching, as they contain volatile oils that have a calming effect on the body and can help to reduce stress and tension that may contribute to jaw clenching.
5. Melissa officinalis
Melissa officinalis teas helps with jaw clenching because it possesses a soothing and calming effect on the body, particularly on the nervous system.
The herb's natural properties help to reduce stress and anxiety, common triggers for jaw clenching. By promoting relaxation and reducing muscle tension, Melissa officinalis teas can alleviate the physical symptoms of jaw clenching, such as headaches and facial pain.
Regular consumption may also help to promote better sleep and overall well-being, further contributing to its potential benefits for jaw clenching relief.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Melissa officinalis teas that help with jaw clenching.
- Rosmarinic acid: This phenolic compound acts as a natural muscle relaxant, helping to reduce muscle tension in the jaw, which contributes to jaw clenching.
- Linalool: This terpene has a calming effect on the nervous system, reducing anxiety and stress that can lead to jaw clenching.
- Limonene: This terpene has a relaxing effect on the body, helping to reduce muscle tension and anxiety, which can contribute to jaw clenching.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Melissa officinalis used to make teas for jaw clenching.
- Leaves: Used due to their high content of rosmarinic acid, which has a calming effect on the muscles and helps relax the jaw.
- Flowers: Utilized for their pleasant flavor and aroma, which can help reduce stress and promote relaxation, thus alleviating jaw clenching.
- Stems: Employed for their mild flavor and potential antioxidant properties, which may aid in soothing the muscles and reducing tension in the jaw area.
6. Avena sativa
Avena sativa teas helps with jaw clenching because it contains a unique blend of compounds that promote relaxation and reduce muscle tension.
The sedative properties of Avena sativa, also known as oat straw, work to calm the nervous system and soothe the jaw muscles, helping to alleviate symptoms of bruxism and jaw clenching. Regular consumption may also help regulate sleep patterns, which is often a contributing factor to jaw clenching.
This natural remedy offers a gentle and effective solution to manage jaw tension.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Avena sativa teas that help with jaw clenching.
- Avenanthramides: These polyphenolic compounds have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce muscle tension and alleviate jaw clenching.
- Sterols: The sterols present in Avena sativa have a calming effect on the nervous system, which can help regulate muscle contractions and relax tense jaw muscles.
- Saponins: The saponins in Avena sativa have a soothing effect on the nervous system, reducing anxiety and stress that can contribute to jaw clenching.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Avena sativa used to make teas for jaw clenching.
- Stems: They are used to make teas for jaw clenching because they contain flavonoids and phenolic acids that help relax the muscles and reduce stress.
- Leaves: They are used to make teas for jaw clenching because they contain flavonoids and saponins that have anti-inflammatory properties, which help reduce muscle tension and pain.
- Seeds: They are used to make teas for jaw clenching because they contain avenanthramides, which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help relax the muscles and reduce stress.
7. Glycyrrhiza glabra
Glycyrrhiza glabra teas helps with jaw clenching because of its anti-inflammatory and muscle-relaxing properties.
The active compounds in licorice root, such as glycyrrhizin, have been shown to reduce muscle tension and spasms. This can help to alleviate the discomfort and pain associated with jaw clenching, also known as bruxism. Additionally, Glycyrrhiza glabra teas may also help to calm the nervous system, promoting relaxation and reducing stress, which are common triggers for jaw clenching.
This can lead to a reduction in jaw clenching episodes.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Glycyrrhiza glabra teas that help with jaw clenching.
- Glycyrrhizin: Glycyrrhizin helps with jaw clenching by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in the muscles, thereby providing relief from tension and pain.
- Licopyrone a: Licopyrone A has anti-anxiety properties and acts as a muscle relaxant, which can help reduce jaw clenching caused by stress and anxiety.
- Oleanolic acid: Oleanolic acid has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help reduce inflammation and promote relaxation in the jaw muscles, thereby alleviating jaw clenching.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Glycyrrhiza glabra used to make teas for jaw clenching.
- Roots: Used due to their high content of glycyrrhizin, a compound that helps relax muscles and reduce stress.
- Leaves: Used for their soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help alleviate jaw clenching pain.
- Barks: Used for their analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce pain and inflammation associated with jaw clenching.
8. Corydalis ambigua
Corydalis ambigua teas helps with jaw clenching because it is believed to have a soothing effect on the nervous system, which is often the underlying cause of jaw tension.
The herbal tea's sedative properties can help reduce anxiety and stress, leading to a decrease in jaw clenching and grinding. Additionally, Corydalis ambigua contains compounds that may help relax muscles, including those in the jaw, allowing for a more natural and relaxed posture, reducing the occurrence of jaw clenching.
This can lead to improved overall oral health and well-being.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Corydalis ambigua teas that help with jaw clenching.
- Corydaline: It has a sedative effect, helping to relax muscles and reduce tension, which can contribute to jaw clenching.
- Berberine: It has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce pain and inflammation associated with jaw clenching, also known as temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ).
- Saponin: It has a relaxing effect on the muscles, particularly the masseter muscle, which is responsible for jaw clenching, thereby reducing muscle tension.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Corydalis ambigua used to make teas for jaw clenching.
9. Cinchona officinalis
Cinchona officinalis teas helps with jaw clenching because it contains quinine, a natural compound that has anti-inflammatory properties.
The quinine in Cinchona officinalis teas can help reduce inflammation and tension in the jaw muscles, which can contribute to jaw clenching. Additionally, quinine has a relaxing effect on the muscles, helping to calm the body and mind, which can also alleviate jaw clenching.
This natural remedy has been used for centuries to help alleviate a range of muscle-related issues, making it a popular choice for those seeking a natural solution.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Cinchona officinalis teas that help with jaw clenching.
- Quinine: Quinine may help with jaw clenching by acting as a muscle relaxant, reducing muscle spasms and tension that can contribute to jaw clenching.
- Quinidine: Quinidine may help with jaw clenching by its anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic properties, reducing inflammation and muscle spasms in the jaw area.
- Kaempferol: Kaempferol may help with jaw clenching by its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, reducing inflammation and oxidative stress that can contribute to jaw clenching and tension.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Cinchona officinalis used to make teas for jaw clenching.
- Leaves: The leaves of Cinchona officinalis are used to make teas for jaw clenching due to their high content of quinine, which helps relax muscles and reduce pain.
- Barks: The barks of Cinchona officinalis contain alkaloids, such as quinine and cinchonine, which help to alleviate pain and reduce inflammation in the jaw.
- Stems: The stems of Cinchona officinalis are also used to make teas for jaw clenching due to their content of bioactive compounds that help to relax muscles and reduce pain.
10. Achillea millefolium
Achillea millefolium teas helps with jaw clenching because of its calming and relaxing properties.
The tea, also known as yarrow, contains flavonoids and terpenoids that promote muscle relaxation, reducing tension and stress. This helps to alleviate bruxism, a condition characterized by jaw clenching and grinding. Regular consumption of Achillea millefolium tea may also help to regulate sleep patterns, further contributing to reduced jaw clenching.
Its soothing effects can lead to a more restful and peaceful state, minimizing the likelihood of jaw clenching.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Achillea millefolium teas that help with jaw clenching.
- Apigenin: This flavonoid compound has anti-anxiety and muscle relaxant properties, which can help alleviate jaw clenching by reducing overall muscle tension.
- Chamazulene: This sesquiterpene has anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, which can help soothe and relax jaw muscles that are tense or sore due to clenching.
- Nepetalactone: This iridoid acts as a natural relaxant and sedative, which can help calm the nervous system and reduce the frequency or intensity of jaw clenching episodes.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Achillea millefolium used to make teas for jaw clenching.
- Leaves: The leaves of Achillea millefolium are commonly used in teas due to their soothing and calming properties, which help to reduce muscle tension.
- Flowers: The flowers of Achillea millefolium are used in teas for their anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties, which help to ease jaw clenching and tension.
- Roots: The roots of Achillea millefolium are used in teas for their sedative properties, which can help to promote relaxation and reduce anxiety that may contribute to jaw clenching.