7 Herbal Teas For Jaw Clenching

If you experience jaw clenching, also known as bruxism, you might find relief with herbal teas.

These teas can help calm your muscles and reduce tension in your jaw. Herbs like Valeriana officinalis, also known as valerian root, contain compounds that promote relaxation and reduce anxiety, making it easier for your jaw to relax. Lavandula angustifolia, or lavender, has a similar effect, but it also has anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe sore jaw muscles.

This can be especially helpful if you clench your jaw due to stress or anxiety. Melissa officinalis, also known as lemon balm, has a calming effect on the nervous system, which can help reduce jaw clenching caused by stress or anxiety. When you drink these teas, the active compounds are absorbed into your bloodstream and work to calm your nervous system. This can lead to a decrease in jaw clenching and a reduction in pain and discomfort.

By reducing jaw tension, you may also experience other benefits, such as improved sleep quality, reduced migraines, and a decrease in stress levels.

• 1. Valeriana officinalis
• 2. Lavandula angustifolia
• 3. Melissa officinalis
• 4. Passiflora incarnata
• 5. Zingiber officinale
• 6. Avena sativa
• 7. Glycyrrhiza glabra

1. Valeriana officinalis

Valeriana officinalis teas contains valerenic acid, isovaleric acid, and valepotriates as its main bioactive constituents.

These compounds have a sedative and relaxing effect on the nervous system, which helps to reduce muscle tension. The valepotriates in Valeriana officinalis teas have a direct impact on the brain's neurotransmitters, specifically GABA, which regulates muscle relaxation and reduces anxiety. By promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety, Valeriana officinalis teas can help alleviate jaw clenching, a condition often associated with stress and tension.

Regular consumption of Valeriana officinalis teas may also help to calm the mind and promote a good night's sleep, further reducing the likelihood of jaw clenching.

1. Gather 1 cup of boiling water and 1 teaspoon of dried Valeriana officinalis root.
2. Measure 1 teaspoon of dried Valeriana officinalis root and place it in a tea infuser or a heat-resistant cup.
3. Pour 1 cup of boiling water over the dried root and let it steep for 5-7 minutes.
4. Strain the tea into a cup and discard the root. Add honey or lemon to taste, if desired.
5. Drink the tea 2-3 times a day to help relieve jaw clenching and promote relaxation.

2. Lavandula angustifolia

Lavandula angustifolia teas contains a group of active constituents called flavonoids and phenolic acids.

These compounds have a calming effect on the nervous system, which can help to reduce the tension that leads to jaw clenching. The tea also contains a compound called linalool, which has anti-inflammatory properties that can help to soothe and relax the muscles in the jaw. The relaxing properties of Lavandula angustifolia teas can also help to lower stress levels, which is a common trigger for jaw clenching.

By drinking Lavandula angustifolia tea, people may find relief from the discomfort and pain associated with jaw clenching.

1. Gather 1 cup of boiling water and 1 tablespoon of dried Lavandula angustifolia flowers.
2. Measure 1 teaspoon of dried Lavandula angustifolia flowers and place in a tea infuser.
3. Pour the boiling water over the tea infuser and let it steep for 5-7 minutes.
4. Strain the tea into a cup and discard the used flowers.
5. Drink the tea 2-3 times a day to help with jaw clenching.

3. Melissa officinalis

Melissa officinalis teas contains the bioactive constituents rosmarinic acid and linalool, which have anti-inflammatory and relaxing properties.

These compounds help reduce stress and anxiety that can cause jaw clenching. The rosmarinic acid in Melissa officinalis teas has a calming effect on the nervous system, while linalool promotes relaxation and reduces muscle tension. By reducing stress and muscle tension, Melissa officinalis teas can help alleviate jaw clenching and promote overall jaw health.

Regular consumption of Melissa officinalis teas may help people with jaw clenching issues manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.

1. Gather 1 teaspoon of dried Melissa officinalis leaves and 1 cup of boiling water.
2. Steep the dried leaves in the boiling water for 5-7 minutes.
3. Strain the tea into a cup using a sieve or cheesecloth.
4. Add 1 tablespoon of honey to the tea for taste, if desired.
5. Drink the tea 2-3 times a day to help manage jaw clenching.

4. Passiflora incarnata

Passiflora incarnata teas contains flavonoids, alkaloids, and glycosides, including harmine, harmaline, and passiflorine.

These compounds have a sedative and relaxing effect on the nervous system, which can help to reduce jaw clenching caused by stress and anxiety. The flavonoids in Passiflora incarnata teas also have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to soothe and calm the jaw muscles. The alkaloids present in the tea have a natural muscle relaxant effect, making it easier to release tension in the jaw and face.

By promoting relaxation and reducing muscle tension, Passiflora incarnata teas can be an effective remedy for jaw clenching.

1. Gather 1 cup of dried Passiflora incarnata flowers.
2. Measure 1 tablespoon of dried flowers and add to a tea infuser or a heat-resistant cup.
3. Heat 1 cup of water in a kettle or on the stove until it reaches 212°F (100°C).
4. Pour the hot water over the dried flowers and let it steep for 5-7 minutes.
5. Strain the tea and discard the flowers. Drink 1-2 cups of tea, 2-3 times a day, as needed.

5. Zingiber officinale

Zingiber officinale teas contains a compound called gingerol, a bioactive constituent that helps relax muscles and reduce inflammation.

The anti-inflammatory properties of gingerol reduce pain and discomfort in the jaw, relieving tension associated with jaw clenching. Gingerol also acts as a natural muscle relaxant, soothing the muscles in the face and jaw to prevent clenching and grinding. Additionally, the warming properties of gingerol increase blood flow to the affected area, promoting healing and relaxation.

By consuming Zingiber officinale teas, you can experience the benefits of gingerol and alleviate symptoms of jaw clenching.

1. Gather 1 cup of fresh ginger root, a saucepan, a strainer, and a cup.
2. Peel 1-2 inches of the ginger root and chop it into small pieces.
3. Boil 1 cup of water in the saucepan, then add the chopped ginger.
4. Reduce heat and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, then strain the tea into the cup.
5. Drink the tea hot or let it cool down, and consume it 1-2 times a day.

6. Avena sativa

Avena sativa teas contains the active constituents avenacoside, avenanthramides, and avenanthin, which help relax tense muscles.

These compounds have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that soothe and calm the jaw muscles, reducing tension and clenching. Avenanthramides, in particular, have been shown to reduce inflammation and relax muscle spasms, making it easier to release jaw tension. Avena sativa teas also contains avenacoside, which has been found to have a calming effect on the nervous system, helping to reduce anxiety and stress that can contribute to jaw clenching.

By relaxing the jaw muscles and reducing inflammation, Avena sativa teas can help alleviate the symptoms of jaw clenching and promote a more relaxed state.

1. Gather 1 tablespoon of Avena sativa dried root and 1 cup of boiling water.
2. Measure 1 tablespoon of honey and set it aside.
3. Steep the Avena sativa in the boiling water for 5-7 minutes.
4. Strain the mixture and add the measured honey. Stir well.
5. Drink the tea 2-3 times a day as needed to help with jaw clenching.

7. Glycyrrhiza glabra

Glycyrrhiza glabra teas contains compounds like glycyrrhizin, flavonoids, and triterpenoids.

These compounds have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help reduce muscle tension and swelling in the jaw. Glycyrrhizin, in particular, has been shown to inhibit the activity of 11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, an enzyme that contributes to jaw clenching and bruxism. The flavonoids and triterpenoids in Glycyrrhiza glabra teas can also help relax the muscles and reduce stress, making it easier to manage jaw clenching.

Drinking Glycyrrhiza glabra teas regularly may help alleviate symptoms of jaw clenching and promote relaxation.

1. Gather 1 tablespoon of dried Glycyrrhiza glabra root and 1 cup of water.
2. Boil the water in a pot or kettle.
3. Add the dried Glycyrrhiza glabra root to the boiling water.
4. Reduce heat and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes.
5. Strain the tea and drink it 2-3 times a day to help with jaw clenching.