What to know about difficulty chewing before treating it with medicinal herbs

Difficulty chewing, or dysphagia, is a swallowing disorder characterized by difficulty manipulating food in the mouth or passing it through the esophagus.

This condition can lead to malnutrition, aspiration pneumonia, and social isolation. Medicinal herbs such as slippery elm, marshmallow root, and licorice root can help soothe and protect the mucous membranes, reducing discomfort and facilitating swallowing.

However, excessive consumption of licorice root can cause potassium loss and interact with certain medications.

This article explains in detail what difficulty chewing is, how it affects your life and what are its causes. Then, it lists what medicinal herbs to use to relieve this problem and how to prepare these herbs to get the best results. Lastly, it revals what other natural remedies to use in conjunction with herbal medicine to aid with this problem.

What is difficulty chewing and how it affects your life?

Difficulty chewing, also known as dysphagia, is a common condition where individuals have trouble swallowing food, liquids, or both.

This can lead to a significant impact on one's daily life, making everyday activities a challenge. For instance, eating meals can become a slow and frustrating process, causing anxiety and stress before each meal. Simple tasks like enjoying a crunchy salad, biting into a juicy apple, or savoring a favorite dish become difficult, if not impossible.

Social gatherings and dining out with friends and family can be particularly affected, as individuals with difficulty chewing may feel embarrassed or self-conscious about their eating habits. Even basic functions like eating breakfast, lunch, and dinner become a source of stress and fatigue. Moreover, difficulty chewing can also lead to malnutrition and weight loss, as individuals may avoid certain foods or meals altogether, further exacerbating their condition.

Overall, difficulty chewing can have a profound impact on one's quality of life, affecting not only their physical health but also their emotional and social well-being.

What are the main causes of difficulty chewing?

Difficulty chewing, also known as dysphagia, is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide, making everyday tasks a challenge.

When individuals experience difficulty chewing, they struggle to break down food into smaller pieces, making it hard to swallow and digest. This condition can severely impact one's quality of life, leading to feelings of frustration, anxiety, and embarrassment. Simple tasks like eating a meal, enjoying a favorite snack, or even drinking a glass of water become arduous and time-consuming.

For instance, difficulty chewing can limit social interactions, as individuals may avoid eating in public or with others, fearing embarrassment or judgment. It can also affect relationships, as loved ones may become frustrated or stressed by the individual's struggles. Furthermore, difficulty chewing can lead to malnutrition, weight loss, and fatigue, as the body struggles to absorb essential nutrients. Daily routines, like eating breakfast or lunch, become a source of stress, and even basic self-care activities, like eating a meal or taking medication, become daunting tasks.

Additionally, difficulty chewing can lead to feelings of isolation, as individuals may withdraw from social activities or avoid participating in favorite hobbies due to the discomfort and inconvenience of eating and drinking.

What are the best medicinal herbs for difficulty chewing?

The best medicinal herbs for difficulty chewing are those that soothe inflammation, calm the nervous system, and stimulate the digestive enzymes.

Peppermint oil and thyme tea can help reduce pain and inflammation in the jaw and mouth. Sage and lemon balm teas can calm the nervous system, reducing stress and anxiety that may exacerbate chewing difficulties.

Ceylon cinnamon oil may also stimulate digestive enzymes, making it easier to chew.

The most effective medicinal herbs that help with difficulty chewing are listed below.

• Peppermint: helps relax jaw and facial muscles, reducing chewing difficulty
• Lemon balm: calms nervous system, reducing tension that can contribute to chewing difficulties
• Thyme: has anti-inflammatory properties, reducing swelling and pain in the mouth and jaw
• Sage: reduces inflammation and swelling in the mouth, making it easier to chew
• Ceylon cinnamon: has anti-inflammatory properties, reducing pain and discomfort in the mouth and jaw
• Fennel: eases digestive issues that can cause difficulty chewing, such as gas and bloating
• Ginger: reduces pain and inflammation in the mouth and jaw, making it easier to chew
• Rosemary: improves blood flow to the mouth and jaw, reducing numbness and tingling
• Yarrow: has anti-inflammatory properties, reducing swelling and pain in the mouth and jaw
• Licorice: soothes and calms the digestive tract, reducing irritation that can contribute to chewing difficulties

What are the most effective herbal preparations for difficulty chewing?

The most effective herbal preparations for difficulty chewing are teas and decoctions, which can be sipped slowly and easily swallowed, providing a soothing and warming effect to the throat and mouth.

Tinctures can be taken sublingually, allowing the herbs to be absorbed quickly and easily, providing fast relief from pain and discomfort. Gels can be applied topically to the affected area, providing a cooling and anti-inflammatory effect that can help to reduce swelling and ease the act of chewing.

Finally, capsules can provide a concentrated dose of herbs that can be easily swallowed, even when difficulty chewing makes it difficult to manage larger amounts of food.

The most used herbal preparations that help with difficulty chewing are listed below.

• Teas: Soothe and soften the mucous membranes in the mouth, making it easier to chew.
• Decoctions: Rich in warm water extracts of herbs that can help loosen and reduce inflammation in the mouth and gums.
• Tinctures: Quickly absorbed and can help reduce swelling and pain in the mouth and jaw.
• Gels: Provide a cooling sensation and can help numb the mouth, reducing pain and discomfort while eating.
• Capsules: Contain powdered herbs that can be easily swallowed, bypassing the need for chewing.
• Ointments: Topical application can help reduce inflammation and numb the mouth and jaw.
• Creams: Moisturizing properties can soothe and protect the mucous membranes in the mouth.
• Tablets: Can be broken down in water to create a soothing liquid for easier consumption.
• Syrups: Sweet and soothing, can be used as a demulcent to protect and calm the mucous membranes.
• Salves: Topical application can help reduce inflammation and provide a protective barrier for the mouth and gums.

What precautions to take when using herbal remedies for difficulty chewing?

When considering the use of herbal remedies to alleviate difficulty chewing, it is essential to exercise caution and take certain precautions.

Firstly, consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen, especially if you have pre-existing medical conditions or are taking medications. Additionally, be aware of potential interactions between herbs and your medications, as well as any allergic reactions or sensitivity issues.

It is also crucial to purchase high-quality herbal products from reputable sources to ensure purity and potency. Furthermore, start with small dosages and gradually increase as needed, monitoring for any adverse effects.

Finally, keep in mind that while herbs may provide relief, they should not replace medical treatment if the underlying cause of difficulty chewing is a dental or oral health issue; consult with an oral healthcare professional to rule out any underlying conditions that require attention.

The most important precautions to take when using herbal remedies for difficulty chewing are listed below.

• Consult before using herbs if you have any underlying medical conditions or are taking prescription medications
• Research thoroughly to ensure that the herb you choose is safe and effective for your specific condition
• Start with small doses and gradually increase as needed to avoid adverse reactions
• Monitor your symptoms closely and adjust dosage or stop use if no improvement is seen
• Follow proper preparation and storage instructions to maintain potency and avoid contamination
• Use high-quality herbs from reputable sources to ensure authenticity and purity
• Be aware of potential interactions with other herbs, supplements, or medications
• Avoid using herbs that are contraindicated for your condition or may exacerbate symptoms
• Keep in mind that herbal remedies can have delayed effects and may take time to work
• Consult with a healthcare professional if you experience any adverse reactions or have concerns about using herbal remedies