Jaw Clenching: Causes, Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Preparations

Jaw clenching, also known as bruxism, is a habit of grinding or clenching the teeth, often during sleep, due to anxiety, stress, or an abnormal bite.

This can lead to facial pain, headaches, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. Using herbal remedies can help alleviate jaw clenching.

Herbs like lavender, chamomile, and valerian root can be used to calm the nervous system, reducing stress and promoting relaxation. Ginseng and passionflower have anti-inflammatory properties that can ease TMJ pain.

However, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional before using medicinal herbs, especially if you have underlying health conditions or take medications.

This article explains in detail what are the causes of jaw clenching, what medicinal herbs to use to relieve this problem and how to prepare these herbs to get the best results.

What are the main causes of jaw clenching?

The main causes of jaw clenching are multifaceted and can be attributed to a combination of physiological, psychological, and environmental factors.

Research suggests that stress and anxiety, which can be triggered by work-related pressures, financial concerns, or relationship issues, are primary culprits in jaw clenching (1). Additionally, individuals with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, sleep disorders such as sleep apnea, and bruxism are more likely to experience jaw clenching (2, 3). Other contributing factors include habits like nail biting, teeth grinding, and tight jaw or facial muscles, which can be exacerbated by poor posture or ergonomic issues (4).

Furthermore, certain medications like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and stimulants can also contribute to jaw clenching as a side effect (5).

• Stress: Stress is considered the most common cause of jaw clenching due to the body's natural response to anxiety and tension, which often manifests as involuntary teeth grinding and jaw clenching.
• Anxiety: Anxiety is another frequent cause of jaw clenching as individuals may unconsciously clench their jaw in an attempt to cope with feelings of worry or apprehension.
• Sleep Disorders: Sleep disorders such as sleep apnea and bruxism can cause jaw clenching due to the irregular sleep patterns and the body's inability to relax properly.
• Misaligned Teeth: Misaligned teeth can cause jaw clenching as the teeth are not properly aligned, leading to strain on the jaw muscles and joints, which can result in involuntary clenching.
• Depression: Depression can contribute to jaw clenching due to the emotional distress and anxiety associated with the condition, which can lead to unconscious jaw clenching.
• Hormonal Changes: Hormonal changes during pregnancy and menstruation can cause jaw clenching due to the fluctuations in hormone levels, which can lead to anxiety and tension.
• Medications: Certain medications such as antidepressants and stimulants can cause jaw clenching as a side effect, leading to involuntary teeth grinding and jaw clenching.
• Nerve Disorders: Nerve disorders such as trigeminal neuralgia can cause jaw clenching due to the abnormal electrical signals sent to the muscles and joints, which can lead to involuntary clenching.
• Nutritional Deficiencies: Nutritional deficiencies such as a lack of magnesium and calcium can contribute to jaw clenching due to the role these minerals play in muscle relaxation and function.
• Neurological Disorders: Neurological disorders such as Parkinson's disease and multiple sclerosis can cause jaw clenching due to the abnormal brain activity and muscle control.

What are the primary medicinal plants used for jaw clenching?

The main medicinal herbs used for jaw clenching are Valeriana officinalis, Passiflora incarnata, Zingiber officinale, Lavandula angustifolia, Melissa officinalis, Avena sativa, Ginkgo biloba, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Corydalis yanhusuo, Cinchona officinalis.

Valeriana officinalis contains valerenic acid, which has been shown to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation, thereby reducing muscle tension in the jaw. Passiflora incarnata has been used traditionally to alleviate anxiety and insomnia, contributing to a decrease in jaw clenching. Zingiber officinale contains gingerols, which have anti-inflammatory properties, reducing pain and discomfort in the jaw.

A combination of these herbs, particularly Valeriana officinalis and Passiflora incarnata, may be effective in alleviating jaw clenching due to their anxiolytic and muscle-relaxing properties.

• Valeriana officinalis: Valeriana officinalis helps with jaw clenching due to its sedative properties, which can reduce muscle tension and promote relaxation, thereby alleviating the symptoms of jaw clenching.
• Passiflora incarnata: Passiflora incarnata helps with jaw clenching by acting as a natural sedative and anxiolytic, thereby reducing anxiety and stress that can contribute to jaw clenching.
• Zingiber officinale: Zingiber officinale helps with jaw clenching by reducing inflammation and pain in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
• Lavandula angustifolia: Lavandula angustifolia helps with jaw clenching by promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety through its sedative effects, which can alleviate muscle tension and promote a decrease in jaw clenching.
• Melissa officinalis: Melissa officinalis helps with jaw clenching by reducing stress and anxiety through its anxiolytic properties, which can contribute to a decrease in muscle tension and alleviate jaw clenching.
• Avena sativa: Avena sativa helps with jaw clenching by reducing anxiety and stress due to its anxiolytic properties, which can promote relaxation and alleviate muscle tension that contributes to jaw clenching.
• Ginkgo biloba: Ginkgo biloba does not directly help with jaw clenching, but its anti-inflammatory properties can reduce inflammation in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which may contribute to a decrease in jaw clenching.
• Glycyrrhiza glabra: Glycyrrhiza glabra helps with jaw clenching by reducing inflammation and pain in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
• Corydalis yanhusuo: Corydalis yanhusuo helps with jaw clenching by reducing pain and inflammation in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) due to its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Cinchona officinalis: Cinchona officinalis helps with jaw clenching by reducing inflammation and pain in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) due to its anti-inflammatory properties.

What are the main herbal preparations used for jaw clenching?

The main herbal preparations used for jaw clenching are Tincture, Decoction, Salve, Capsule, Cream, Suppository, Lozenge, Gel, Gummies, Ointment.

Tincture of valerian root, passionflower, and ashwagandha is used to calm the nervous system and reduce muscle tension associated with jaw clenching. Decoctions of herbs like ginger, turmeric, and skullcap are used to reduce inflammation and relax the muscles. Herbal salves and creams containing arnica, peppermint, and eucalyptus are applied topically to ease pain and discomfort.

Capsules, gummies, suppositories, lozenges, gels, and ointments containing herbs like magnesium, lavender, and chamomile are used to promote relaxation and reduce stress, ultimately alleviating jaw clenching.

• Tincture: A tincture of Passiflora incarnata, which contains flavonoids and alkaloids such as passiflorine, may help alleviate jaw clenching by acting as a natural sedative and muscle relaxant due to its anxiolytic properties.
• Decoction: A decoction of Valeriana officinalis, which contains valerenic acid and valepotriates, may help reduce jaw clenching by promoting relaxation and sedation through its GABA-receptor modulating effects.
• Salve: A topical salve of Mentha piperita, which contains menthol and menthone, may help relax facial muscles, thereby reducing jaw clenching by stimulating cold receptors and activating the brain's pain-relieving response.
• Capsule: A capsule containing the root of Withania somnifera, which contains alkaloids such as withanine, may help reduce jaw clenching by acting as an adaptogen and reducing stress-induced muscle tension through its anxiolytic properties.
• Cream: A topical cream of Aloe barbadensis, which contains aloin and aloe-emodin, may help soothe and relax facial muscles, thereby reducing jaw clenching through its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
• Suppository: A suppository of Avena sativa, which contains avenacins and avenanthramides, may help reduce jaw clenching by promoting relaxation and sedation through its anxiolytic and sedative effects on the nervous system.
• Lozenge: A lozenge of Glycyrrhiza glabra, which contains glycyrrhizin, may help soothe and relax the jaw muscles by reducing inflammation and pain through its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
• Gel: A topical gel of Eucalyptus globulus, which contains eucalyptol and cineole, may help relax facial muscles, thereby reducing jaw clenching by stimulating cold receptors and activating the brain's pain-relieving response.
• Ointment: A topical ointment of Calendula officinalis, which contains triterpenoids and flavonoids, may help soothe and relax facial muscles, thereby reducing jaw clenching through its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.