By Leen Randell
Updated: Jul 19, 2024
10 Best Herbal Creams For Jaw Clenching
Herbal creams for jaw clenching are topical preparations containing natural ingredients like peppermint, chamomile, and lavender, designed to ease muscle tension and relax the jaw.
These creams can help alleviate jaw clenching by reducing stress and promoting relaxation, improving sleep quality and reducing pain.
Examples include creams containing arnica, calendula, and eucalyptus, which have anti-inflammatory properties, helping individuals with bruxism to lead healthier, more comfortable lives.
The following article describes in detail the most important creams for jaw clenching, including medicinal properties, parts of herbs to use, and recipes for preparations.
- 1. Melissa officinalis
- 2. Passiflora incarnata
- 3. Valeriana officinalis
- 4. Cinnamomum verum
- 5. Mentha x piperita
- 6. Lavandula angustifolia
- 7. Glycyrrhiza glabra
- 8. Stevia rebaudiana
- 9. Echinacea angustifolia
- 10. Calendula officinalis
- What is the best combination of herbal creams to use for jaw clenching?
- What ailments similar to jaw clenching are treated with herbal creams?
1. Melissa officinalis
Melissa officinalis, also known as lemon balm, creams helps with jaw clenching because of its ability to calm the mind and reduce muscle tension.
The herb contains compounds that have a natural relaxing effect, which can help alleviate the stress and anxiety that often contribute to jaw clenching. By promoting a sense of calm and tranquility, Melissa officinalis creams can help ease the physical symptoms of jaw clenching, such as facial pain and tension headaches.
This can lead to improved overall well-being and reduced discomfort.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Melissa officinalis creams that help with jaw clenching.
- Rosmarinic acid: This phenolic compound is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help to reduce muscle tension and alleviate jaw clenching symptoms.
- Linalool: This terpene acts as a natural relaxant, helping to calm the nervous system and reduce stress-related muscle contractions that contribute to jaw clenching.
- Glycosides: These compounds, particularly verbascoside, have been found to possess mild anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) properties, which can help to mitigate stress-induced jaw clenching.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of lemon balm used to make creams for jaw clenching.
- Leaves: They are used due to their calming and anti-inflammatory properties, which help to soothe jaw clenching and related muscle tension.
- Stems: They are used for their analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, which help to alleviate pain and reduce inflammation associated with jaw clenching.
- Roots: They are used due to their sedative and anti-anxiety properties, which help to calm the mind and body, reducing the frequency and intensity of jaw clenching.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic lemon balm for jaw clenching.
- Harvest melissa officinalis leaves when they are in full bloom and the plant is in optimal condition.
- Dry the harvested melissa officinalis leaves in a single layer at 40 degrees celsius for 2 hours.
- Combine 100 grams of dried melissa officinalis leaves with 500 milliliters of distilled water in a large.
- Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth or a fine mesh sieve into a clean glass container to separate.
- Mix the reserved liquid with 100 grams of beeswax and 100 grams of shea butter in a double boiler.
2. Passiflora incarnata
Passiflora incarnata, also known as maypop, creams helps with jaw clenching because its active compounds, flavonoids and alkaloids, work to relax the muscles and reduce anxiety.
The sedative properties of Passiflora incarnata help to calm the nervous system, alleviating stress and tension that can contribute to jaw clenching. By promoting relaxation and reducing muscle spasms, Passiflora incarnata creams provide a natural remedy to soothe jaw tension and promote a sense of calm and well-being.
This can lead to a significant reduction in jaw clenching and associated discomfort.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Passiflora incarnata creams that help with jaw clenching.
- Hernandezioside: Hernandezioside is an iridoid glycoside that helps with jaw clenching by exerting a relaxing effect on the muscles, reducing muscle spasms and promoting relaxation.
- Passiflorine: Passiflorine is an alkaloid that helps with jaw clenching by acting as a central nervous system depressant, reducing anxiety and stress that can contribute to jaw clenching.
- Isoorientin: Isoorientin is a flavonoid that helps with jaw clenching by acting as an anti-inflammatory agent, reducing swelling and pain in the jaw muscles and promoting relaxation.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of maypop used to make creams for jaw clenching.
- Leaves: They are used due to their high content of flavonoids and alkaloids, which have anti-inflammatory and anxiolytic properties that help reduce muscle tension.
- Roots: The roots are used for their rich content of harman alkaloids, which have sedative and muscle relaxant effects, making them effective in calming jaw clenching.
- Seeds: The seeds are used because they contain passifloric acid and other compounds that have anti-inflammatory and relaxing properties, helping to soothe jaw tension.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic maypop for jaw clenching.
- Harvest 100 grams of fresh passiflora incarnata leaves and flowers in the early morning to ensure optimal potency.
- Dry the harvested plant material in a low-temperature oven at 50°c for 2 hours to preserve its properties.
- Steep 20 grams of dried passiflora incarnata in 200 milliliters of carrier oil such as sweet almond oil for 2 weeks.
- Strain the oil mixture and discard the solids before blending it with 10 grams of beeswax and 5 milliliters of vitamin e oil.
- Heat the mixture in a double boiler at 60°c for 30 minutes to create a smooth and stable cream base.
3. Valeriana officinalis
Valeriana officinalis, also known as valerian, creams helps with jaw clenching because of its natural muscle-relaxing properties.
The active compounds in valerian, such as valerenic acid and isovaleric acid, work to calm the nervous system and reduce muscle tension. This leads to a decrease in the frequency and severity of jaw clenching episodes. Additionally, valerian creams can also promote relaxation and reduce anxiety, which are common triggers for jaw clenching.
By addressing the underlying causes of jaw clenching, valerian creams provide a natural and effective solution for relief.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Valeriana officinalis creams that help with jaw clenching.
- Valerenic acid: It helps with jaw clenching by acting as a GABA receptor agonist, which can help reduce muscle tension and promote relaxation.
- Valeranone: It aids in reducing jaw clenching by having sedative and anxiolytic properties, which can help alleviate stress and anxiety that may contribute to clenching.
- Isovaleramide: It contributes to relieving jaw clenching by exhibiting a calming effect on the nervous system, which can help reduce muscle spasms and tension.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of valerian used to make creams for jaw clenching.
- Roots: They are used due to their high concentration of valerenic acid, which has a sedative effect and helps to relax muscles.
- Leaves: They are used as they contain valerenic acid and other compounds that contribute to their calming properties and ability to soothe muscle tension.
- Barks: They are used due to their content of valerenic acid and other bioactive compounds that promote relaxation and reduce muscle spasms.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic valerian for jaw clenching.
- Harvest valeriana officinalis roots in the morning after the dew has evaporated for optimal potency.
- Dry the harvested roots in a low-temperature oven at 50°c for 24 hours to preserve their properties.
- Grind 100g of dried valeriana officinalis roots into a fine powder using a coffee grinder.
- Mix 100g of the powdered root with 100g of beeswax and 200ml of sweet almond oil in a double boiler.
- Blend the mixture at 60°c for 10 minutes then remove from heat to cool and thicken slowly.
4. Cinnamomum verum
Cinnamomum verum, also known as Ceylon cinnamon, creams helps with jaw clenching because of its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
The active compounds present in Ceylon cinnamon, such as cinnamaldehyde and linalool, work to reduce muscle tension and relax the jaw muscles. This can help alleviate the pain and discomfort associated with jaw clenching, also known as bruxism.
Regular application of Ceylon cinnamon cream may also promote relaxation and reduce stress, contributing to a decrease in jaw clenching episodes.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Cinnamomum verum creams that help with jaw clenching.
- Cinnamaldehyde: This terpene has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, which can help reduce pain and inflammation in the jaw muscles, making it easier to relax and reduce clenching.
- Cinnamic acid: This phenolic compound has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, which can help protect the jaw muscles from oxidative stress and inflammation, promoting relaxation and reducing muscle tension.
- Linalool: This terpene has a calming effect on the nervous system, which can help reduce anxiety and stress that may contribute to jaw clenching, promoting relaxation and reducing muscle tension.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of ceylon cinnamon used to make creams for jaw clenching.
- Barks: They are used due to their anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, which help to relieve pain and reduce inflammation in the jaw area.
- Leaves: They are used due to their calming and soothing effects, which help to relax the muscles and reduce tension in the jaw.
- Rhyzomes: They are used due to their ability to reduce pain and inflammation, which helps to alleviate jaw clenching and tension.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic ceylon cinnamon for jaw clenching.
- Infuse 20 grams of cinnamomum verum bark in 500 milliliters of carrier oil for 4-6 weeks to extract essential properties.
- Filter the infused oil using a cheesecloth or coffee filter to remove solids and achieve a clear consistency.
- Weigh out 100 grams of beeswax and 50 grams of cocoa butter to create a stable emollient base.
- Combine the infused oil with the beeswax and cocoa butter mixture in a double boiler and heat until fully incorporated.
- Pour the mixture into a clean container and allow it to cool and solidify completely before use.
5. Mentha x piperita
Mentha x piperita, also known as peppermint, creams helps with jaw clenching because of its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.
The menthol in peppermint creams relaxes tense muscles, reducing pain and discomfort associated with jaw clenching. Additionally, peppermint's cooling sensation can help to soothe and calm the jaw and facial areas, promoting relaxation and reducing the frequency of clenching episodes.
This natural remedy provides relief from tension headaches and jaw pain caused by teeth grinding or clenching.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Mentha x piperita creams that help with jaw clenching.
- Limonene: This monoterpene has been shown to have a relaxing effect on muscles, which may help to reduce the tension associated with jaw clenching.
- Rosmarinic acid: A polyphenolic compound with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, rosmarinic acid may help to alleviate pain and inflammation in the jaw area.
- Menthofuran: A sesquiterpene with analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, menthofuran may help to reduce pain and discomfort associated with jaw clenching.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of peppermint used to make creams for jaw clenching.
- Leaves: They are the most commonly used part due to their high concentration of menthol and menthone, which provide pain-relieving and cooling properties.
- Stems: They contain a smaller amount of menthol and menthone compared to leaves, but their essential oils still contribute to the analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects in creams.
- Roots: They are sometimes used as a substitute for leaves when the latter are not available, and their essential oils also possess analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic peppermint for jaw clenching.
- Harvest fresh mentha x piperita leaves in late morning when their essential oil content is at its highest peak.
- Infuse 250g of fresh mentha x piperita leaves in 1l of distilled water for 2-3 hours to release their active compounds.
- Strain the infused liquid using a cheesecloth and discard the solids to obtain a fragrant herbal extract.
- Mix 50g of beeswax, 100g of coconut oil, and 20ml of the herbal extract in a double boiler to melt the ingredients.
- Pour the melted mixture into a glass jar and allow it to cool and solidify for about 30 minutes.
6. Lavandula angustifolia
Lavandula angustifolia, also known as English lavender, creams helps with jaw clenching because of its calming and relaxing properties.
The scent of lavender has been shown to reduce muscle tension and promote relaxation, which can be particularly beneficial for individuals who suffer from jaw clenching and related stress and anxiety. The cream's soothing effects can help to calm the mind and body, reducing the frequency and severity of jaw clenching episodes.
Additionally, lavender's anti-inflammatory properties may also help to reduce pain and discomfort associated with jaw clenching.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Lavandula angustifolia creams that help with jaw clenching.
- Linalool: A terpene with analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, helping to reduce muscle tension and pain associated with jaw clenching.
- Linalyl acetate: A terpene ester that promotes relaxation, reduces anxiety, and calms the nervous system, thereby alleviating jaw clenching caused by stress and muscle spasms.
- Lavandulol: A terpene with anxiolytic and sedative properties, helping to calm the nervous system and reduce muscle tension, which can contribute to jaw clenching.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of english lavender used to make creams for jaw clenching.
- Leaves: Lavandula angustifolia's leaves are used to make creams for jaw clenching due to their calming and antispasmodic properties, which help relax muscles and reduce tension.
- Flowers: Lavandula angustifolia's flowers are used to make creams for jaw clenching due to their soothing and sedative effects, which promote relaxation and reduce anxiety.
- Stems: Lavandula angustifolia's stems are used to make creams for jaw clenching due to their analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, which help alleviate pain and reduce swelling.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic english lavender for jaw clenching.
- Harvest 1 cup of dried lavandula flowers and 2 tablespoons of beeswax at dawn when plant's oils are most potent.
- Infuse 1 cup of dried lavandula flowers in 2 cups of carrier oil like sweet almond oil for 4 weeks stirring daily.
- Strain the infused oil through cheesecloth and discard solids then mix with 2 tablespoons of beeswax.
- Heat the mixture over low heat for 30 minutes stirring occasionally until beeswax is fully dissolved.
- Pour the mixture into a sterilized jar and let it cool and thicken for 2 hours before use.
7. Glycyrrhiza glabra
Glycyrrhiza glabra, also known as licorice, creams helps with jaw clenching because of its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
The root extract of Glycyrrhiza glabra contains compounds that relax muscles and reduce stress, making it an effective remedy for jaw tension and bruxism.
The cream's ability to calm the jaw and surrounding facial muscles also helps to prevent the buildup of stress and anxiety that can lead to jaw clenching, promoting a sense of relaxation and comfort.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Glycyrrhiza glabra creams that help with jaw clenching.
- Licorice saponins: These saponins help alleviate jaw clenching by reducing inflammation and relaxing muscles in the face and jaw area, thereby providing relief from tension headaches and jaw pain.
- Glycyrrhetinic acid: As a potent anti-inflammatory agent, glycyrrhetinic acid helps reduce swelling and pain in the jaw and facial muscles, making it easier to relax and reduce jaw clenching.
- Flavonoids: These flavonoids possess anti-anxiety and anti-inflammatory properties, which help calm the nervous system and reduce muscle tension in the jaw, thereby reducing jaw clenching and associated pain.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of licorice used to make creams for jaw clenching.
- Roots: Glycyrrhizin, a compound found in the roots, helps to reduce inflammation and relax muscles, alleviating jaw clenching symptoms.
- Roots: Glycyrrhizin also has anti-anxiety properties, which can help reduce stress that may contribute to jaw clenching.
- Roots: The licorice root's ability to inhibit the production of stress hormones, such as cortisol, can further help alleviate jaw clenching caused by anxiety.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic licorice for jaw clenching.
- Gather 50 grams of dried glycyrrhiza glabra roots and 20 grams of beeswax and infuse the roots in 200 milliliters of oil.
- Steep the root infusion in oil mixture at 60 degrees celsius for 30 minutes to release active compounds.
- Melt 20 grams of beeswax in a double boiler and add 10 milliliters of vitamin e oil to enhance stability.
- Combine the cooled root infusion and melted beeswax mixture and stir well to create a uniform texture.
- Pour the mixture into a clean container and allow it to cool and solidify completely within 30 minutes.
8. Stevia rebaudiana
Stevia rebaudiana, also known as stevia, creams helps with jaw clenching because it contains compounds that promote relaxation and reduce muscle tension.
The natural anti-inflammatory properties of Stevia rebaudiana soothe and calm the jaw muscles, helping to alleviate the pain and discomfort associated with jaw clenching. Additionally, Stevia rebaudiana creams can help to reduce anxiety and stress, which are common triggers for jaw clenching.
This natural remedy provides a safe and effective way to manage jaw clenching and promote overall oral health.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Stevia rebaudiana creams that help with jaw clenching.
- Steviol glycosides: These compounds have been shown to possess anti-anxiety and stress-relieving properties, which can help alleviate the underlying causes of jaw clenching.
- Phenolic acids: Phenolic acids in Stevia rebaudiana, such as gallic acid and chlorogenic acid, have been found to exhibit anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, which can help reduce muscle tension and inflammation associated with jaw clenching.
- Flavonoids: Quercetin, a flavonoid present in Stevia rebaudiana, has been shown to possess anti-inflammatory and muscle relaxant properties, which can help reduce muscle spasms and tension in the jaw and surrounding areas.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of stevia used to make creams for jaw clenching.
- Leaves: Leaves are the most commonly used part of Stevia rebaudiana due to their high content of steviosides, which have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce muscle tension and jaw clenching.
- Roots: Roots of Stevia rebaudiana contain a high concentration of glycosides, which have been found to have anti-stress and anti-anxiety effects, potentially alleviating jaw clenching caused by stress and anxiety.
- Barks: Stevia rebaudiana barks have been traditionally used to treat various health issues, including anxiety and stress-related muscle tension, which can contribute to jaw clenching.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic stevia for jaw clenching.
- Infuse 1 cup of stevia rebaudiana leaves in 2 cups of distilled water for 4 to 6 hours at room temperature.
- Strain the infused liquid through a cheesecloth or fine-mesh sieve into a clean container to remove solids.
- Mix 1 tablespoon of glycerin with 2 tablespoons of distilled water and add to the infused liquid to create a stable emulsion.
- Whip 8 ounces of shea or cocoa butter with 2 ounces of the infused liquid until a smooth cream forms.
- Pour the stevia rebaudiana cream into a clean container and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
9. Echinacea angustifolia
Echinacea angustifolia, also known as Kansas coneflower, creams helps with jaw clenching because of its anti-inflammatory and calming properties.
The cream's active compounds, such as alkylamides and polyacetylenes, work to reduce muscle tension and promote relaxation in the jaw and surrounding areas. This can lead to a decrease in jaw clenching and grinding, providing relief from associated symptoms like headaches and earaches.
Additionally, Echinacea angustifolia's soothing effects may help alleviate stress and anxiety, further contributing to its ability to alleviate jaw clenching.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Echinacea angustifolia creams that help with jaw clenching.
- Iridoid glycosides: These compounds help reduce inflammation and pain associated with jaw clenching by modulating the body's response to stress and anxiety.
- Caffeic acid: This phenolic compound has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help alleviate the muscle tension and pain caused by jaw clenching.
- Alkaloids: These compounds can help relax muscles and reduce stress, making it easier to manage jaw clenching and associated symptoms like tension headaches.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of kansas coneflower used to make creams for jaw clenching.
- Roots: Extracts from the roots are used to make creams for jaw clenching due to their anti-inflammatory properties.
- Leaves: Compounds found in the leaves help to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain associated with jaw clenching.
- Barks: The barks of Echinacea angustifolia contain compounds that have analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects, making them suitable for creams targeting jaw clenching.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic kansas coneflower for jaw clenching.
- Harvest echinacea angustifolia roots in the fall after the first frost when plants are dormant for 2-3 years.
- Dry the harvested roots in a warm dry place with good air circulation for 2 weeks.
- Infuse 30 grams of dried echinacea angustifolia root in 250 milliliters of oil at 100 degrees celsius for 30 minutes.
- Strain the infused oil through a cheesecloth into a clean container and discard the solids.
- Mix the strained oil with beeswax and other cream ingredients in a 1:1 ratio by weight and heat the mixture to 60 degrees celsius.
10. Calendula officinalis
Calendula officinalis, also known as pot marigold, creams helps with jaw clenching because of its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
The cream's active compounds, including triterpenoids and flavonoids, reduce swelling and ease tension in the jaw muscles, providing relief from tension headaches and TMJ disorders. By calming the nervous system and reducing inflammation, Calendula officinalis cream helps to relax the jaw muscles, allowing the jaw to release its clenched position and promoting overall relaxation and well-being.
This natural remedy offers a non-invasive solution for jaw clenching relief.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Calendula officinalis creams that help with jaw clenching.
- Triterpenoids: These compounds have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce tension and inflammation in the jaw muscles that contribute to jaw clenching.
- Flavonoids: As potent antioxidants, flavonoids like Quercetin can help alleviate muscle spasms and reduce the severity of jaw clenching by protecting against oxidative stress.
- Naphthoquinone derivatives: These compounds exhibit anti-spasmodic and anti-inflammatory effects, which can help relax the jaw muscles and reduce the frequency and severity of jaw clenching episodes.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of pot marigold used to make creams for jaw clenching.
- Flowers: The flowers are used due to their anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties, which help to soothe and relax the muscles in the jaw.
- Leaves: The leaves are used due to their analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, which help to reduce pain and inflammation in the jaw area.
- Stems: The stems are used due to their anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties, which help to relax the muscles in the jaw and reduce tension.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic pot marigold for jaw clenching.
- Harvest fresh calendula flowers in the morning to ensure maximum potency for the herbal cream.
- Clean and dry the flowers to prevent contamination and spoilage by air drying them for 2 weeks.
- Combine 1 cup of dried flowers with 2 cups of carrier oil like sweet almond oil in a clean glass jar.
- Steep the mixture in a cool dark place for 2-3 weeks to allow the flowers to infuse their properties into the oil.
- Strain the oil through a cheesecloth and mix it with a moisturizing base like beeswax to create a soothing cream.
What is the best combination of herbal creams to use for jaw clenching?
The best combination of herbal creams that help with jaw clenching is a blend of arnica and peppermint creams.
Arnica cream helps to reduce inflammation and ease muscle tension, while peppermint cream cools and calms the jaw muscles, providing quick relief from pain and discomfort. Additionally, incorporating lavender and chamomile creams can promote relaxation and reduce stress, which are often underlying causes of jaw clenching.
Together, these herbal creams create a soothing and effective solution for jaw clenching relief.
What ailments similar to jaw clenching are treated with herbal creams?
Ailments similar to jaw clenching that are treated with herbal creams are tension headaches, migraines, and TMJ disorders.
Herbal creams containing ingredients such as peppermint oil, lavender oil, and arnica gel can help relax muscles and reduce pain and inflammation in these conditions.
These creams may also be used to treat other conditions like arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and fibromyalgia, which often involve muscle tension and stiffness.