Jaw Lock: Causes, Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Preparations

A jaw lock, also known as temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, is characterized by the sudden inability to open the mouth due to involuntary contraction of the jaw muscles.

This condition can be caused by stress, teeth grinding, or misalignment of the teeth. If left untreated, jaw lock can lead to headaches, earaches, and difficulty swallowing, ultimately affecting overall well-being. To alleviate jaw lock, herbal remedies such as chamomile tea, turmeric, and ginger can be used in medicinal preparations like decoctions and infusions.

However, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional before using herbal remedies, especially for those with allergies or underlying medical conditions.

This article explains in detail what are the causes of jaw lock, 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 lock?

The main causes of jaw lock are attributed to a combination of factors, including Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) disorders, where inflammation or irritation of the joint leads to muscle spasms and restricted movement.

Trauma to the jaw or TMJ, such as a blow to the face or a dental procedure, can cause damage to the joint or surrounding muscles. Misaligned teeth or a malocclusion, where the upper and lower teeth do not meet properly, can put strain on the TMJ and lead to jaw lock. Tension or stress in the masseter or temporalis muscles, which control jaw movement, can also cause jaw lock.

Additionally, conditions such as bruxism, where individuals grind or clench their teeth, can lead to jaw lock due to the repetitive strain on the TMJ.

• TMJ Disorder: TMJ Disorder is a condition characterized by inflammation or degeneration of the temporomandibular joint, leading to pain, clicking, or locking of the jaw, making it difficult to open or close the mouth.
• Arthritis: Arthritis, particularly rheumatoid arthritis, can cause inflammation and degeneration of the temporomandibular joint and surrounding tissues, leading to jaw lock and limited jaw mobility.
• Bruxism: Bruxism, a condition characterized by habitual teeth grinding or clenching, can lead to jaw lock and pain due to the repetitive strain and inflammation of the temporomandibular joint and surrounding muscles.
• Dental Work: Dental work, including dental extractions, dental implants, or orthodontic procedures, can cause jaw lock due to the inflammation and swelling of the temporomandibular joint and surrounding tissues.
• Whiplash: Whiplash, a type of neck injury caused by sudden acceleration or deceleration, can lead to jaw lock and pain due to the strain and inflammation of the temporomandibular joint and surrounding muscles.
• Facial Injury: Facial injuries, including fractures or dislocations of the jaw or surrounding facial bones, can cause jaw lock due to the inflammation and swelling of the temporomandibular joint and surrounding tissues.
• Fibromyalgia: Fibromyalgia, a chronic condition characterized by widespread muscle pain and fatigue, can cause jaw lock and pain due to the inflammation and strain on the temporomandibular joint and surrounding muscles.
• Neuromuscular Disorder: Neuromuscular disorders, including multiple sclerosis or Parkinson's disease, can cause jaw lock and pain due to the inflammation and strain on the temporomandibular joint and surrounding muscles.
• Tumor: Tumors, including benign or malignant growths, can cause jaw lock due to the pressure and inflammation exerted on the temporomandibular joint and surrounding tissues.
• Viral Infection: Viral infections, including mononucleosis or Lyme disease, can cause jaw lock and pain due to the inflammation and strain on the temporomandibular joint and surrounding muscles.

What are the primary medicinal plants used for jaw lock?

The main medicinal herbs used for jaw lock are Zingiber officinale, Echinacea purpurea, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Achillea millefolium, Curcuma longa, Cinchona officinalis, Ginkgo biloba, Eucalyptus globulus, Salvia officinalis, Cinnamomum verum.

Zingiber officinale contains gingerols which exhibit anti-inflammatory properties reducing pain and inflammation in the jaw. Echinacea purpurea and Glycyrrhiza glabra have antiseptic properties that help in reducing swelling and infection in the jaw area. Curcuma longa and Achillea millefolium contain compounds with potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help in reducing pain and inflammation in the jaw.

Cinchona officinalis and Ginkgo biloba help in improving blood circulation and reducing pain in the jaw while Eucalyptus globulus and Salvia officinalis have decongestant properties that help in clearing nasal passages and reducing sinus pressure contributing to jaw lock.

• Zingiber officinale: Zingiber officinale helps with jaw lock due to its anti-inflammatory properties, particularly the presence of gingerols and shogaols, which have been shown to reduce pain and inflammation in the temporomandibular joint.
• Echinacea purpurea: Echinacea purpurea helps with jaw lock due to its immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects, which may help reduce the severity of temporomandibular joint disorders.
• Glycyrrhiza glabra: Glycyrrhiza glabra helps with jaw lock due to its anti-inflammatory properties, particularly the presence of glycyrrhizin, which has been shown to reduce inflammation and pain in the temporomandibular joint.
• Achillea millefolium: Achillea millefolium helps with jaw lock due to its anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, which may help reduce pain and inflammation in the temporomandibular joint.
• Curcuma longa: Curcuma longa helps with jaw lock due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, particularly the presence of curcumin, which has been shown to reduce inflammation and pain in the temporomandibular joint.
• Cinchona officinalis: Cinchona officinalis does not directly help with jaw lock, but its alkaloids, particularly quinine, have been used to treat certain conditions that may contribute to jaw lock, such as rheumatoid arthritis.
• Ginkgo biloba: Ginkgo biloba does not directly help with jaw lock, but its flavonoids and terpenoids may help improve blood flow to the temporomandibular joint, which may aid in reducing pain and inflammation.
• Eucalyptus globulus: Eucalyptus globulus helps with jaw lock due to its anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, which may help reduce pain and inflammation in the temporomandibular joint.
• Salvia officinalis: Salvia officinalis helps with jaw lock due to its anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, which may help reduce pain and inflammation in the temporomandibular joint.
• Cinnamomum verum: Cinnamomum verum helps with jaw lock due to its anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, particularly the presence of cinnamaldehyde, which has been shown to reduce pain and inflammation in the temporomandibular joint.

What are the main herbal preparations used for jaw lock?

The main herbal preparations used for jaw lock are Tincture, Decoction, Salve, Gel, Capsule, Cream, Poultice, Ointment, Suppository, Balm.

Tincture, a concentrated liquid extract, can be made from herbs like Willow bark (Salix spp.). and Willow leaf (Salix spp.).

which contain salicylic acid, a pain reliever and anti-inflammatory agent. Decoction, a liquid extract made by boiling herbs, can be prepared from herbs like Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) which has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce pain and inflammation in the jaw. Salve, a semi-solid preparation, can be made from herbs like Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus) which has anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties that can help soothe and relax the jaw muscles.

Capsule, a solid preparation, can be filled with herbs like Devil's Claw (Harpagophytum procumbens) which has anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties that can help reduce pain and inflammation in the jaw.

• Tincture: A tincture made from the plant Hypericum perforatum (St. John's Wort) helps with jaw lock by reducing inflammation and pain due to its antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Decoction: A decoction of the plant Echinacea purpurea helps with jaw lock by reducing inflammation and promoting healing due to its anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties.
• Salve: A salve made from the plant Calendula officinalis helps with jaw lock by reducing inflammation and promoting healing due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
• Gel: A gel made from the plant Aloe barbadensis helps with jaw lock by reducing inflammation and pain due to its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
• Capsule: A capsule containing the plant Willow bark (Salix alba) helps with jaw lock by reducing inflammation and pain due to its anti-inflammatory and salicylate properties.
• Cream: A cream made from the plant Arnica montana helps with jaw lock by reducing inflammation and promoting healing due to its anti-inflammatory and anti-edematous properties.
• Poultice: A poultice made from the plant Plantain (Plantago major) helps with jaw lock by reducing inflammation and promoting healing due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
• Ointment: An ointment made from the plant Comfrey (Symphytum officinale) helps with jaw lock by promoting healing and reducing inflammation due to its anti-inflammatory and cell-regenerating properties.
• Suppository: A suppository made from the plant Capsicum annuum helps with jaw lock by reducing pain and inflammation due to its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Balm: A balm made from the plant Peppermint (Mentha piperita) helps with jaw lock by reducing pain and inflammation due to its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.