Jaw Pain: Causes, Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Preparations

Jaw pain, also known as temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain, refers to discomfort or pain in the jaw joint and surrounding muscles, often caused by inflammation, teeth grinding, or misaligned teeth.

The causes of jaw pain can range from stress and anxiety to dental issues and even certain medical conditions. If left untreated, jaw pain can lead to headaches, ear problems, and difficulties eating and speaking.

To alleviate jaw pain, herbal remedies such as chamomile tea, ginger root, and willow bark can be used. These herbs can be consumed as teas or applied topically as salves or oils.

However, it is essential to consult with a healthcare professional before using medicinal herbs, especially if you are pregnant or have allergies, to avoid potential interactions or adverse reactions.

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

The main causes of jaw pain are multifaceted and can be attributed to various factors.

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, which are the leading cause of jaw pain, are often the result of misalignment or malocclusion of the teeth, trauma, or repetitive strain from habits such as teeth grinding or clenching. Other causes include gum recession, impacted wisdom teeth, and dental abscesses, which can be caused by poor oral hygiene, diet, or underlying medical conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis. Additionally, jaw pain can be a symptom of a larger issue, such as sinusitis, migraines, or fibromyalgia.

According to the American Dental Association, approximately 10% of the population experiences jaw pain, with women being more likely to experience TMJ disorders than men.

• Temporomandibular Disorder: Temporomandibular disorder is a condition characterized by pain and stiffness in the jaw joint and surrounding muscles, often caused by a misaligned bite, teeth grinding, or jaw clenching.
• Bruxism: Bruxism is a condition where people involuntarily grind or clench their teeth, putting excessive strain on the jaw muscles and joint, leading to pain and discomfort.
• Sinusitis: Sinusitis, an infection or inflammation of the sinuses, can cause jaw pain due to the proximity of the sinuses to the jaw joint and the potential for referred pain from the sinuses to the jaw.
• Dental Abscess: A dental abscess, a bacterial infection of the gum or tooth pulp, can cause jaw pain due to the spread of infection to the jawbone and surrounding tissues.
• Gum Disease: Gum disease, a bacterial infection of the gums, can cause jaw pain due to inflammation and infection of the gum tissue and bone that supports the jaw.
• Jaw Injury: A jaw injury, such as a fracture or dislocation, can cause jaw pain due to the trauma and inflammation caused by the injury.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis: Rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation and pain in the joints, can cause jaw pain due to the involvement of the temporomandibular joint and surrounding tissues.
• Gout: Gout, a type of arthritis caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints, can cause jaw pain due to the involvement of the temporomandibular joint and surrounding tissues.
• Tumors: Tumors, abnormal growths of tissue, can cause jaw pain due to the pressure and inflammation caused by the tumor on the surrounding tissues and bone.

What are the primary medicinal plants used for jaw pain?

The main medicinal herbs used for jaw pain are Zingiber officinale, Echinacea purpurea, Achillea millefolium, Salvia officinalis, Mentha x piperita, Ginkgo biloba, Curcuma longa, Hypericum perforatum, Capsicum annuum, Glycyrrhiza glabra.

Zingiber officinale contains gingerols and shogaols, which have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that help reduce pain and inflammation in the jaw. Echinacea purpurea has immunomodulatory effects, enhancing the immune system's response to infections that may cause jaw pain. Salvia officinalis, Mentha x piperita, and Achillea millefolium have anti-inflammatory properties and are used to reduce pain and swelling in the jaw, while Curcuma longa contains curcumin, which has potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Additionally, Ginkgo biloba, Hypericum perforatum, Capsicum annuum, and Glycyrrhiza glabra have various mechanisms that help alleviate jaw pain, including vasodilation, analgesia, and anti-inflammatory effects, making them valuable herbal remedies for jaw pain relief.

• Zingiber officinale: Zingiber officinale, commonly known as ginger, helps alleviate jaw pain by reducing inflammation and pain due to its active compound gingerol, which inhibits the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines.
• Echinacea purpurea: Echinacea purpurea, a flowering plant, contains alkylamides and caffeic acid that have anti-inflammatory properties, which help to reduce pain and inflammation in the jaw, thereby providing relief from jaw pain.
• Achillea millefolium: Achillea millefolium, yarrow, possesses anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties due to its flavonoids and sesquiterpenes, which help to reduce pain and inflammation in the jaw and alleviate jaw pain.
• Salvia officinalis: Salvia officinalis, sage, contains salvenol, a compound with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which help to reduce pain and inflammation in the jaw, thereby providing relief from jaw pain.
• Mentha x piperita: Mentha x piperita, peppermint, contains menthol, which has a cooling effect and helps to numb the pain in the jaw, providing temporary relief from jaw pain.
• Ginkgo biloba: Ginkgo biloba, maidenhair tree, contains flavonoids and terpenoids that have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which help to reduce pain and inflammation in the jaw and alleviate jaw pain.
• Curcuma longa: Curcuma longa, turmeric, contains curcumin, a compound with potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which help to reduce pain and inflammation in the jaw, thereby providing relief from jaw pain.
• Hypericum perforatum: Hypericum perforatum, St. John's Wort, contains hyperforin and hypericin, which have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, which help to reduce pain and inflammation in the jaw and alleviate jaw pain.
• Capsicum annuum: Capsicum annuum, chili pepper, contains capsaicin, which has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, which help to reduce pain and inflammation in the jaw and provide relief from jaw pain.
• Glycyrrhiza glabra: Glycyrrhiza glabra, licorice root, contains glycyrrhizin, which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which help to reduce pain and inflammation in the jaw and alleviate jaw pain.

What are the main herbal preparations used for jaw pain?

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

Tincture typically contains bioactive compounds like menthol or camphor, which reduce inflammation and ease pain. Decoction, an herbal tea, often employs roots or barks of plants like willow or meadowsweet, which contain salicylic acid, similar to aspirin, to alleviate pain. Topical preparations such as Salve, Gel, Cream, Suppository, Ointment, and Balm may incorporate herbs like arnica or capsaicin to decrease pain and inflammation in the jaw area.

Capsule or tablet forms of herbs like feverfew or ginger may also be used to reduce pain and inflammation through oral consumption.

• Tincture: A tincture of Acmella oleracea extract helps with jaw pain due to its anti-inflammatory properties and ability to block pain signals.
• Decoction: A decoction of Echinacea purpurea root helps with jaw pain by reducing inflammation and fighting off infections that may be contributing to the pain.
• Salve: A salve of Arnica montana extract applied topically helps with jaw pain by reducing inflammation, relieving pain, and promoting healing of the affected area.
• Capsule: A capsule containing Willow bark (Salix alba) extract helps with jaw pain due to its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties that reduce pain and inflammation.
• Gel: A gel of Capsicum annuum extract applied topically helps with jaw pain by reducing pain and inflammation through its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Cream: A cream of Calendula officinalis extract applied topically helps with jaw pain by reducing inflammation, promoting healing, and relieving pain.
• Suppository: A suppository of Wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens) extract inserted rectally helps with jaw pain due to its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties that reduce pain and inflammation.
• Poultice: A poultice of Comfrey (Symphytum officinale) applied topically helps with jaw pain by reducing inflammation, relieving pain, and promoting healing of the affected area.
• Ointment: An ointment of Plantain (Plantago major) extract applied topically helps with jaw pain by reducing inflammation, relieving pain, and promoting healing of the affected area.
• Balm: A balm of Peppermint (Mentha piperita) extract applied topically helps with jaw pain by reducing pain and inflammation through its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.