By Leen Randell
Updated: Jul 03, 2024
10 Best Herbal Tinctures For Jaw Pain
Herbal tinctures for jaw pain are concentrated plant-based extracts used to alleviate chronic tension, inflammation, and discomfort in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).
By reducing muscle spasms and promoting relaxation, herbal tinctures help ease jaw pain and related symptoms like headaches and facial pain. For example, valerian root and passionflower tinctures are known for their calming effects on the nervous system, while willow bark and ginger tinctures have anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce swelling and discomfort.
By incorporating these herbal remedies into a daily routine, individuals with jaw pain can experience improved sleep quality, reduced stress levels, and increased overall well-being.
The following article describes in detail the most important tinctures for jaw pain, including medicinal properties, parts of herbs to use, and recipes for preparations.
- 1. Salvia officinalis
- 2. Glycyrrhiza glabra
- 3. Boswellia serrata
- 4. Syzygium aromaticum
- 5. Mentha x piperita
- 6. Aloe vera
- 7. Curcuma longa
- 8. Capsicum annuum
- 9. Zingiber officinale
- 10. Artemisia absinthium
- What is the best combination of herbal tinctures to use for jaw pain?
- What ailments similar to jaw pain are treated with herbal tinctures?
1. Salvia officinalis
Sage tinctures helps with jaw pain because it has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that target the underlying causes of tension headaches and migraines, which are common triggers for jaw pain.
The tincture's bioactive compounds, such as rosmarinic acid, also relax muscle contractions in the face and neck, reducing strain on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and alleviating discomfort, stiffness, and pain in the jaw area.
This natural remedy provides effective relief for chronic jaw tension, allowing individuals to manage their symptoms without relying on pharmaceuticals.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Salvia officinalis tinctures that help with jaw pain.
- Triterpenoids: These compounds help reduce inflammation and alleviate pain in the jaw, thereby providing relief from conditions like temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.
- Rosmarinic acid: As a phenolic compound, rosmarinic acid exhibits potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which help mitigate pain and discomfort associated with jaw conditions.
- Carvacrol: This terpene has analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects, which contribute to its ability to alleviate jaw pain and reduce inflammation in the affected area.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of sage used to make tinctures for jaw pain.
- Leaves: The leaves are often used due to their high concentration of salvinic acids, which have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
- Stems: The stems are sometimes used due to their ability to retain some of the medicinal properties found in the leaves.
- Roots: The roots can be used to create a more potent tincture, as they contain higher levels of salvinic acids than the leaves and stems.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic sage for jaw pain.
- Harvest fresh salvia officinalis leaves in the morning after dew has evaporated for optimal potency.
- Chop 100 grams of the fresh leaves into fine pieces using a sharp knife for ease of infusion.
- Combine the chopped leaves with 500 milliliters of 80 proof vodka in a clean glass jar.
- Seal the jar and store it in a cool dark place for 2 weeks to allow for maceration.
- Strain the liquid through cheesecloth into a clean glass bottle and discard the solids after 2 weeks.
2. Glycyrrhiza glabra
Licorice tinctures helps with jaw pain because it contains glycyrrhizin, a compound that has anti-inflammatory properties.
When taken orally, this compound can help reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms associated with conditions such as temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, bruxism, and trigeminal neuralgia. Additionally, licorice tinctures can also help relax the jaw muscles, reducing tension and discomfort caused by clenching or grinding teeth.
By addressing these underlying causes of jaw pain, herbal licorice tinctures offer a natural and effective way to alleviate discomfort and promote overall oral health.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Glycyrrhiza glabra tinctures that help with jaw pain.
- Glycyrrhizin: Glycyrrhizin is a triterpenoid saponin that has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce swelling and pain in the jaw caused by conditions like temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder.
- Isoliquiritigenin: Isoliquiritigenin is a flavonoid that exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help alleviate jaw pain by reducing inflammation and promoting tissue repair.
- Licoricidin: Licoricidin is a triterpene that has anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties, which can help reduce inflammation and pain in the jaw caused by conditions like arthritis or other inflammatory diseases.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of licorice used to make tinctures for jaw pain.
- Roots: Rich in glycyrrhizin, a compound known for its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties.
- Barks: Contain phenolic compounds that may help reduce inflammation and alleviate pain.
- Stems: Also contain glycyrrhizin, which can help to reduce inflammation and provide pain relief.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic licorice for jaw pain.
- Harvest 30g of dried glycyrrhiza glabra roots and clean them thoroughly with a soft brush to remove any debris.
- Chop the cleaned roots into small pieces using a sharp knife to increase surface area for extraction.
- Combine the chopped roots with 500ml of 80% ethanol in a clean glass container to create a solvent mixture.
- Steep the solvent mixture for 2 weeks in a cool dark place shaking the container every other day to facilitate extraction.
- Strain the solvent mixture through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter into a clean glass bottle to separate the liquid tincture.
3. Boswellia serrata
Frankincense tinctures helps with jaw pain because of its potent anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
The boswellic acids present in frankincense have been shown to reduce swelling and ease discomfort in the joints, including those in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) responsible for jaw movement.
By reducing inflammation and soothing irritated tissues, frankincense tinctures can provide effective relief from chronic jaw pain, headaches, and facial tension associated with conditions such as temporomandibular disorder (TMD).
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Boswellia serrata tinctures that help with jaw pain.
- 3-o-acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid: AKBA is a triterpenoid compound that helps reduce jaw pain by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory enzymes and cytokines, which contribute to inflammation and pain.
- Α-boswellic acid: α-BA is a triterpenoid compound that has anti-inflammatory properties, which help alleviate jaw pain by reducing inflammation and preventing the breakdown of cartilage and other connective tissues.
- Β-boswellic acid: β-BA is a triterpenoid compound that has potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which help reduce jaw pain by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory enzymes and reducing oxidative stress.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of frankincense used to make tinctures for jaw pain.
- Roots: The roots of Boswellia serrata are commonly used because they contain a high concentration of boswellic acids, which have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
- Stems: The stems of Boswellia serrata are utilized for tincture production due to their content of boswellic acids, which help reduce inflammation and alleviate pain.
- Barks: The barks of Boswellia serrata are used to make tinctures because they contain boswellic acids that have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic frankincense for jaw pain.
- Harvest 2 pounds of fresh boswellia serrata resinous sap in late summer when it exudes freely from incisions made on the tree trunk.
- Dry the harvested resinous sap in a low-temperature oven at 150°f for 6 hours to reduce moisture content.
- Combine 1 part dried boswellia serrata with 2 parts 80% ethanol in a clean glass jar with a tight-fitting lid.
- Store the mixture in a cool dark place and allow it to macerate for 2-3 weeks, shaking the jar daily.
- Strain the mixture through cheesecloth into another clean glass bottle and discard the solids, then label and store it in a cool dark place.
4. Syzygium aromaticum
Cloves tinctures helps with jaw pain because of its potent anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
The eugenol present in cloves has a direct effect on reducing inflammation and swelling in the joints, including those associated with temporomandibular disorders (TMD). Additionally, the warm, soothing sensation provided by clove oil can help relax tense muscles in the jaw, providing quick relief from pain and discomfort.
By targeting both inflammation and muscle tension, herbal cloves tinctures offer a natural and effective solution for alleviating jaw pain.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Syzygium aromaticum tinctures that help with jaw pain.
- Caryophyllene: Caryophyllene, a sesquiterpene, has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce swelling and pain associated with jaw disorders.
- Eugenol: Eugenol, a phenolic compound, has analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects that help alleviate pain and inflammation in the jaw and surrounding areas.
- Α-selinene: α-Selinene, a sesquiterpene, has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help reduce pain and inflammation in the jaw, as well as promote overall oral health.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of cloves used to make tinctures for jaw pain.
- Buds: The buds of Syzygium aromaticum are primarily used due to their high content of eugenol, a natural analgesic and anti-inflammatory compound that helps alleviate jaw pain.
- Seeds: The seeds of Syzygium aromaticum are used because they contain eugenol and other compounds that have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, making them effective in relieving jaw pain.
- Fruits: The fruits of Syzygium aromaticum are used due to their eugenol content, which helps reduce inflammation and ease pain in the jaw area.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic cloves for jaw pain.
- Harvest 100 grams of dried syzygium aromaticum flowers with a high oil content for optimal tincture quality.
- Combine the harvested flowers with 500 milliliters of 95% ethanol in a clean glass jar.
- Steep the mixture at room temperature for 2-3 weeks, shaking the jar daily for 10 minutes.
- Filter the liquid through a coffee filter into another clean glass jar, discarding the solids.
- Store the tincture in a cool dark place for 2 weeks to allow the flavors to mature.
5. Mentha x piperita
Peppermint tinctures helps with jaw pain because of its natural ability to relax tense muscles.
The menthol content in peppermint oil penetrates deep into the tissue, calming cramping and spasms caused by temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. This relief also reduces inflammation and promotes a sense of calmness, allowing for smoother jaw movements and alleviating discomfort.
Additionally, peppermint's analgesic properties help numb pain receptors, providing quick and effective relief from jaw tension and soreness.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Mentha x piperita tinctures that help with jaw pain.
- Limonene: A monoterpene compound found in peppermint oil that acts as a natural analgesic and anti-inflammatory agent, helping to reduce pain and swelling associated with jaw pain.
- Luteolin: A flavonoid phenolic compound with anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation and alleviate pain in the jaw area.
- Menthol: A monoterpene alcohol responsible for the cooling sensation of peppermint oil, which can help numb the pain and reduce muscle spasms associated with jaw pain.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of peppermint used to make tinctures for jaw pain.
- Leaves: They are the most readily available and accessible part of the plant, making it easier to harvest and use in tincture production.
- Roots: They contain a higher concentration of menthol and menthone, which are responsible for the analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties that help alleviate jaw pain.
- Stems: Like the leaves, stems are also rich in menthol and menthone, but they can be a more sustainable option for large-scale tincture production.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic peppermint for jaw pain.
- Harvest 1-2 cups of fresh mentha x piperita leaves and flowers when they are in full bloom and just before flowering.
- Chop the freshly harvested leaves and flowers into small pieces to release their essential oils.
- Combine the chopped leaves and flowers with 80 to 100 proof vodka in a clean glass jar in a 1:2 to 1:3 ratio.
- Store the jar in a cool dark place and steep the mixture for 2 to 3 weeks, shaking the jar daily.
- Strain the tincture through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter into a clean glass bottle and discard the solids.
6. Aloe vera
Aloe tinctures helps with jaw pain because of its anti-inflammatory properties, which soothe and calm the sensitive tissues in the jaw.
The aloe vera gel extracts also contain salicylic acid, a natural derivative of aspirin, that effectively reduces inflammation and relieves tension in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).
Additionally, the tincture's calming effects on the nervous system help to ease muscle spasms and relax the facial muscles, providing lasting relief from jaw pain and discomfort.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Aloe vera tinctures that help with jaw pain.
- Bradykininase: Bradykininase is an enzyme found in Aloe vera that helps to break down bradykinin, a pain-causing peptide. This breakdown of bradykinin can help to alleviate jaw pain associated with conditions like temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ).
- Anthraquinones: Anthraquinones, such as aloin and aloe-emodin, are phenolic compounds found in Aloe vera that have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. These compounds can help to reduce inflammation and pain in the jaw, making them a potential contributor to Aloe vera's effectiveness in treating jaw pain.
- Polysaccharides: Polysaccharides, such as acemannan, are complex carbohydrates found in Aloe vera that have anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties. These compounds can help to reduce inflammation and modulate the immune response, which may contribute to Aloe vera's ability to alleviate jaw pain.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of aloe used to make tinctures for jaw pain.
- Leaves: The gel from Aloe vera leaves is used to create tinctures due to its anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce swelling and pain in the jaw.
- Leaves (aloe vera gel): The gel from Aloe vera leaves is also used to create tinctures for its analgesic properties, which can help alleviate pain and discomfort in the jaw.
- Leaves (aloe vera juice): The juice extracted from Aloe vera leaves is used to create tinctures for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, which can help reduce pain and swelling in the jaw.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic aloe for jaw pain.
- Harvest fresh aloe vera leaves with a thick green color and trim off any brown edges about 3-4 inches in length.
- Chop the aloe vera leaves into small pieces and use 1 part aloe vera to 2 parts carrier liquid by volume.
- Combine the chopped aloe vera with 80% ethanol and allow the mixture to steep in a dark glass container for 2-3 weeks.
- Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter into a separate container and discard the solids.
- Store the herbal aloe vera tincture in a dark glass bottle with a tight-fitting lid in a cool dry place.
7. Curcuma longa
Turmeric tinctures helps with jaw pain because of its potent anti-inflammatory properties, which effectively reduce swelling and discomfort in the joints.
The curcuminoid compound present in turmeric tinctures has been shown to inhibit the production of prostaglandins, which are hormone-like substances that contribute to inflammation.
By reducing inflammation, turmeric tinctures can alleviate tension and pain in the jaw, providing relief from conditions such as temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder and bruxism.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Curcuma longa tinctures that help with jaw pain.
- Curcumin: Curcumin, a polyphenolic compound, helps with jaw pain by reducing inflammation and modulating the body's pain response, making it a potent anti-inflammatory and analgesic agent.
- Demethoxycurcumin: DMC, a demethoxylated derivative of curcumin, exhibits anti-inflammatory properties that help alleviate jaw pain by suppressing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and enzymes.
- Tumerone: Tumerone, a sesquiterpene, has anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, which help alleviate jaw pain by inhibiting the activity of pain-producing enzymes and reducing inflammation in the affected area.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of turmeric used to make tinctures for jaw pain.
- Rhyzomes: Curcuma longa rhyzomes contain curcumin, a bioactive compound that reduces inflammation and relieves pain, making them effective in treating jaw pain.
- Roots: Curcuma longa roots are a rich source of curcumin and other bioactive compounds, which have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties, useful in managing jaw pain.
- Buds: Curcuma longa buds contain active compounds that may help reduce inflammation and alleviate pain in the jaw area.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic turmeric for jaw pain.
- Harvest 1-2 pounds of dried curcuma longa roots in the early morning when the dew is still present.
- Chop the roots into small pieces to increase the surface area for extraction.
- Steep 1 part chopped roots in 2 parts 80-proof vodka in a clean glass jar for 2-4 weeks.
- Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter into a clean glass container discarding the solids.
- Transfer the tincture to dark glass bottles with tight-fitting lids and store in a cool dry place for up to 2 years.
8. Capsicum annuum
Bell pepper tinctures helps with jaw pain because of its potent anti-inflammatory properties.
The herbal extract contains a high concentration of antioxidants, including flavonoids and carotenoids, which work to reduce inflammation in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). As a result, bell pepper tinctures can help alleviate discomfort, stiffness, and tension in the jaw, allowing for smoother and more efficient movement.
By reducing swelling and pain, bell pepper tinctures provide natural relief from TMJ-related discomfort, promoting overall oral health and wellness.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Capsicum annuum tinctures that help with jaw pain.
- Capsaicinoids: Capsaicin has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, which may help reduce pain and inflammation associated with jaw pain, such as temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.
- Flavonoids: Flavonoids have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which may help reduce inflammation, oxidative stress, and pain associated with jaw pain, such as TMJ disorders and arthritis.
- Phenolic acids: Phenolic acids have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which may help reduce inflammation, oxidative stress, and pain associated with jaw pain, such as TMJ disorders and arthritis.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of bell pepper used to make tinctures for jaw pain.
- Fruits: Fruits, specifically the ripe or unripe peppers, are commonly used due to their high capsaicin content, which helps to relieve pain.
- Leaves: Leaves are used to make tinctures, as they contain capsaicin and other compounds that help to reduce inflammation and alleviate jaw pain.
- Seeds: Seeds are another part used to make tinctures, as they contain capsaicin and other bioactive compounds that have analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic bell pepper for jaw pain.
- Harvest 25 grams of fresh capsicum annuum pods at peak ripeness for optimal potency.
- Clean the harvested pods thoroughly to remove dirt and debris from the surface.
- Chop the cleaned capsicum annuum pods into small pieces to increase the surface area.
- Combine the chopped capsicum annuum pieces with 250 milliliters of 80 proof vodka in a clean glass jar.
- Steep the mixture for 4 weeks in a cool dark place with occasional shaking to combine.
9. Zingiber officinale
Ginger tinctures helps with jaw pain because of its natural anti-inflammatory properties, which target the source of discomfort in the jaw joint.
The tincture's active compounds, gingerols and shogaols, work to reduce swelling and alleviate tension in the muscles and ligaments surrounding the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).
By doing so, ginger tinctures help to relax the jaw, ease stiffness, and promote a sense of calm, providing welcome relief from chronic pain and discomfort associated with TMJ disorders.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Zingiber officinale tinctures that help with jaw pain.
- Gingerols: Gingerols, particularly 6-gingerol, have anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce pain and inflammation associated with jaw pain conditions such as temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.
- Shogaols: Shogaols, found in high concentrations in ginger, have analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects that help alleviate pain and discomfort in the jaw and surrounding areas.
- Gingerol-8: 8-Gingerol has been shown to exhibit potent anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, which help to reduce pain and inflammation in the jaw, making it an effective constituent for managing jaw pain.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of ginger used to make tinctures for jaw pain.
- Rhyzomes: The rhizomes are the most commonly used part due to their high concentration of bioactive compounds that provide anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
- Roots: The roots are also used for their medicinal properties, as they contain compounds that help to reduce pain and inflammation in the jaw.
- Barks: The barks of the Zingiber officinale plant are sometimes used in tinctures for their potential anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, although it's less commonly used than the rhizomes or roots.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic ginger for jaw pain.
- Harvest 50g of fresh zingiber officinale rhizomes in the early morning when the plant is at its peak potency.
- Clean and dry the rhizomes for 2 days in a warm dry place to prevent contamination.
- Chop the dried rhizomes into small pieces and combine with 75% vodka in a clean glass jar.
- Steep the mixture in a cool dark place for 2 weeks with occasional shaking to facilitate extraction.
- Strain the liquid and discard the solids then transfer the tincture to a clean dark glass bottle.
10. Artemisia absinthium
Wormwood tinctures helps with jaw pain because of its potent anti-inflammatory properties.
The herb contains a compound called sesquiterpene lactones, which has been shown to reduce swelling and ease tension in the muscles and joints, including those in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). This makes wormwood tincture a natural remedy for relieving jaw pain caused by conditions such as TMJ disorders, arthritis, and dental work.
Regular use of wormwood tincture can help to alleviate stiffness, reduce discomfort, and promote overall oral health and well-being.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Artemisia absinthium tinctures that help with jaw pain.
- Thujone: Thujone has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, which help to reduce pain and inflammation in the jaw, providing relief from jaw pain.
- Bornyl acetate: Bornyl acetate has anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties, which help to reduce inflammation and muscle spasms in the jaw, alleviating jaw pain and discomfort.
- Artabsin: Artabsin has a sedative effect and can help to relax muscles, including those in the jaw, reducing tension and pain associated with jaw clenching and grinding.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of wormwood used to make tinctures for jaw pain.
- Leaves: The leaves contain a compound called thujone, which has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties that help alleviate jaw pain.
- Roots: The roots of Artemisia absinthium contain a higher concentration of thujone and other bioactive compounds, making them a more potent ingredient for tinctures.
- Stems: The stems of Artemisia absinthium contain a mixture of bioactive compounds, including thujone, which contribute to their pain-relieving properties.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic wormwood for jaw pain.
- Harvest 2 bunches of fresh artemisia absinthium leaves and stems for tincture production by cutting them with scissors.
- Dry the harvested plant material in a warm room or using a food dehydrator at 95 degrees fahrenheit for 1 hour.
- Combine 1 cup of the dried plant material with 2 cups of 80 proof ethanol in a clean glass jar.
- Steep the mixture for 2 weeks in a cool dark place with occasional shaking of the jar every 2 days.
- Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth or coffee filter into a clean glass bottle discard the solids and store the tincture in a cool dark place.
What is the best combination of herbal tinctures to use for jaw pain?
The best combination of herbal tinctures that help with jaw pain is a blend of Arnica, Ginger, and Valerian root.
Arnica helps reduce inflammation and ease discomfort, while Ginger's anti-inflammatory properties target the root of the pain. Valerian root, known for its calming effects, helps to relax the jaw muscles, promoting a reduction in tension and pain. This combination can be taken orally, typically in a 1:1 ratio, to alleviate jaw pain and promote overall oral health.
Consult a healthcare professional before use.
What ailments similar to jaw pain are treated with herbal tinctures?
Ailments similar to jaw pain that are treated with herbal tinctures are often related to tension and inflammation.
For example, herbal tinctures like Passionflower and Valerian Root are used to soothe headaches and migraines caused by tension. Tinctures of Willow Bark and Ginger can also help alleviate menstrual cramps, fibromyalgia, and arthritis pain that shares similar symptoms with jaw pain.
Additionally, tinctures of Lavender and Chamomile can calm anxiety and stress-related facial tension, which can contribute to jaw pain.