Your temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, is the joint that connects your jaw with your skull. It is located just in front of your ears. The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research states that several conditions, collectively known as TMJ disorders, can cause pain and dysfunction in your jaw joints and their associated muscles. Many therapies may help treat your TMJ disorder, including herbs. However, herbs should be used under the guidance of your physician.
TMJ Disorders
According to MayoClinic.com, there are many possible causes of TMJ disorders, including arthritis, jaw trauma, and teeth clenching or grinding. TMJ problems occur when your joint cartilage is damaged or the disk within your TMJ joint erodes and slips out of its usual alignment. Some of the most common signs and symptoms associated with TMJ disorders include jaw pain and tenderness, aching ear and facial pain, headache, and an uneven bite.
Herbal Relief
Phyllis A. Balch, a certified nutritional consultant and author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," states that a proper diet and dietary supplements are often effective in treating TMJ disorders. Balch notes that many herbal supplements may help treat TMJ disorders, including blue violet, catnip, chamomile, hops, kava kava, lobelia, Saint John's wort, skullcap, thyme, passionflower, red raspberry, valerian root, wild lettuce, boswellia, feverfew, ginger, nettle leaf, turmeric and willow bark. Check with a qualified health care professional to learn about which herbs you should and should not take.
Featured Herb
Feverfew is an herb that is commonly prescribed to help treat symptoms associated with TMJ syndrome. Balch states that feverfew has many actions and uses. Feverfew helps reduce inflammation and muscle spasms, stimulates your appetite, and improves the fluidity of lung mucus. Feverfew has been used to help treat arthritis, colitis, fever, headaches, muscle tension and pain. Feverfew is cultivated around the world for its medicinal properties. The dried flowers and leaves of this plant are used medicinally.
Additional Information
You can take many helpful measures to reduce the severity of your TMJ. Consider avoiding foods that are overly chewy, such as red meat, bagels and gum, and foods that increase the level of stress and inflammation in your body, such as sugar, products made from white flour and junk food. You may also benefit from a postural assessment to see if your posture is contributing to your TMJ problem. A multidisciplinary approach to the treatment of your TMJ disorder is usually most effective.
References
- National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research: TMJ Disorders
- MayoClinic.com: TMJ Disorders
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2010
