Your temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, is the joint at which your jaw articulates with your skull. Your TMJ is a bilateral joint, or a joint that occurs on both the left and right sides of your head. Approximately 75 percent of people in the United States have experienced signs and symptoms associated with TMJ disorders, reports the National Pain Association. Certain herbs may help treat your TMJ disorder, but you should always clear the use of herbs with your primary care provider first.
TMJ Dysfunction
TMJ dysfunction is a health problem that affects numerous Americans. The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research states that TMJ problems may affect more that 10 million people in the United States, and that women are more likely to develop this health problem than men. TMJ problems may be caused by jaw muscle dysfunction or dysfunction within the TMJ itself. Most people with this health problem experience one or more of the following symptoms: jaw popping or clicking, jaw pain, difficulty opening or closing your mouth, headaches, toothaches, earaches, jaw swelling, jaw clenching and jaw muscle pain and tenderness.
Herbal Dietary Supplements
Numerous herbal dietary supplements may be helpful in treating your TMJ disorder. In her book "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," certified nutritional consultant Phyllis A. Balch states that certain herbs -- skullcap, passionflower, valerian root, chamomile -- may help reduce stress, which is a common cause of TMJ problems. Other beneficial herbs for this health purpose may include ginger, stinging nettle and feverfew for their anti-inflammatory effects and boswellia to improve blood flow to your inflamed connective tissues.
Ginger
Ginger may be one of the most helpful herbal dietary supplements in treating your TMJ disorder. Ginger, notes naturopathic physician and herbal medicine expert Sharol Tilgner, author of "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth," has long been used in reducing inflammation and pain. Ginger -- a potent antioxidant -- has also historically been used in treating digestive ulcers and other digestive problems, such as burping, colic and flatulence, as well as to help treat migraine headaches.
Considerations
TMJ disorders can be difficult to treat and may recur. In many cases, a combination of conventional and alternative therapies may be optimal in treating this health problem. The use of herbal remedies in treating this condition, though often safe and helpful, does not guarantee a favorable health result. Herbs should always be treated with the same level of caution as prescription drugs. Only use herbs to treat your TMJ if you are under the care of a qualified healthcare professional.
References
- National Pain Association: Temporomandibular Joint Disorder
- National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research: TMJ
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2010
- "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth"; Sharol Tilgner, N.D.; 1999
