Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) is caused by misalignment of one or both temporomandibular joints in the mandible bone. The mandible is one of the largest and strongest bones in the face. It offers support for the lower jaw.
Trauma to this area or naturally misaligned bites are what causes TMJ to form. The disorder causes pain in the entire head, face, and mouth regions. It can also affect the ear and move down into the neck. The condition is associated with trouble sleeping, insomnia, and depression or depression-like symptoms.
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One homeopathic treatment for this condition can be found in essential oils. They are known to relieve pain and stress without side effects. Be sure to use natural oils with no additives and a base oil to provide a buffer so the skin is not irritated.
Essential Oils for TMJ Disorder
Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender essential oil is known to have antimicrobial, anti-fungal, and antiseptic properties, among others. It offers a sense of calm and tranquility and is often used as a sleep-aid. It is an effective treatment of inflammation and can also treat the headaches caused by TMJ. Spike lavender is ideal for patients looking for the calming benefits without the sedative effects regular lavender has.
Eucalyptus Essential Oil
Eucalyptus oil has natural pain-relieving qualities, making it an ideal candidate for use in the treatment of TMJ.
Also read: Essential oils for knee pain relief
Peppermint Essential Oil
Peppermint essential oil relieves pain and soothes aches in addition to having a very cooling and uplifting effect to the areas it is applied. Apply it directly to the joints to help with treating TMJ.
Grapefruit Essential Oil
Grapefruit oil, like all citrus oils, has a laxative effect in addition to its other soothing properties. It is ideal for relaxation, helping to relieve stress and symptoms of depression.
Clary Sage Essential Oil
Clary sage essential oil should be distinguished from sage essential oil, which has much different effects and applications. Clary sage is highly effective in relieving pain from cramps and muscle strain. As it is highly potent, it should be used only in small amounts.
Marjoram Essential Oil
Marjoram essential oil is often used to treat migraine headaches and relieve tension. It also has beneficial effects on emotional trauma and stress relief.
Also read: How to use essential oils for stress relief
Chamomile Essential Oil
Chamomile has analgesic properties, which can help to relieve muscle, bone, and joint pain.
Frankincense Essential Oil
Frankincense has been used as a healing oil for centuries. It has analgesic properties, allowing it to relieve pain. It has even been said to have the pain relief capabilities that over-the-counter medications have.
Valor Essential Oil
Valor oil is known for pain relief. This oil is applied to the neck and jaw in the treatment of TMJ.
Helichrysum Essential Oil
Helichrysum oil is known for detoxifying and relieving symptoms caused by depression.
Sandalwood Essential Oil
Sandalwood oil is effective for treating both physical and emotional ailments. It can be used as a treatment for muscle pain and for symptoms of depression.
Also read: 20 essential oils for muscle pain and how to use them
Vetiver Essential Oil
Vetiver essential oil is known for its detoxifying properties and is also commonly used in the treatment of TMJ. It relieves muscle aches, joint pains, and stiffness of the jaw bone. It also relieves tension, symptoms of depression, and insomnia.
Citrus Essential Oils
Citrus essential oils include grapefruit, tangerine, lemon, and orange, among others. These oils are commonly used in tension relief therapies and work well in conjunction with essential oils containing sedative properties.
Rose and Jasmine Essential Oils
These two essential oils work very well when blended together. Together they work to relieve muscle tension, joint pain, and anxiety to relax the body and the mind at once.
Tea Tree Essential Oil
Tea tree essential oil shows antiherpetic, pain-relief, and anti-inflammatory properties. This oil can be applied directly to the skin without the need for a base or carrier oil, although one is recommended.
Camphor Essential Oil
Camphor oil is often used to treat areas of inflammation. It provides a cooling sensation when applied to the skin and offers relief from pain.
Copaiba Oil Essential Oil
Copaiba is most often used to treat injuries and irritation. It helps to regulate the body’s immune functions. This oil should be ingested in the treatment of TMJ. Twice daily, place a single drop of the oil under the tongue. Relief from pain and tension can be experienced almost instantly.
Clove Bud Essential Oil
Clove bud essential oil is most often used to relieve the pain from toothaches. It has antibacterial and antiviral properties, as well as offering soothing effects.
Fennel Essential Oil
Fennel essential oil is used due to its anti-spasm effects. This helps it to relieve the pain from muscle and joint tension, which is ideal for treatment of TMJ. Due to its potency, this oil should not be applied directly to the skin without a carrier oil.
Jojoba Essential Oil
Jojoba oil can help to lower blood pressure, which is essential in the treatment of TMJ. Increased blood pressure can cause headaches, one of the symptoms of TMJ.
Essential Oil Usage for TMJ Pain Relief
The best way to use essential oils for the relief of pain caused by TMJ is by direct application to the skin through massage. Aromatic essential oils will need to be diluted with a base oil, including tamanu oil, black seed oil, hemp oil, and olive oil. All these oils have anti-inflammatory abilities. Only leave the oils on the skin for 30 minutes at a time before washing them off.
Essential oils can also have beneficial effects when inhaled through diffusion. Do not breathe in diffused oils for more than 60 minutes at a time or the beneficial effects can turn negative and cause increased anxiety and inflammation.
There are many treatment options for TMJ when it comes to essential oil homeopathic remedies, many of which offer anti-inflammatory and pain relief benefits. Many essential oils also offer relaxation and stress relief. Certain oils also have sedative qualities, helping to combat insomnia that can often accompany TMJ. For topical oil application or massage, mix 10 drops or more into a base oil and rub onto the affected areas. For diffusion, place 10 to 15 drops of an oil into a diffuser and breathe in the mist until symptoms are relieved.
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Devon Andre has been involved in the health and dietary supplement industry for a number of years. Devon has written extensively for Bel Marra Health. He has a Bachelor of Forensic Science from the University of Windsor, and went on to complete a Juris Doctor from the University of Pittsburgh. Devon is keenly aware of trends and new developments in the area of health and wellness. He embraces an active lifestyle combining diet, exercise and healthy choices. By working to inform readers of the options available to them, he hopes to improve their health and quality of life.
