This may be a feeling many of you know all too well. You wake up from a mediocre night’s sleep, rub your eyes, spit out your night guard, and there it is. Your day begins with pain. All you know, is that you want it to stop. Lucky for you, there are some easy and natural treatments to help you through this.

1. Turmeric

   Commonly used in Indian and middle eastern cuisine, turmeric can also be used medicinally. The active ingredient, curcumin, gives the spice it’s bright color and anti-inflammatory properties. This powerful antioxidant protects your cells from the natural damaging of the oxidation process by scavenging the free radical molecules.How to Use: Turmeric can be taken internally and applied topically. You can add it to your cooking or make an herbal tea with it. You can make a paste to apply directly to your temporomandibular joint.
   

2. Capsaicin

   Capsaicin is the active ingredient found in chili peppers. When applied topically there is an initial burning sensation, but shortly after, the feeling of pain is blocked. This tingling feeling is actually the the chemical interaction of the capsaicin and the sensory neurons. How to Use: There are topical creams available with capsaicin. Apply cream directly to temporomandibular joint. Massage the joint in a circular motion.
   

3. Bromelain

   Bromelain is a protein digesting enzyme extracted from the stems of pineapples. Because of it’s highly effective anti-inflammatory properties, bromelain is perfect supplement for relieving joint pain. How to use: Bromelain can be purchased in pill form. Depending on your condition, there may be a slight variation in dosage. The typical dose is about 500mg.
   

4. Devil’s Claw Root

   Native to Africa, devil’s claw root is a herb that get’s it’s name from it’s appearance. It has been used since the early 1900’s to fight inflammation or relieve arthritis pain, headache, and low back pain. The active ingredient in devil’s claw is iridoid glycosides, which is known for it’s anti-inflammatory properties. How to use: Devil’s claw can be purchased as capsules, tablets, liquid extracts, or topical ointments. Take 30-100mg per day.
   

5. Cloves

   While cloves are often used in cooking to flavor meat and rice dishes, they can also be used to relieve chronic pain. In fact, they have been used topically to relieve toothaches since the medieval times. Cloves contain an anti-inflammatory and analgesic chemical called eugenol that will help with swelling and pain. How to use: Apply a small amount of clove oil to the TMJ to relieve pain. For toothaches, simply place a whole clove on the tooth to relieve the oils.