Toothache Plant

Toothache Plant
A genus of about 60 species of mostly creeping or spreading annuals and perennials, widely distributed in the tropics and subtropics. Several species are used medicinally. They have and interesting chemistry, containing flavonoids, sterols, sesquiterpene lactones, and amides, notably spilanthol, which has anesthetic effects; chewing a leaf is sufficient to numb the lips and tongue. Spilanthol is also a potent insecticide, able to kill mosquito larvae when diluted 1/100,000. Spilanthes acmella is the only species common in cultivation. In areas with cool summers it can be grown as a novelty pot plant, or as a half-hardy annual. Its use as a local anesthetic for toothache and headaches is known in India, Sri Lanka, Indochina, Malaysia, Indonesia, and W Africa. In Sri Lanka the mature leaves are infused in sesame (gingili) oil as a dressing for burns and scalds. Other S American spriceis with similar uses include: S. alba, used to relieve toothache; S. ocymifolia used for toothache and painful eye conditions; and S. mutisii (botoncillo), chewed as a dentrifice and made into an ointment for skin diseases.

Sprawling to prostrate, much branched annual with olive green, ovate leaves, 3-7cm (1¼-3in) long. Minute flowers are borne in cone-shaped, yellowish-maroon heads, which are produced almost continuously.

Common Name:

Toothache Plant

Botanical Name:

Spilanthes acmella syn S. paniculata

Genus:

Spilanthes

Family:

Asteraceae

Native Location:

S America; now pantropical in distribution.

Cultivation:

Well-drained soil in sun.

Propagation:

By seed sown in spring.

Harvest:

Leaves, flowering plant, and flower heads are picked as required and used fresh.

Height:

40-70cm (16-28in)

Width:

40-70cm (16-28in)

Variants:

Var. oleracea
syn. Oleracea
(Pará cress, Jambú, Brède Mafane)
Has larger, milder, purple-flushed leaves.

Hardiness:

Parts Used:

Leaves, flower heads.

Properties:

An aromatic, pungent, expectorant herb that improves digestion and has anesthetic and insecticidal effects. It stimulates the salivary glads, increasing salivation.

Medicinal Uses:

Internally for dyspepsia and bronchitis (flowering plant). Externally for toothache, sore mouth and gums, burns, scalds, headaches, migraine, itching skin conditions; also in India as a popular remedy for stammering in children (flower heads).

Culinary Uses:

Leaves (especially of the variety oleracea) are added to salads or cooked in coconut milk. An important ingredient of Amazonian soups pato no tucupi and tacacá, and main ingredient of Malagasy national dish, roumazave.

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