Toothache Plant / Spilanthes (Organic)

Acmella oleracea (synonym Spilanthes oleracea, Spilanthes acmella). Perennial to zone 9.

The common name Toothache Plant refers to the numbing and tingling sensation caused by chewing on the leaves or flowers of these fun and pretty plants. You’ll never forget your first time with this one – it’s like Jimi Hendrix playing his fuzz face guitar pedal too loud, but it’s in your mouth, and you don’t know what’s happening. But that tingling is not just for fun – spilanthes is widely used to treat toothaches, gum infections, and sore throat, and to stimulate salivation. Analgesic, antiseptic, antiviral, anti-bacterial and immune-stimulating properties include the same compound that is in echinacea and are well-documented, though in large doses it may be harmful. Low-growing plants grow to 12-15″, sport attractive bronze-green foliage with yellow and red button-like (or antennae, or eyeball) flowers and are suitable for container culture. Native to Brazil, but commonly cultivated world-wide. In addition to traditional medicinal uses in South and Central America, it is also part of the pharmacopeia of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ayurveda, and western folk herbalism. Aka, eyeball plant, jambu, electric daisy, paracress, buzz buttons, Schezuan buttons.