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Spilanthes: The Toothache Plant That Will Surprise You
- KhadiYah Preciado
- Aug 14
- 3 min read
Updated: Aug 17
I’m going to start this monograph with a story about kiwi.
You’re probably wondering,
What does that have to do with Spilanthes?
Stick with me.
The first time I tried kiwi, I told my mom that it was like a party in my mouth. I felt every single taste bud waking up at once—sweet, tangy, and a little sour.
Spilanthes is the same kind of experience. Bite into a small yellow flower, and suddenly your mouth starts tingling and buzzing. Your gums go numb, your tongue feels alive, and you’re left wondering what in the world just happened.
But this “party in your mouth” has a purpose. Spilanthes’ distinctive tingle signals its healing action at work—an action that African communities have relied on for generations. This plant doesn’t need flashy packaging to prove its worth. It’s medicine that has stood the test of time.
Want the quick-reference version?
From African Villages to Your Garden
In Cameroon, Spilanthes is crushed into a paste and applied to snakebites for pain and swelling. In South Africa, the Tshivenda people call it Tshishengelaphofu, traditionally using it for gum infections, toothaches, sore throats, and dysentery.
Today, most people know it as the Toothache Plant for its ability to numb oral pain instantly. In Brazil, it’s called Jambu, and it’s even cooked into traditional dishes for its unique tingling sensation.
Monograph at a Glance
Scientific Names: Spilanthes acmella, Acmella oleracea
Common Names: Toothache Plant, Spot Plant, Jambu, Bullseye Plant
Family: Asteraceae (Sunflowers, Daisies, Chamomile)
Parts Used: Aerial parts (flowers, leaves, stems); root used less commonly
Actions: Analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antiparasitic, antibacterial, antifungal, antimicrobial, sialagogue, immune-stimulating
Energetics: Warm, dry, stimulant, diffusive
Taste: Pungent, Sour, Sweet
From the Garden to the Apothecary
Spilanthes is simple to grow. Scatter its tiny seeds into rich soil, give them warmth and light, and within weeks you’ll see the plant’s bright yellow flower heads. By mid-season, you can snip flowers, leaves, and stems—the entire aerial part is medicinal.
Dry what you harvest to store for later, or use it fresh. Just handling the plant releases a bright, citrusy aroma. Taste a flower and you’ll immediately feel that characteristic buzz.
The Root of Healing
Spilanthes’ numbing and immune-stimulating power comes from spilanthol, a compound that interacts with nerve endings to dull pain while increasing circulation. It also works as a sialagogue, stimulating saliva production and supporting the body’s natural defenses.
It’s not just for the mouth. Spilanthes has proven antibacterial, antifungal, and antiparasitic actions. Modern studies confirm its ability to fight malaria, heal fungal conditions like athlete’s foot, and speed up wound healing.
Ways to Use Spilanthes
Toothache or Gum Irritation:
Chew a fresh flower for fast, numbing relief
Mouth Rinse or Gargle:
Infuse the leaves and flowers in warm water to soothe oral infections and sore throats
Immune Support:
Prepare a tincture of the aerial parts for a concentrated dose
External Wounds or Infections:
Crush the leaves into a poultice to disinfect and reduce swelling
FAQs
Is Spilanthes safe for kids?
Small amounts can be safe, but because it’s strong and tingly, it’s best to use in diluted forms (like an infusion) and avoid strong tinctures without guidance.
Can I grow it in a container?
Yes. It grows beautifully in pots, as long as it has full sun and rich soil.
Can I use the root?
The root is medicinal but less commonly used. Stick with flowers and leaves unless you’re experienced in preparation.
Is it related to echinacea?
Yes. Both belong to the Asteraceae family and have immune-stimulating properties, though Spilanthes has its own unique set of actions.
Mama Africa’s Legacy
Spilanthes invites us to remember that healing can be simple. This little flower, no bigger than your fingertip, has been trusted for centuries without expensive tools or marketing. Its buzzing energy is a physical reminder that the body knows how to heal—sometimes it just needs the right plant ally.
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Another great article!
I look forward to learning more as I reacquaint myself to the community.