Toothache Plant (Acmella oleracea): Numbing Herb with Novel Flowers

Overview

Toothache plant (Acmella oleracea), also called para cress or eyeball plant, is a tender annual/perennial native to Brazil. Its claim to fame: chewing the flower heads produces a strong tingling, numbing sensation in the mouth (due to spilanthol), traditionally used to relieve toothache. The yellow-and-red "eyeball" flowers are also strikingly ornamental.

Botanical Description

Low, spreading plant 20–40 cm tall. Leaves are ovate, toothed, 3–6 cm long. Flowers are cone-shaped, 1–2 cm tall, with a yellow base and a bright red "pupil" at the apex—resembling an eyeball. Blooms continuously from early summer to frost.

Taxonomy

Family:	Asteraceae (ass-ter-AY-see-ee)
Genus:	Acmella (ak-MEL-uh)
Species:	oleracea (awl-lur-RAY-see-uh)
Synonyms:	Spilanthes oleracea, S. acmella, S. ocymifolia

Growing Conditions

• Light: Full sun to part shade.
• Soil: Rich, moist, well-drained.
• Water: Regular; dislikes drought.
• Hardiness: USDA zones 9–11; grown as annual elsewhere.

Uses

Culinary: Leaves in salads (small amounts); flower buds for "buzz buttons" in cocktails. Medicinal: Traditional anesthetic for toothache, gum disease; antimicrobial. Ornamental: Containers, borders, conversation piece.

Propagation

Easy from seed sown after frost; also from cuttings. Self-sows in warm climates.