Toothache Plant (Spilanthes): Uses, Safety, and Tea Concerns

Spilanthes acmella (toothache plant, paracress) numbs mouth tissue due to spilanthol. It's used fresh for oral pain, not as tea for systemic issues.

Identification

• Yellow or yellow-red cone flowers.
• Opposite leaves, sprawling habit.
• Numbing sensation when chewed.

Traditional Uses

• Fresh leaf/flower for toothache, gum pain, mouth sores.
• Salads (small amounts – intense flavor).
• Stimulates saliva (sialagogue).

Tea Safety

No traditional use as tea for herniated discs or chronic pain. Spilanthol acts locally on nerve endings. Systemic effects unstudied. Risk of GI irritation, unknown drug interactions.

For Disc Pain

Consult a pain specialist. Herbs with evidence for nerve pain: St. John's wort (topical/internal), turmeric/curcumin, Jamaican dogwood, corydalis—all require professional guidance.

Growing

Annual. Full sun, moist rich soil. Start indoors 6–8 weeks before frost. Self-seeds readily.

Contact Leroy (herbman3@verizon.net) for more details on this specific plant.