Description
The toothache plant, or Acmella oleracea, is known for its numbing, pain-relieving, and anti-inflammatory properties due to the active compound spilanthol. Benefits include reducing tooth and gum pain by acting as a local anesthetic, treating mouth ulcers and sores by acting as an antiseptic and antifungal agent, and stimulating saliva production to alleviate dry mouth. Additionally, it has traditional uses for boosting the immune system, acting as a diuretic, and promoting skin and wound healing.
Dental & Oral Health
Toothache Relief: Chewing the flowers or leaves of the toothache plant numbs the mouth, providing temporary relief from tooth and gum pain.
Antiseptic Properties: It possesses antiseptic qualities, which help in treating mouth issues like canker sores and gum infections.
Stimulates Saliva: The bitter taste of the plant, caused by spilanthol, can stimulate salivary glands to increase saliva production and combat dry mouth.
Other Traditional Uses
Immune Support: The plant’s extracts are believed to boost the immune system by increasing white blood cell count and providing antiviral properties.
Skin & Wound Healing: Rubbing the leaves on wounds can promote faster healing. It is also used for its anti-inflammatory and cell-regenerating properties in skin care, such as reducing wrinkles.
Diuretic: Traditional uses include its application as a natural diuretic, helping the body to expel excess water.
Digestive Health: It is believed to improve digestion and can be used to treat symptoms of candida and thrush by supporting digestive health.
Active Compound
Spilanthol: This is the primary active compound in the toothache plant, responsible for its local anesthetic effect, tingling sensation, and other pharmacological actions.
How to Use
Chew Flowers/Leaves: For immediate, localized relief, chew fresh flowers or leaves.
Tinctures: The herb can be tinctured and used as a mouthwash for oral health.
Infused Oil: Infused oil can be made and used for numbing trauma.
Cooking: The leaves and flowers can be added to dishes to provide a unique tingling sensation and culinary flavor.
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