A native to South America, the toothache plant (Acmella oleracea) is a tender flowering perennial related to the daisy with round, petal-less yellow flowers that have unusual dark red spots in the center. Those dark red spots remind some people of eyes, hence, Acmella oleracea is also called the eyeball plant.
The toothache plant (aka eyeball plant) only grows to about a foot tall, but then sprawls to about twice that in length.
In some parts of the world, the toothache plant is used as flavoring in foods. The leaves can be eaten in salads in small amounts. But this odd appearing plant is more often grown for its medicinal properties, especially – you guessed it – helping to relieve toothaches.
Science does backup this health benefit. According to one study, the plant’s main active ingredient, spilanthol, creates a numbing effect in the mouth when the flowers are chewed. Essentially, this creates a local anesthetic effect.
The toothache plant also has compounds called flavonoids that produce prostaglandins, which interfere with your perception of pain.
It’s been reported that when you chew one of the yellow and red flowers it tastes like you are eating grass at first. This is quickly replaced by a numbing sensation. You then will likely salivate because the toothache plant is a sialagogue (a plant that makes you drool). You also might feel a cool sensation in your throat. These effects last for about 15 minutes.
Besides helping with toothache pain, Acmella oleracea is also used for mouth ulcers (cankers), gum irritations and several other issues like inflammation and gastrointestinal problems.
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How To Grow
People enjoy growing the unusual looking plant in garden beds or pots. It thrives during the warmer months, offering a colorful and unique touch to your home garden. Follow these recommendations:
Getting Started
You can start seeds indoors about six weeks before your last frost date. A heat mat helps as the seeds prefer it to be at least 70 F to germinate. Seeds need sunlight to germinate so do not cover with soil until after they sprout. Transplant outside in compost-rich soil in a well-drained area.
In warmer climates, such as the low desert of Arizona, plant seeds or transplants outside beginning in late February through April.
How To Plant
Choose an area that receives plenty of sun. Afternoon shade in hot summer areas is OK.
Plant transplants 6 to 12 inches apart. To plant toothache plant from seed in the spring, sprinkle 2-3 seeds on top of soil every 6 inches. Press into the soil without covering, then water. Thin to one plant every 6-12 inches when seedlings are a few inches tall.
Water
Keep the seeds moist until they germinate. Then water the plants every few days (more often during a drought), but avoid overwatering.
Fertilizer
Doesn’t need it. However, try adding compost around the base of the plants at the time of planting to make sure it has a boost of nutrients.
Containers
Toothache plants look attractive in containers and grow well. Just remember to water regularly and don’t let the container dry out. In both containers and in landscapes, pinch back growing tips to encourage a fuller plant.
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Harvesting
Both the leaves and flowers are used, so when harvesting, cut back the whole plant to about 6 inches. They will grow back so you should be able to harvest again during the season.
A tincture can be made of the leaves and flowers of the toothache plant to help with mouth pain. For numbing effect, swish several drops in the mouth for a minute or so then spit out. For localized pain, a drop or two can be applied directly, or applied to a cotton ball and held on the area. For throat pain you can also gargle with a tincture mixed with water.
Here’s a good tutorial on making a tincture from Healing Harvest Homestead.
You can also make a tea made with a few of the flowers. Try three flowers to 8 oz of just boiling water. Steep about 10 minutes, strain and cool. Gargle with 1 oz of tea and relief should last around 15 minutes or more.
Also consider harvesting and dehydrating the flowers to store for winter use. Spread the leaves and flowers evenly on a dehydrator sheet making sure they are not touching. Dry for about four to six hours at 120 F.
Check the leaves after three hours as they should be done first. If you’re dehydrating leaves and flowers together, remove the leaves when done and allow the flowers to continue for the full six hours or till dry.
Note: Use caution with this plant if you’re taking diuretics, pregnant, or allergic to the daisy family. The same goes if you have prostate cancer. Hard to find toothache transplants can sometimes be found at local nurseries. Seeds are normally available through Amazon and other online sources.
(Source: growinginthegarden.com)
