Toothache Plant: The Electric Daisy – A Complete Herbal Monograph
Acmella oleracea (syn. Spilanthes acmella, Spilanthes oleracea)
Few plants provide such an immediate, unmistakable experience as the toothache plant. One small bite of a flower head produces a remarkable sensation: intense tingling, numbness, and a buzzing electrical feeling that spreads through the mouth. This dramatic effect has made the plant valued for oral pain relief across traditional medicine systems worldwide.
Beyond its famous mouth-numbing properties, the toothache plant offers significant benefits for immune function, digestive health, and skin care. This comprehensive monograph explores this fascinating plant’s botany, traditional uses, chemistry, and modern applications.
Botanical Profile
Scientific name: Acmella oleracea (L.) R.K. Jansen
Synonyms: Spilanthes acmella, Spilanthes oleracea, Bidens fervida
Family: Asteraceae (Daisy family)
Common names: Toothache plant, paracress, electric daisy, buzz buttons, Sichuan buttons, jambu, agrião do Pará (Portuguese), akarkara (Hindi), para cress
Plant Description
The toothache plant is a tender perennial (often grown as an annual in temperate climates) that forms a spreading, semi-prostrate to upright plant reaching 30-60 cm in height and spreading wider.
Leaves: Oval to triangular, 4-7 cm long, with slightly serrated margins. Dark green, sometimes with purplish tints. Arranged oppositely on stems.
Flowers: The distinctive flower heads are cone-shaped to ovoid, about 1-1.5 cm in diameter. They lack the ray petals typical of most daisies, consisting entirely of tubular disc florets. Color ranges from yellow to yellow with a distinctive red-brown “eye” at the center, depending on variety. The red-centered variety is sometimes called “eyeball plant” due to its appearance.
Growth habit: Stems are somewhat succulent, branching freely. The plant spreads by trailing stems that may root at nodes where they contact soil.
Seeds: Small achenes typical of the Asteraceae family.
Origin and Distribution
Native to tropical regions of South America, particularly Brazil and Peru, where it grows in warm, moist environments. The plant has spread throughout tropical regions worldwide and is cultivated in Asia, Africa, and increasingly in temperate regions as an annual herb.
In traditional agriculture, it is an important crop in the Amazon region, where it is known as jambu and used both medicinally and as a vegetable in local cuisine.
Growing Toothache Plant
The toothache plant is relatively easy to grow in warm conditions:
Climate: Thrives in warm, humid conditions. Frost-tender; treat as annual in temperate climates or grow in containers that can be brought indoors.
Light: Full sun to partial shade. In very hot climates, afternoon shade is beneficial.
Soil: Prefers rich, moist, well-drained soil. Tolerates various soil types but performs best with consistent moisture and fertility.
Water: Requires regular watering; does not tolerate drought. Mulching helps retain soil moisture.
Propagation:
- From seed: Start indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost. Seeds need light to germinate; press onto surface of moist soil but do not cover. Germination takes 7-14 days at 20-25°C.
- From cuttings: Stems root easily in water or moist soil.
Harvesting: Flower heads are most potent when fully developed but before they begin to brown. Leaves can be harvested throughout the growing season. The entire plant is medicinal.
Preservation: Fresh flowers are most potent. Can be dried for later use, though potency diminishes. Tincturing fresh plant material preserves active compounds effectively.
Historical and Traditional Use
South American Traditions
In the Amazon basin, particularly in Brazilian and Peruvian traditional medicine, the toothache plant has been used for centuries:
Oral care: Primary traditional use for toothache, mouth sores, throat infections, and dental procedures. Indigenous peoples chewed the flowers to numb dental pain.
Cuisine: In the Pará region of Brazil, jambu is an essential ingredient in local dishes, particularly the famous tacacá soup and pato no tucupi (duck stew). The tingling sensation is considered a desirable culinary feature.
Digestive aid: Used to stimulate digestion and appetite, and to treat digestive complaints.
Fever and malaria: Traditional remedy for fever and historically used in regions where malaria is endemic.
Stammering: Traditional use for speech difficulties in children.
Asian Traditional Medicine
The plant (or closely related species) is used in several Asian medical traditions:
Ayurveda (India): Known as akarkara, used for toothache, oral infections, throat conditions, and as a digestive stimulant. Also used for rheumatic conditions and to promote strength.
Traditional Chinese Medicine: Related species used for similar purposes.
Southeast Asian medicine: Used throughout the region for oral health and digestive complaints.
African Traditional Medicine
Introduced to Africa, the plant became incorporated into various traditional practices for oral pain, fever, and infections.
Chemistry and Active Constituents
The toothache plant’s remarkable effects stem from its unique chemistry.
Alkylamides (N-Alkylamides)
The primary active compounds are a group of alkylamides, particularly:
Spilanthol (affinin): The most abundant and important active compound. Spilanthol is responsible for the characteristic tingling, numbing sensation. It is an unsaturated alkylamide that affects nerve endings in distinctive ways.
Other alkylamides: The plant contains numerous related compounds that contribute to its overall effects.
Mechanism of Action
Spilanthol and related alkylamides produce their effects through several mechanisms:
Sodium channel modulation: Alkylamides interact with voltage-gated sodium channels in nerve cells, initially stimulating and then blocking nerve transmission. This explains the progression from tingling to numbness.
TRPV1 receptor activation: Similar to capsaicin (from chili peppers), spilanthol activates TRPV1 receptors, contributing to the tingling sensation.
Local anesthetic effect: The compound produces genuine local anesthesia by affecting nerve signal transmission.
Anti-inflammatory action: Alkylamides demonstrate anti-inflammatory effects, contributing to pain relief beyond simple numbing.
Other Constituents
- Flavonoids (antioxidant and anti-inflammatory)
- Triterpenoids
- Coumarins
- Essential oil
- Vitamins and minerals
The Tingling Sensation Explained
When you chew a toothache plant flower, the following occurs:
- Cell walls break, releasing spilanthol
- Spilanthol contacts nerve endings in the mouth
- Initial stimulation of nerves creates tingling, buzzing sensation
- Continued exposure leads to nerve blocking and numbness
- Increased salivation occurs as a secondary effect
- Sensation gradually fades over 10-30 minutes
This experience, while startling to those unfamiliar with the plant, is harmless and actually therapeutic for many conditions.
Medicinal Actions
Local Anesthetic
The most dramatic and well-documented action. The toothache plant produces genuine local anesthesia when applied to mucous membranes. This is not simply a distraction from pain but actual nerve blocking.
Sialagogue (Saliva-Promoting)
Contact with the mouth strongly stimulates saliva production. This contributes to oral health and digestive function.
Antimicrobial
Research demonstrates activity against various bacteria and fungi, including oral pathogens. This supports traditional use for mouth infections.
Anti-inflammatory
Alkylamides and other compounds reduce inflammation, contributing to pain relief and tissue healing.
Immunomodulatory
Similar to echinacea (which also contains alkylamides), the toothache plant may modulate immune function. Research suggests it enhances certain immune responses.
Digestive Stimulant
Traditional use as a digestive aid is supported by the plant’s ability to stimulate salivation and gastric secretions.
Diuretic
Traditional use and some research suggest mild diuretic properties.
Antimalarial
Traditional use for malaria has prompted research into antimalarial activity, with some studies showing effects against malarial parasites.
Clinical Applications
Oral Health and Dental Pain
The primary application, supported by centuries of traditional use and modern research:
Toothache: Direct application to the affected area provides significant pain relief. Chew a fresh flower head or apply tincture directly to the painful tooth or gum.
Mouth sores: The combination of local anesthetic and antimicrobial effects helps with canker sores, cold sores (external application), and other oral lesions.
Gum disease: Antimicrobial action combined with increased salivation may benefit gingivitis and early gum disease.
Sore throat: Gargling with a tea or diluted tincture provides relief for throat pain and inflammation.
Oral infections: Traditional use for mouth and throat infections is supported by documented antimicrobial activity.
Dental procedures: In traditional contexts, used to provide local anesthesia for tooth extraction and other dental work.
Method for Oral Pain
- Fresh flower: Chew a fresh flower head on the affected side of the mouth. The tingling sensation will transition to numbness over several minutes.
- Tincture: Apply a few drops of tincture directly to the painful area using a cotton swab or fingertip. Hold in place briefly.
- Tea: For more general oral conditions, prepare a strong tea and use as a mouth rinse.
- Duration: Effects typically last 15-45 minutes. Repeat as needed.
Immune Support
The presence of alkylamides similar to those in echinacea suggests potential for immune support:
Respiratory infections: May help at onset of colds and flu, similar to echinacea.
General immune function: May support overall immune resilience when used regularly during high-risk periods.
This use is less well-documented than oral applications but follows traditional patterns and understanding of alkylamide-containing plants.
Digestive Support
Traditional digestive uses include:
Appetite stimulation: The plant’s salivation-promoting and digestive-stimulating effects help increase appetite.
Digestive weakness: Used for sluggish digestion, bloating, and general digestive insufficiency.
Nausea: Some traditional use for nausea, possibly due to its effects on digestive secretions.
Skin Applications
Emerging interest in topical use for skin:
Wrinkle reduction: The cosmetic industry has shown interest in spilanthol for its muscle-relaxing properties, which may reduce expression wrinkles. Sometimes called “natural Botox” in marketing, though the effect is temporary and superficial.
Wound healing: Traditional use for minor wounds and skin conditions.
Skin infections: Antimicrobial properties support use for minor skin infections.
Other Traditional Applications
Rheumatic conditions: Traditional use in some cultures for joint pain and rheumatism, possibly related to anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects.
Fever: Traditional febrifuge (fever-reducing) use.
Stammering and speech disorders: Interesting traditional use, particularly in children. May relate to the plant’s effects on oral muscles and nerves.
Preparations and Dosage
Fresh Plant
The most potent form. Fresh flower heads provide immediate, powerful effects.
For toothache: Chew 1-2 fresh flower heads on the affected side.
Culinary use: Young leaves and flower heads can be added to salads for a unique tingling experience. Used in Brazilian cuisine in traditional dishes.
Tincture
Preserves active compounds effectively. The standard preparation for herbalists.
Preparation:
- Fill a jar loosely with fresh flower heads and upper leaves
- Cover completely with high-proof alcohol (at least 60% / 120 proof)
- Cap tightly and store in cool, dark place
- Shake daily for 2-4 weeks
- Strain and bottle
Dosage:
- Oral pain: Apply drops directly to affected area as needed
- Internal use: 1-3ml three times daily
- Immune support: 2-4ml at first sign of infection, repeated several times daily
Tea/Infusion
Less potent than fresh plant or tincture but useful for general oral health and digestive support.
Preparation:
- Pour 250ml boiling water over 1-2 teaspoons dried herb (or 1 tablespoon fresh)
- Cover and steep 10-15 minutes
- Strain
Use: Drink for digestive support. Use as mouth rinse for oral health. Gargle for sore throat.
Glycerite
Alcohol-free preparation suitable for children and those avoiding alcohol.
Preparation:
- Fill jar loosely with fresh plant material
- Cover completely with vegetable glycerin
- Process: either let stand 4-6 weeks (shaking daily) or use gentle heat (warm water bath) for several hours
- Strain and bottle
Use: Similar to tincture applications, especially for oral use.
Infused Oil
For topical applications.
Preparation:
- Wilt fresh plant material slightly (reduces water content)
- Cover with olive oil or other carrier oil
- Infuse using warm method (warm water bath for several hours) or cold method (2-4 weeks in sunlit window)
- Strain carefully
Use: Apply to skin for cosmetic purposes or minor wounds.
Poultice
Fresh crushed plant material applied directly to skin for localized effects.
Safety and Contraindications
The toothache plant is generally considered safe, with a long history of both medicinal and culinary use. However, some precautions apply:
Side Effects
Intense sensation: The tingling and numbing effects, while therapeutic, can be startling or uncomfortable for those unprepared. Start with small amounts to assess response.
Excessive salivation: The strong sialagogue effect can cause profuse salivation.
Possible skin sensitivity: Some individuals may experience skin irritation with topical use.
Contraindications
Pregnancy: Insufficient safety data. Some sources suggest avoiding during pregnancy due to possible effects on uterine muscle. Avoid medicinal doses; occasional culinary use is likely safe.
Breastfeeding: Insufficient data. Likely safe in culinary amounts but avoid medicinal doses.
Allergies: Those allergic to plants in the Asteraceae (daisy) family may react to toothache plant. Use caution and test small amounts first.
Before surgery: Due to potential effects on blood clotting and drug interactions, discontinue at least 2 weeks before scheduled surgery.
Drug Interactions
Anticoagulants: Theoretical interaction; may enhance blood-thinning effects. Use caution.
Sedatives: May enhance sedative effects of medications or herbs.
Diuretics: May enhance diuretic effects.
Quality and Sourcing
As with all herbs, quality matters. Source from reputable suppliers or grow your own. The plant is increasingly available from herb nurseries and specialty seed suppliers.
Comparison with Related Remedies
Toothache Plant vs. Clove
Both are traditional toothache remedies, but they work differently:
Clove (Syzygium aromaticum):
- Active compound: Eugenol
- Mechanism: Local anesthetic and antimicrobial
- Sensation: Warming, numbing
- Additional uses: Antimicrobial, digestive
Toothache plant (Acmella oleracea):
- Active compound: Spilanthol
- Mechanism: Sodium channel modulation, TRPV1 activation
- Sensation: Tingling/electric, then numbing
- Additional uses: Immune support, digestive stimulant
Both are effective; they can be used together for enhanced effect.
Toothache Plant vs. Echinacea
Both contain alkylamides that produce tingling sensations and affect immune function:
Echinacea (Echinacea species):
- Milder tingling sensation
- Well-documented immune effects
- Traditionally used for infections
- Extensive modern research
Toothache plant:
- More intense tingling/numbing
- Less researched for immune effects
- Stronger local anesthetic properties
- Primary traditional use is oral
They could potentially be combined for immune support.
Toothache Plant in Practice
For the Herbalist
The toothache plant is a valuable addition to practice:
Acute toothache: One of the most effective herbal remedies for dental pain. Keep tincture on hand for clients experiencing tooth pain.
Oral health formulas: Include in mouthwashes and oral care preparations for antimicrobial and tissue-healing effects.
Immune formulas: Consider including with echinacea and other immune herbs, especially when respiratory symptoms involve throat or mouth.
Digestive formulas: For conditions involving poor appetite or sluggish digestion.
For the Home Apothecary
An excellent plant to grow and keep on hand:
Grow your own: Easy to cultivate as an annual. One or two plants provide sufficient material for a household.
Keep tincture prepared: Having tincture ready means immediate relief is available when dental pain strikes.
First aid: Useful for minor mouth injuries, burns (cool first, then apply), and sore throat.
Educational Value
For herb students, the toothache plant offers immediate, unmistakable experience of herbal action. Unlike herbs with subtle effects, this plant provides dramatic, undeniable proof of plant medicine’s power. Having students taste a small piece of flower head creates a memorable teaching moment about the reality of herbal chemistry.
The toothache plant stands as one of herbal medicine’s most immediately effective remedies. Its dramatic sensations, far from being merely novel, reflect genuine therapeutic action: real local anesthesia, actual antimicrobial effects, and documented anti-inflammatory properties.
For dental pain, few herbal remedies match its effectiveness. The person suffering from toothache who applies this plant experiences almost immediate relief, providing both physical comfort and confidence in herbal medicine.
Beyond its signature use, the toothache plant offers valuable antimicrobial, immune-supporting, and digestive benefits. As research continues, we may discover additional applications for this remarkable plant.
Whether grown in the garden, prepared as tincture for the home apothecary, or prescribed for clients in professional practice, the toothache plant earns its place among essential medicinal herbs. Its unique chemistry, unmistakable effects, and genuine therapeutic value make it a powerful tool for natural health care.
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