The Toothache Plant, scientifically known as Acmella oleracea, is a flowering herb native to the tropics of Brazil. It earned its common name through centuries of traditional use as a fast-acting, natural analgesic for oral discomfort. Historical accounts show its flowers were chewed to relieve pain in the mouth, throat, and teeth. Modern interest focuses on its potent numbing ability, making it a natural local anesthetic for temporary relief of toothaches and gum irritation.
Methods for Preparing and Applying the Plant
The simplest and most immediate way to use the Toothache Plant is by chewing a small portion of the fresh flowers or leaves. The small, often yellow and red flower heads, sometimes called “buzz buttons,” contain the highest concentration of the active compounds. Before use, the material should be thoroughly washed to remove any surface dirt or contaminants. Simply chew the fresh flower head or a few small leaves slowly, allowing the plant juices to mix with saliva and coat the painful area.
For a more controlled and longer-lasting application, preparing an alcohol-based tincture is a common method. A tincture is a concentrated liquid extract made by soaking plant material in high-proof alcohol, such as vodka. To create a fresh-plant tincture, combine one part fresh, finely chopped plant material—including the flowers and leaves—with two parts 100-proof (50% alcohol) spirit by volume. The plant material should be submerged completely in a sealed glass jar, then stored in a cool, dark place for four to six weeks.
The alcohol acts as a solvent, extracting the therapeutic compounds and preserving them for extended use. After the infusion period, the mixture is strained through cheesecloth or a fine filter to separate the finished tincture from the spent plant matter. The resulting liquid can be transferred to a small dropper bottle for convenient application. To use the tincture, a few drops can be applied directly to the affected tooth or gum, or mixed with water to create a numbing mouthwash for swishing.
Another prepared method involves making an herbal infusion, or tea, using either fresh or dried plant material. A spoonful of dried plant matter or a few fresh flowers can be steeped in hot water for ten to fifteen minutes. This liquid must be allowed to cool completely before being used as a gargle or mouth rinse. While alcohol extracts are highly effective, oil infusions are not recommended for fresh Toothache Plant material due to the high moisture content, which can introduce the risk of bacterial or mold growth.
What to Expect When Using Toothache Plant
The experience of using the Toothache Plant is distinctive due to the intensity of the initial sensation. When the plant material is chewed or the tincture is applied, the first reaction is a strong, effervescent tingling or buzzing feeling, often described as electric. This intense feeling quickly gives way to a profound, localized numbness in the area of contact. The numbing effect typically lasts for about fifteen minutes, providing a short window of relief.
The numbing and tingling effect is caused by spilanthol, a naturally occurring chemical compound and the most active alkamide in the plant. Spilanthol acts as a local anesthetic by interacting with nerve endings in the mouth. It is thought to modulate pain receptors, such as the TRPV1 and TRPA1 channels, essentially blocking the transmission of pain signals to the brain. This mechanism gives the plant its temporary pain-dulling properties.
Beyond its analgesic action, spilanthol has a sialagogue effect, meaning it promotes a significant increase in saliva flow. The bitter and pungent taste of the compound stimulates the salivary glands, causing the mouth to water profusely. This increased salivation is beneficial because it helps flush the mouth and assists in cleansing the painful area. Users can appreciate the rapid onset of the subsequent numbing relief.
Safety Precautions and Contraindications
While the Toothache Plant is a natural remedy, it is intended only for temporary relief of minor pain and should not be used as a substitute for professional dental or medical care. Any persistent, severe, or worsening toothache indicates a deeper problem requiring diagnosis and treatment. The plant’s numbing effect merely masks the pain and does not address the underlying cause, such as an infection or cavity.
Individuals with known allergies to plants in the daisy family (Asteraceae) should exercise caution or avoid using the Toothache Plant entirely due to the potential for an allergic reaction. The active component spilanthol has demonstrated mild diuretic properties. Individuals taking prescription diuretic medications should consult with a doctor before using the plant, as combining the two could potentially enhance the diuretic effect.
Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals are advised to avoid using the plant because there is a lack of sufficient research to confirm its safety in these populations. Concentrated extracts can be toxic in high doses, and excessive consumption should be avoided. Prepared remedies like tinctures should be stored in dark, airtight containers away from direct sunlight and heat to maintain potency.