🏞ī¸Appalachian Folk Medicine

Spilanthes (Toothache Plant)

Acmella oleracea

About Spilanthes (Toothache Plant)

Spilanthes (Toothache Plant) (Acmella oleracea) is a herb used in the Appalachian Folk Medicine tradition to help with Dental Pain, Immune Support, Infection, and Toothache. The aerial parts and leaves are the parts traditionally used, taken internally.

Botanical background

Acmella oleracea is a species of flowering herb in the family Asteraceae. Common names include toothache plant, paracress, Sichuan buttons, buzz buttons, tingflowers and electric daisy. In Brazil it is called jambu. In Maharashtra it is called ā¤…ā¤•āĨā¤•ā¤˛ā¤•ā¤žā¤ĸā¤ž. Its native distribution is unclear, but it is likely derived from a Brazilian Acmella species. It is grown as an ornamental and attracts fireflies when in bloom. It is used as a medicinal remedy in various parts of...

Source: Wikipedia, via iNaturalist

Parts used

Aerial Parts ¡ internalLeaves ¡ internal
đŸĩ

Tea / Infusion

1–3 cups daily
  • Steep 1–2 tsp of dried Spilanthes (Toothache Plant) in freshly boiled water for 5–10 minutes.
  • Cover while steeping.
  • Strain and drink.
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Tincture

20–40 drops in water, 2–3× daily
  • Pack dried Spilanthes (Toothache Plant) into a jar and cover with 40–60% alcohol.
  • Seal and steep for 4–6 weeks, shaking daily.
  • Strain and store in a dark dropper bottle.
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Powder / Capsule

500 mg – 1 g, 1–3× daily
  • Grind dried Spilanthes (Toothache Plant) into a fine powder.
  • Fill size 00 capsules or stir into smoothies or honey.

Contraindications

  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding — insufficient safety data; consult your doctor
  • Children under 12 — therapeutic dosage not established
  • Autoimmune conditions (lupus, MS, RA) — may overstimulate immune response

Warnings

⚠ī¸ Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been established for most herbal remedies. Consult your midwife or doctor before use.

⚠ī¸ Allergic Reactions

Discontinue immediately if you experience rash, itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing.

⚠ī¸ Not Medical Advice

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using herbal remedies.

Drug & herb interactions

May affect immune activity

Watch for: Immunosuppressants (for transplant or autoimmune conditions)

Immune-stimulating herbs can work against immunosuppressive therapy.

Where to find in nature

Native region

Eastern United States — Appalachian Mountains

Climate

Temperate deciduous

Habitat

Forest floors, stream banks, and mountain hollows of the Appalachian Mountains

đŸŒŋ To see Spilanthes (Toothache Plant) growing, visit botanical gardens, university plant collections, or specialist herb nurseries near you. If foraging in the wild, always work with an expert identifier — never consume a plant you are not 100% certain of.

Where to buy

In store

  • Health food stores (Whole Foods, Natural Grocers, Holland & Barrett, GNC)
  • Naturopathic clinics and integrative medicine practices
  • Specialist herbal apothecaries and herbalist practices
  • Farmers markets with herb vendors

Online

iHerb

Wide selection of standardised extracts, capsules, and powders with lab testing

Mountain Rose Herbs

Premium bulk dried herbs — certified organic, ethically sourced

Starwest Botanicals

Large selection of certified organic bulk herbs and powders

Herb Pharm

High-quality liquid extracts and tinctures, rigorous quality standards

Amazon

Convenient — verify brand certifications and check third-party testing

Etsy

Small-batch artisan herbalists, hand-harvested and wildcrafted herbs

Quality tips

When buying Spilanthes (Toothache Plant), look for: certified organic labelling, clearly stated country of origin, third-party lab testing for heavy metals and pesticides, and a batch expiry date. Standardised extracts offer consistent dosing; bulk dried herbs are more economical for regular use. Avoid very cheap, unlabelled products — quality varies enormously.