Spilanthes (Spilanthes acmella)
by KhadiYah Preciado
Spilanthes: The Toothache Plant That Will Surprise You
I'm going to start this monograph with a story about kiwi. You're probably wondering, what does that have to do with Spilanthes? Stick with me. The first time I tried kiwi, I told my mom that it was like a party in my mouth. I felt every single taste bud being stimulated at one time. Sweet, tangy, and a little sour—it was like my tongue was waking up. It was a whole experience.
Imagine biting into a small yellow flower and suddenly your mouth starts tingling and buzzing. Your gums go numb, your tongue feels alive, and you’re left wondering what in the world just happened. I like to think of Spilanthes as the plant version of a bee—small, hardworking, and it also helps that it’s shaped like one (and even has some stripes). But here is what I want you to remember most: this party in your mouth has a purpose. This is healing in action, the same healing that communities across Africa have relied on for generations. Spilanthes—a healer that never needed fancy packaging or a commercial to prove its worth.
Scientific Names: Spilanthes acmella, Acmella oleraceae
Common Names: Toothache Plant, Spot Plant, Jambu
Family: Asteraceae
Parts Used: Aerial parts (flowers, leaves, stems); the root is also used but less commonly
Colors: Yellow, red, green
Actions: Analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antiparasitic, antibacterial, antifungal, antimicrobial, sialagogue, immune-stimulating
Energetics: Warm, dry, stimulant, diffusive
Taste: Pungent, Sour, Sweet
From African Villages to Your Garden
One thing I love about Africa is nothing goes to waste. We know how to stretch a dollar out of fifteen cents—and in this scenario, we are getting a thousand uses out of a little yellow flower, usually no bigger than the tip of a pinkie finger. Every part of Spilanthes has a purpose, and the way we use it reflects that creativity.
In Cameroon, Spilanthes is crushed into a paste and applied to snakebites to alleviate pain and swelling. It’s also used to soothe the discomfort of rheumatism. In South Africa, the Tshivenda people call it Tshishengelaphofu, a name that comes from their tradition of using the plant for gum infections, toothaches, sore throats, and even dysentery.
Today though, Spilanthes goes by many names. It’s often called the Toothache Plant for its ability to numb mouth pain almost instantly. Others know it as the Bullseye Plant because the bright yellow flowers and deep red centers look like little targets. In Brazil, it’s known as Jambu, where it is not only used medicinally but also incorporated into cooking for its unique tingling sensation.
From the Garden to the Apothecary
Spilanthes belongs to the Asteraceae family, home to sunflowers, daisies, and chamomile. Like its relatives, it thrives in tropical climates.
Growing Spilanthes is simple. The process starts with tiny seeds that are barely noticeable as you scatter them. Drop them into rich soil, give them warmth and light, and before long, they’ll sprout. By mid-season, the plant is covered in yellow flowers tipped with red, almost like they’re signaling, “I’m ready.”
Harvesting Spilanthes is also straightforward. You can snip off the flowers, leaves, and stems—the whole plant is useful. You will notice that just handling it gives off a fresh, almost citrusy scent. If you are brave enough to taste it straight from the garden, you will feel the buzz immediately. Or dry the parts to store for later.
The Root of Healing
If you’ve used echinacea before, you will notice some similarities. Both plants stimulate the immune system and belong to the Asteraceae family. Still, few plants are comparable to Spilanthes’ healing properties for mouth and throat health.
Spilanthes’ power is attributed to spilanthol, the compound responsible for its signature tingle. Spilanthol interacts with nerve endings to dull pain and boost circulation. It acts as a sialagogue, stimulating saliva, and enhancing the immune system.
Spilanthes’ actions also include being anti-inflammatory, antiparasitic, antibacterial, antifungal, and antimicrobial. With its warm, dry, and diffusive energy and pungent taste, it’s a plant that works deeply with the body’s natural processes. Spilanthes can address the root causes of both infections and inflammation.
Modern research has confirmed its ability to fight malaria, heal fungal conditions like athlete’s foot, and even speed up wound healing. This combination of immediate relief and deep healing makes it a standout in both traditional and modern herbal practices.
A Remedy for Every Ailment
If you’re dealing with a toothache or gum irritation, chewing a fresh flower delivers fast relief. The numbing sensation spreads across your mouth, calming pain and stimulating saliva. For a gentler approach, steep the leaves and flowers into an infusion to use as a beverage, mouth rinse, or gargle. This method cleans, heals, and relieves discomfort all at once.
For immune support, tinctures made from Spilanthes’ aerial parts provide a concentrated dose of its stimulating properties. And if you’re dealing with an external issue like a wound or fungal infection, a poultice of crushed leaves disinfects and reduces swelling. Spilanthes truly meets you where you are, offering a remedy for nearly every situation.
Mama Africa’s Legacy
Now, I’ve talked about two plants that Spilanthes reminds me of. It has the immune-awakening power of echinacea and the sensory excitement of kiwi. But Spilanthes is its own experience. It invites you to reconnect with the way nature heals—not in a lab, but in the soil, under the sun, ready to share its gifts.
Spilanthes is a reminder of how healing can be simple, natural, and accessible. Every tingle, every buzz, is a reminder that healing doesn’t have to be far away. Sometimes it’s right at your fingertips.
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KhadiYah Preciado is a passionate author, herbal teacher, and mother dedicated to empowering others to reconnect with nature’s healing power through African-centered and biblically aligned herbalism. As the founder of Yah’s Apothecary, she combines her professional expertise with personal experience to empower others to heal their bodies, nurture their families, and build thriving herbal businesses. When she’s not teaching or blending remedies, she homeschools her children, cultivates her herbal garden, and mentors women who want to reclaim their health and their purpose.
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