The Toothache Plant ( Acmella oleracea ) is a flowering herbaceous plant that grows in a groundcover fashion. This plant has unique looking flowers that are popular for their medicinal uses. The plant can also be used for culinary purposes, and it is probably a plant that most herb gardens should not be without; especially if natural remedies are your thing.
This species is native to more tropical regions where it will grow as a perennial but will happily grow in other regions as an annual. The Toothache Plant gets its more commonly used name from its ability to soothe a toothache. Some other commonly used names are the Eyeball Plant, Paracress, Electric Daisy, Buzz Buttons and Jambu.
The plant contains a compound called Spilanthol which is absorbed by the mucous membranes of the mouth and gives a tingling, numbing effect. It can also cause numbing to skin and wearing gloves is advised to avoid numbing unwanted areas. The same compound from this plant has been introduced into cosmetics for the almost instantaneous effect on smoothing wrinkles and is being called ‘a natural alternative to Botox’!
Growth
Acmella oleracea grows to around 30 cm’s tall and can spread to approximately double this in width. Its foliage is green and is frost sensitive. The flowers grow well above the leaves on tall stems and can grow to 2.5 cm’s long (1 inch). They often start out flattish and a deep red colour, before developing their yellow colour on the sides as they grow longer, they have no petals.
The Toothache Plants flower is the strongest source of Spilanthol on the plant, flowers are on display from Summer until Autumn. Harvesting encourages flower production which are usually ready for picking at around 16 weeks. Harvest once flowers are elongated and dry to store and unused flowers for later use.
This species needs a nutrient rich soil to grow at its peak and can be grown in pots and containers.
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
FAMILY:
Astreaceae
CLIMATE:
Temperate to Tropical
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
10 to 38°C / 50 to 100°F
SOIL TYPE:
Nutrient Rich Soil
LOCATION:
Full sun, part shade in very hot climates.
HEIGHT:
Up to 30 cm’s (12 inches)
WIDTH:
Up to 70 cm’s (28 inches)
pH:
6.0-6.8
GROWTH TYPE:
Perennial in warmer climates, Annual in cooler climates. Fast Growing.
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Medium
POLLINATION:
Pollinated by insects, bisexual flower.
MATURITY:
Average 4 months
GERMINATION RATES:
94%
GERMINATION TIME:
7-21 days
GERMINATION DIFFICULTY:
Easy
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 4000
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
Yes
WEED POTENTIAL:
Yes – New Caledonia
EDIBLE:
Yes, leaves
SEED STORAGE & VIABILITY:
Cold Storage at 4°C (Fridge) for 1 year.
FACTS ABOUT ACMELLA OLERACEA (Toothache Plant)
The Toothache Plant is useful for people with dry mouth conditions or sore throats because it stimulates saliva production.
Acmella oleracea is effective in repelling mosquitoes, so pop a few picked flowers in your outdoor area, along with other natural pest repellents, such as Wormwood and Lemon Grass.
