Nature’s Numbing Secret: The Toothache Plant

The toothache plant, scientifically known as Acmella oleracea, is a remarkable flowering herb native to Brazil. It’s best known for its natural numbing properties, which have made it a traditional remedy for toothaches and oral discomfort for generations.

What Is the Toothache Plant?

With its vibrant yellow-and-red cone-shaped flowers, the toothache plant is as visually striking as it is functionally unique. Chewing the flower triggers an almost electric tingling sensation in the mouth, followed by a mild numbing effect - hence the nickname "toothache plant."

How It Works

This plant owes its numbing power to an active compound called spilanthol, a naturally occurring alkylamide. Spilanthol works as both a local anesthetic and anti-inflammatory, which makes the toothache plant particularly effective for easing gum pain, calming sore throats, reducing oral inflammation, and supporting overall mouth health.

Traditional medicine in South America and Southeast Asia has long valued Acmella oleracea for these very benefits.

The Modern Appeal: Natural and Effective

Today, there’s a renewed interest in plant-based alternatives to synthetic medications. The toothache plant is finding its way into natural oral care products, topical pain-relief formulas, and herbal teas. Some innovative chefs even use the flowers in cocktails and cuisine to deliver a surprise sensory twist that tingles the tongue and awakens the palate.

The plant appeals to those who seek effective, non-toxic remedies and who appreciate reconnecting with age-old herbal wisdom.

How to Use the Toothache Plant: A Beginner’s Guide

If you're new to herbal remedies, the toothache plant is a fun and easy one to try - just be prepared for a bold, tingling sensation. Here are a few simple ways to use it safely:

Fresh Flower Chew
Pick a fresh flower head, rinse it gently, and chew it for a few seconds. You’ll feel a tingling, numbing sensation in your mouth almost immediately. This is ideal for soothing mild tooth or gum pain.

Herbal Tea or Mouth Rinse
Steep a few dried or fresh flower heads in hot water for 5–10 minutes to make a tea. Once it cools slightly, you can drink it to help with sore throats or swish it around your mouth as a natural rinse to soothe inflammation.

Infused Oil or Tincture
For topical use, you can infuse the plant in a carrier oil (like olive or jojoba oil) over a few weeks, then strain and apply it to sore areas of the jaw or gums. Tinctures made with alcohol can also be used in small drops under the tongue or in water for internal relief.

Powder for Tooth Powder or Balm
Dried and ground into a fine powder, the plant can be added to DIY tooth powders or lip balms for localised pain relief. Be sure to follow a tested recipe and store it properly.

Start with small doses - especially when chewing raw flowers - as the numbing effect is very strong. Avoid using it excessively or on broken skin, and consult a healthcare professional if you're pregnant, nursing, or have any medical concerns.

Growing and Using the Toothache Plant

This herb is relatively easy to grow in warm climates or indoors with plenty of sunlight. It thrives in well-drained soil and blooms in just a few months, making it a great addition to home gardens or kitchen herb setups. It’s not only useful but also adds a vibrant touch with its unusual flowers.

You can purchase Acmella oleracea in New Zealand here. Spring is the best time to plant. And often they are available on Trade Me.

Or you can purchase the tincture in New Zealand here.