Spilanthes, Toothache Plant
Easy to grow summer annual (perennial in frost-free climates.) Chewing on a leaf or bud causes a tingling in the mouth, used in small amounts to give interest to salads and cold drinks, and in larger quantities to kill pain. Used against infection--bacterial, or fungal (candida). Used for centuries for toothache relief, to address both the pain and the underlying infection. Low-spreading plants bear yellow button flowers ("buzz buds" with bright red centers. Tradiitional uses include: anti-inflammatory, stimulant, tonic, dentifrice, earache, gum disease, Lyme disease, and malaria. Concentrated source of anti-inflammatory alkyl-amides. Plant prefers full sun and well-manured soil and plenty of water. May be started early indoors and transplanted out after frost. Nice for edging herb and vegetable beds or in a pot. Fast-growing. Tropical plant that can be grown easily as an annual, or brought indoors for the winter. 60 seeds