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Amber's Organics LLC Medical Herb Seed A-Z > Paracress (Spilanthes acmella) Toothache Plant
Paracress (Spilanthes acmella) Toothache Plant

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Price: $2.99
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Paracress (Spilanthes acmella)
 
Uses: Culinary/Medicinal Duration: Annual
When to Sow: Spring Ease of Germination: Easy
The most common and widespread medicinal use for Acmella oleracea is to treat toothache, throat and gum infections.  Chewing on the fresh or dried flower, or using the extract will help deaden tooth pain. It is not only topically anesthetic for gums and teeth, but it is also bacteriostatic, helping to fight tooth decay. 

A mouth rinse of spilanthes extract can be used daily to promote gum health, and chewing as little as a single bud of the plant can numb the mouth and reduce the pain of toothache for up to 20 minutes depending on the sensitivity of the person. The most promising research into the use of spilanthes is in its antibacterial properties. So far, in vitro testing has shown that the plant's extract has strong effect against E.coli, pseudomonas, salmonella, klebsiella pneumonae and staphylococcus albus, as well as inhibiting the growth of candida albicans.

The flower heads are used fresh, dried and powdered. The roots and leaves have been recommended as well.  The plant is further recommended as a cure for dysentery, rheumatism and malaria. The flower heads contain up to 1.25% of spilanthol, an antiseptic alkaloid which is effective at very low concentrations against blood parasites.  It also enhances the immune system. 

Spilanthes extract has been discovered to aid in saliva stimulation for people suffering from dry mouth.  A decoction or infusion of the leaves and flowers is a traditional remedy for stammering, toothache, stomatitis, and throat complaints.

Acmella oleracea extract is reported to reduce muscle tension when applied topically, and as such it aids to decrease facial lines and wrinkles that are partially caused by tense or contracted facial muscles.  Application of Acmella extract is reported to result in more relaxed facial muscle, and in turn, decreases visible wrinkles and age lines.  Some people compare it to BOTOX®, but without the toxic effects and without the need to inject it under the skin; making it a cheap and easy BOTOX® replacement.

Paracress has no particular odour, but when eaten it has an interesting flavour that slowly develops from pleasant and salty to a strong, tickling-burning pungency that leaves a numb feeling in the mouth.  

(Spilanthes; Australian cress) Very similar to toothache cress. Leaves have a mild anesthetizing effect and are useful for toothaches. Also used as an antibiotic against candida. The fresh leaves are edible and are eaten like cress.

 

50 seeds.