Spilanthes
Synopsis of Spilanthes
History
Spilanthes, commonly known as the "toothache plant" or Spilanthes acmella, has a rich history of medicinal use spanning centuries, particularly in traditional medicine systems across South America, Africa, and Asia. Its most notable feature is its unique tingling sensation when chewed, which led to its widespread use as a natural remedy for toothaches and oral discomfort. Indigenous peoples would often chew the fresh flowers or leaves to numb mouth pain, reduce gum inflammation, and combat oral infections, taking advantage of its potent antimicrobial properties.
Beyond dental remedies, Spilanthes was traditionally employed to stimulate saliva production, aiding digestion and soothing dry mouth. Healers also used it to treat fevers, sore throats, and various skin conditions, utilizing its anti-inflammatory and immune-supportive effects. The plant’s bioactive compounds—especially spilanthol—have been shown to exhibit antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant activity, further validating its historical applications.
In herbal combinations, Spilanthes has been valued for its synergistic qualities. It is often blended with echinacea, goldenseal, and other immune-boosting herbs to enhance resistance to infections. Herbalists may combine it with calendula or chamomile to create soothing mouth rinses or with ginger and peppermint for digestive tonics. Its versatility means it can complement both internal and topical formulations, enhancing the overall efficacy of herbal remedies.
Today, Spilanthes continues to be a celebrated ingredient in nutritional products, thanks to its longstanding safety, effectiveness, and multifaceted benefits for oral health, immunity, and general well-being.
Traditional and scientific validation
Spilanthes, commonly known as the "toothache plant" (Spilanthes acmella), has a rich history of traditional use in various cultures, particularly in South America, Africa, and Asia. Traditionally, its flowers and leaves have been used to alleviate toothaches, oral discomfort, and inflammation, owing to its distinctive tingling and numbing effects. The primary bioactive compound, spilanthol, is believed to be responsible for these sensory effects, and is also studied for its potential antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties.
Recent scientific investigations have begun to validate some of these traditional uses. Preclinical studies have demonstrated that Spilanthes extracts may exhibit significant antioxidant and antimicrobial activities, supporting its historical role in oral and general health. Small-scale clinical trials and in vitro research have suggested potential benefits in reducing oral bacteria, improving gum health, and even supporting skin vitality due to its collagen-boosting effects.
Despite these encouraging findings, large-scale, well-controlled human studies remain limited. The current body of evidence is promising but not yet robust enough to confirm all the purported health benefits of Spilanthes. More clinical research is needed to fully understand its efficacy and safety in nutritional products. Nevertheless, Spilanthes continues to gain attention as a natural ingredient with a long tradition of use and a growing scientific foundation supporting its potential contributions to oral and overall wellness.
Spilanthes is used for these health conditions
Abdominal Pain (Traditional)
Abscesses (Traditional)
Acid Indigestion (Traditional)
Antibiotics (alternatives to) (Traditional)
Appetite (deficient) (Traditional)
Bites and Stings (Traditional)
Bleeding (external) (Traditional)
Boils (Traditional)
Bruises (healing) (Traditional)
Burns and Scalds (Traditional)
Canker Sores (Traditional)
Cuts (Traditional)
Dandruff (Traditional)
Diarrhea (Traditional)
Digestion (poor) (Traditional)
Eye Infections (Traditional)
Fever (Traditional)
Gingivitis (Traditional)
Glands (swollen lymph) (Traditional)
Infection (Traditional)
Infection (bacterial) (Traditional)
Inflammation (Traditional)
Injuries (Traditional)
Itching (Traditional)
Jaundice (adults) (Traditional)
Lymph Nodes or Glands (swollen) (Traditional)
Pain (general remedies for) (Traditional)
Skin (infections) (Traditional)
Sore Throat (Traditional)
Staph Infections (Traditional)
Ulcerations (external) (Traditional)
Ulcers (Traditional)
Wounds and Sores (Traditional)
Spilanthes is used to support these body systems
Digestive System (Traditional)
Gastrointestinal Tract (Traditional)
Gums (Traditional)
Immune System (Traditional)
Mucus Membranes (Traditional)
Skin (Traditional)
