Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Allspice (Pimenta dioica) has a longstanding traditional use for alleviating toothache. This usage is primarily rooted in folk medicine practices, particularly in the Caribbean and Central American regions, where the plant is native. The main active component of allspice is eugenol, a phenolic compound also found in cloves, which is known for its analgesic and antiseptic properties. Clove oil, rich in eugenol, is widely recognized and even used in modern dentistry for toothache relief, and this has likely influenced the use of allspice in a similar fashion.

However, the amount of eugenol in allspice is significantly less than in cloves, and there is a lack of robust clinical studies specifically investigating the efficacy of allspice itself for dental pain. Most references to its use are anecdotal or appear in ethnobotanical surveys rather than controlled scientific trials. The evidence supporting its use, therefore, is largely traditional, with limited scientific validation. Allspice may provide mild numbing or soothing effects when applied to the gums due to its eugenol content, but it should not be considered a substitute for professional dental care. Overall, while there is plausible biochemical reasoning for its use, the current evidence base warrants only a moderate (2/5) rating, reflecting the gap between tradition and scientific substantiation.

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