How to Grow Toothache Plant
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Toothache Plant
Acmella oleracea
herbToothache plant is a tropical annual herb native to South America, known for its distinctive flower buds and numbing properties. The plant produces unique, elongated yellow and red flower buds that contain alkamides, compounds that create a tingling, numbing sensation on the tongue and gums. It has been traditionally used for dental pain relief and is increasingly popular among culinary enthusiasts for its unusual sensory experience.
When should you plant Toothache Plant in your zone?
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Example Toothache Plant timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Toothache Plant
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Toothache Plant
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Toothache Plant dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in warm tropical and subtropical zones 10-11; grown as annual in cooler zones
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Get my Toothache Plant timeline →Growth Stages
Germination
7-14 daysTiny seedlings emerge with cotyledons visible
Keep soil warm (70-75°F) and moist. Use bottom heat if available. Provide bright light immediately after germination.
Seedling
2-3 weeksDevelopment of first true leaves, small tender plants
Maintain consistent moisture and warmth. Thin seedlings if overcrowded. Begin light fertilizing with dilute solution when second set of true leaves appears.
Vegetative Growth
4-6 weeksPlant develops bushy foliage with multiple stems and oval leaves
Pinch growing tips to encourage branching and bushiness. Maintain consistent watering and humidity. Fertilize every 2-3 weeks with balanced fertilizer.
Flowering & Bud Production
6-12 weeksDistinctive elongated flower buds emerge, yellow at tips with red-tinged base, eventually developing into small flowers
Continue regular watering and humidity misting. Provide full sun for optimal alkamide content. Harvest buds at peak for maximum numbing potency.
Full Maturity
Until frost or plant declinePlant in full production with continuous flowering and budding
Regular harvesting of buds encourages more production. Maintain nutrition with regular feeding. Continue humidity and consistent watering.
Common Pests
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Increase humidity; spray with water or neem oil; remove heavily infested leaves
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Yellow sticky traps; neem oil spray; ensure good air circulation
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Isolate plant; spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; wipe leaves with alcohol-soaked cloth
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Improve air circulation; reduce humidity if needed; treat with sulfur dust or fungicide
Uses
Sensory Garnish & Taste Experience
CulinaryToothache plant buds are used as an unusual culinary garnish and taste sensation in molecular gastronomy and adventurous cuisine. The tingling, numbing effect on the lips and tongue creates a memorable sensory experience similar to electric fruits. [source]
Traditional Dental Pain Relief
MedicinalHistorically used by indigenous South American cultures to relieve toothache pain and numb gum discomfort. The numbing alkamides provide temporary local anesthesia without systemic effects. [source]
Oral Health & Anti-inflammatory
MedicinalThe plant possesses natural anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that may support oral hygiene and gum health. Can be used as a mouth rinse or applied directly to affected areas. [source]
Novelty Plant for Demonstrations
CraftPopular as an educational and entertaining plant for taste tests and botanical demonstrations. Perfect for science projects and garden talks due to its unique sensory properties. [source]
Natural Numbing Agent
HouseholdDried buds and extracted oils can be incorporated into homemade lip balms, salves, and natural topical treatments for minor mouth irritations. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Harvest flower buds when they are fully developed but before flowers fully open, typically 2-3 months after planting. Pinch or cut buds from the stem. They can be used fresh or dried. For maximum numbing effect, use buds within days of harvesting. The numbing sensation is most potent in unopened buds and decreases as flowers age.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 The plant contains spilanthol and other alkamides, the same compounds that create the tingling sensation in black pepper and szechuan pepper, but with a unique electric-like numbing effect.
- 🌱 Known by many names including Para cress, Brazilian cress, Eyeball plant, and Jambu in its native regions—the 'eyeball' name comes from the flower bud's appearance.
- 🌱 Indigenous peoples of the Amazon have used this plant for centuries to relieve toothaches and numb the mouth before dental procedures, making it a natural ancestor to modern anesthetics.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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