Spilanthes acmella (toothache plant)

Tier 3 — weak evidence · Oral health · Analgesic · Traditional

Known as the toothache plant or buzz buttons, Spilanthes contains spilanthol which produces a characteristic tingling and numbing sensation. Traditional use across Africa, South America, and Asia for dental pain and oral infections. Confirmed local anaesthetic and antimicrobial activity in lab studies. Almost no clinical trials in humans. Novel food ingredient gaining popularity in cocktails and cuisine.

Dose: No standardised oral dose. Traditional use: chew 1 fresh flower head or apply 5–10 drops of tincture topically to gums for short-term tooth-pain relief. Limited modern clinical data.