How to Grow a Toothache Plant

Several years ago, a friend gave me a beautiful yellow and red flowered plant she called a toothache plant. Intrigued by the plant's name, I asked why it was called that, but my friend did not know, so I started combing through my many gardening and herb books to find out more about this uniquely named plant.

What is a Toothache Plant?

The toothache plant, Spilanthes, originates in and is native to Africa and South America (USDA zones 10 through 12), where it is considered a perennial herb. In cooler climates, it is grown as an annual, dying off when the weather cools bringing the first frost of the season. Its name comes from its ability to numb the mouth slightly when the leaves or flowers are chewed. It has also been referred to as the Peek-a-boo plant, Eyeball Plant, Spot Plant, and Para, Brazil, or Australian Cress.

Planting Toothache Plants

The toothache plant loves to be planted in rich organic soil that is well drained. It enjoys partial shade to full sun, depending on your area. Seeds, which come from the flower heads, can be sewn indoors and moved outside after all danger of frost has passed. Seedlings should appear about two weeks after planting. After planting seeds or seedlings, water area well. Once plants have reached a healthy height, stem cuttings can be taken and used to propagate new plants.

Caring for a Toothache Plants

The toothache plant can grow to 15 inches high and branch out over a two-foot radius. To ensure good growth, pinch back the fourth set of leaves one or two leaves back. Make sure the plant has plenty of water through the hot summer months, as this plant will continue to grow and bloom all season long. Add some mulch around the plants to ensure the soil stays moist and to keep weeds down. The petal-free flowers first appear red on stems that are about four inches long. As the flower grows, it begins to show yellow under the red, which stays on top of the yellow part of the flower. I think the flower resembles the shape of a gumdrop candy.

The toothache plant can be susceptible to mildew and mold if watered too much and I have found slugs eating the leaves.

Uses for the Toothache Plants

You can use the leaves and flowers of the toothache plant in an infusion to create a mouthwash. These can also be steeped in a tea as the plants healing properties act as an antifungal, antibacterial and helps to stimulate the immune system. Some people even use the plant's leaves in salads.

Sources: Personal Experience, Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine: The Definitive Home Reference Guide to 550 Key Herbs with all Their Uses as Remedies for Common Ailments, by Andrew Chevallier