Herb Profile: Spilanthes

 

Spilanthes, Spilanthes oleracea

 


All parts of spilanthes have medicinal properties, including the root, stem, leaf, young flower bud, and flower.

Spilanthes has an immune enhancing effect which is useful in the beginning-phase of infections (viral and bacterial), including earaches and colds. One bite of a spilanthes bud and you’ll find that it stimulates salivation, which is useful for treating dryness of mouth and poor appetite. It is known as the “toothache plant” for its ability in treating various dental woes, including swelling, gum diseases, decay, and mouth sores (canker sores, herpes and cold sores). A mouth rinse with spilanthes penetrates gums and abscesses. Spilanthes strongly inhibits the yeast organism Candida albicans and is a valuable adjunct therapy in treating diseases caused by drug-resistant bacteria and viruses.

 

Preparations

As an immune enhancer, spilanthes synergizes well with echinacea. It can be tinctured fresh or with the recently dried herb and used on the onset of a cold or other infection. You can chew fresh flowers or buds for toothache relief or make a mouthwash. The plant can also be dried for later use as a tea or for tincture.

Make an infused spilanthes oil for a numbing trauma oil, helps with dispersing and moving blood for injuries like a twisted ankle and bruises.

 

Contraindications

Daily internal use or daily chewing may reduce the entire load of intestinal bacteria (both pathogenic and probiotic).

 

Growing Spilanthes 

Hardiness: Annual in most climates
Light: Full sun
Soil: Rich, well-drained soil
Water: Moderate
Propagation: Seed
Notes: Warm-season herb producing distinctive yellow and red flower heads.

🌿 Grow, Harvest & Learn with Us This Season! 🌿

Whether you're looking to fill your apothecary with vibrant, fresh herbs, start your garden with strong, healthy seedlings, or deepen your knowledge of herbal medicine, we've got you covered.

  • Join our Fresh Herb CSA to receive weekly bundles of medicinal and culinary herbs, plus guidance on how to use them.
  • Pre-order seedlings to get a head start on your herb garden with our healthy plants.
  • Explore our herbal education programs to learn hands-on medicine-making, plant connection, and more.
  • Looking for high-quality, certified organic herbs year-round? We also offer dried herbs and small-batch tea blends, thoughtfully grown and harvested to bring you the best in herbal wellness.

Be part of a community that values resilience, self-sufficiency, and deep connection to the land. 💚

Disclaimer

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Our products and the information provided on this website are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

All content is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider before using herbal products, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications, or have a medical condition.

We are not responsible for the content of external websites. Individual responses to herbs vary, and information provided may not include all possible precautions or interactions. Discontinue use if any adverse reaction occurs.

Shop our Apothecary and Nursery