The Bullseye Toothache Plant has reddish-green foliage and tight, compact yellow flowers with a bright bulls eye on the tip of each flower. These little flowers look great in a border, especially when planted en masse.
Common names include eyeball plant, jambu, toothache plant, paracress, Sichuan buttons, buzz buttons, tingflowers and electric daisy. Formerly Spilanthes acmella, it is now called Acmella oleracea. This Brazilian species is widely used as a culinary and medicinal herb.
Medicinal Benefits and other Benefits
- It is commonly used to treat toothaches along with other mouth, throat, and gum conditions.
- This medicinal herb also has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties, and it enhances the immune system.
- The leaves are often eaten raw and taste good in salads.
- Extracts from the Toothache Plant have proven effective against mosquitoes. Planting on borders for flying pest control has been a traditional use of the flower.
Growing Bullseye Toothache Plant
- You can direct sow the seeds or start the seeds indoors to transplant later.
- Fill a planting flat almost full with a sterile, low-fertility seed-starting, or germinating, mixture.
- Water or mist the medium in the container, thoroughly moistening it.
- Sprinkle the seeds evenly over the surface of the medium.
- Only add a very light dusting of growing medium or do not cover the seeds at all, as they require light to germinate.
- Mist the seeds lightly after sowing them and as needed prior to germination so that the surface of the medium remains constantly slightly moist, but not wet. Once seedlings emerge, decrease the frequency of misting so that the surface of the medium is allowed to dry out slightly between watering.
- Cover the container with a plastic or glass lid or enclose it in a plastic bag after planting seeds. Once seedlings emerge, remove any lid or bag covering the seeds.
- Place the container with the medium and seeds in a warm place where it will receive bright, indirect light.
- Transplant the young seedlings into pots or outdoors once they have two pairs of true leaves.
- Use a high-quality potting soil or work an organic matter like well-rotted compost or aged manure into the ground prior to planting, as this herb prefers well-drained, rich soil.
Medical Disclaimer
Information is for educational and informational purposes only and may not be construed as medical advice. The information is not intended to replace medical advice or treatment offered by healthcare professionals.