Toothache plant
Acmella oleraceafam. Apiaceae
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Pl. 8CA5 — Acmella oleracea
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IOverview
Overview
Toothache plant (Acmella oleracea) is a perennial herb native to the Southeastern region of Brazil. This plant thrives in full sun and prefers moist conditions with light, medium, or heavy soil types. It can grow up to 0.4 meters tall and is known for its edible leaves, which are often used in local cuisine. One distinctive feature of this plant is its unique taste; when chewed, it produces a numbing sensation due to the presence of a compound called dentastop. This property has given it the common name "Toothache plant," as it can temporarily relieve toothaches and other minor oral discomforts.
Quick answers
What is Toothache plant?
Toothache plant (Acmella oleracea) is a perennial herb native to the Southeastern region of Brazil. This plant thrives in full sun and prefers moist conditions with light, medium, or heavy soil types. It can grow up to 0.4 meters tall and is known for its edible leaves, which are often used in local cuisine.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Toothache plant thrives in full sun and prefers moist soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It grows well in hardiness zones 9-11, making it suitable for subtropical climates. The plant reaches a height of about 0.4 meters and is perennial, meaning it will come back year after year. For propagation, the toothache plant can be grown from seeds or cuttings. Its edible parts are the leaves, which can be used in various culinary applications.
Light
Full sun
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
9-11
Life cycle
Perennial
Mature size
0.4 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Toothache plant for the first time
8steps
This guide will help you start with Toothache plant, focusing on basic care and maintenance.
- 1
What you'll need
Acmella oleracea seeds or young plants, a small pot or garden bed, good quality soil.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring when the last frost has passed and temperatures are warm.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil with a mix of light (sandy), medium, or heavy clay. Ensure containers have drainage holes.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 0.5 cm deep in the garden bed or start them indoors and transplant when they are strong enough.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep soil moist but not waterlogged, provide full sun exposure to help seedlings grow.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly to maintain moisture levels. Fertilize lightly with compost or organic matter once a month.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune leaves as needed for maintenance, but avoid heavy cutting that could harm the plant.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in poorly drained soil, not providing enough sunlight, and overpruning.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Leaves
Edible uses: Oil
Other uses:ContainersCosmeticCut flowersPest controloil
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
1 native · 27 introduced
Distribution
1 native · 27 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 1 native· 27 introduced
Asia7 regions
introduced (7)BangladeshIndiaMyanmarNepalSri LankaTaiwanVietnam
Americas5 regions
introduced (5)BoliviaColombiaCubaEcuadorPeru
Africa5 regions
introduced (5)BeninComorosGabonMaliMauritius
Broader regions
native:Brazil Southeast
introduced:Brazil North, Brazil Northeast, Brazil South, Central African Repu, Jawa, Leeward Is., Réunion, Windward Is., Zaïre
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Apiaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Apiaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
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