Spilanthes oleracea is pronounced spɪˈlænθiːz ˌɒləˈreɪsiə. The spelling of this name is based on the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), which is used to represent the sounds of speech in written form. The word "Spilanthes" is spelled with an "s" instead of a "c" because the "s" sound is more accurate to the original Greek word, which the name comes from. "Oleracea" is spelled with an "o" instead of an "a" because it is the correct Latin spelling of the word.
Spilanthes oleracea, commonly known as the toothache plant or the eyeball plant, is a tropical flowering herb in the Asteraceae family. Native to South America, it is now cultivated and found in various parts of the world for its medicinal and culinary uses.
The toothache plant is a small, annual plant that typically grows up to 30 centimeters in height. It has bright green, succulent leaves and produces daisy-like yellow flowers with a prominent central cone that resembles an eyeball. These unique flowers give the plant its distinctive appearance.
In traditional medicine, Spilanthes oleracea has been valued for its analgesic properties and has been used for centuries to relieve toothaches and other oral ailments. The plant contains bioactive compounds, including spilanthol, which possess numbing and anti-inflammatory effects. These properties make it beneficial for alleviating dental pain, gum infections, and mouth ulcers.
Besides its medicinal uses, Spilanthes oleracea also has culinary applications. The flowers of the plant have a distinct tingling or numbing sensation when consumed, attributed to the presence of spilanthol. They are often used as a condiment or incorporated into salads and other dishes to add a unique flavor and spice.
Overall, Spilanthes oleracea is a versatile plant that has been valued for its medicinal and culinary benefits. Its distinctive appearance, analgesic properties, and tingling sensation make it a popular choice for those seeking natural remedies for dental issues or an exciting addition to their culinary experiences.
Para cress, a plant of South America, employed as a salad and medicinally as a stomachic and antiscorbutic, and locally for the relief of toothache.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "Spilanthes oleracea" has its origin in Greek and Latin.
The genus name "Spilanthes" is derived from the Greek word "spilas", meaning "spot" or "mark", referring to the distinctive appearance of the flower head.
The species name "oleracea" comes from the Latin word "oleraceus", which means "vegetable" or "pot-herb", indicating that it is a plant that can be used as food.