NATURE’S DENTIST

As one of its common names suggest, this little tropical plant has a long traditional use for controlling toothache pain. Used fresh or dried, the buds or flowers are chewed to stimulate saliva and numb the pain associated with all sorts of mouth problems, from toothache to swollen gums. Recent research also suggests that spilanthol, an alkaloid found in the plant, has other medicinal properties including antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, local anaesthetic, anti-convulsant, antioxidant, analgesic, antimicrobial, diuretic and vasorelaxant effects. Spilanthol is also thought to be an aphrodisiac and can increase testosterone — a type of natural Viagra. Another important role for this attractive plant could be to combat drug-resistant bacteria. It is known to inhibit Candida albicans. As well as having some interesting medicinal properties, this is a very curious but attractive plant. Its…