Health - Blackherbals.com

Genus Spilanthes is a plant of choice for many health-related disorders. Its traditional uses havebeen proved pharmacologically. The active ingredient spilanthol is proposed to be responsiblefor most of its biological activities. There are many other alkamides and secondary compoundsreported from the plant.Originating in Africa and the South American tropics, the flowers and leaves of Spilanthes spp.,also called the toothache herb, have been used in traditional medicine for toothache, stomatitis,throat complaints and in dental and gum care. It is one of major ingredients in popular herbaltooth powders and paste. The flowers or leaves are chewed or used in the form of a tincture fortoothache, as an astringent, and to stimulate flow of saliva (sialagogue). In case of degenerativegum disease, Spilanthes mouthwash regimen (Spilanthes extract in a glass of clean water, as aswish after tooth brushing for several months) stimulated blood circulation in the oral mucosa.Rapid flushing of all the tooth and gum interstices by the freely flowing saliva helps to cure thedisease. The Spilanthes flower uses in modern times still reflects its use during the ancienttimes. It is still a notable treatment for toothache owing to the analgesic effect of spilanthol.Aside from toothaches, it can treat gum disease and throat infections; it is also used as an oralantiseptic.Traditionally, the whole Spilanthes plant is used in the treatment of dysentery. In Cameroon, theplant is used as a snakebite remedy and in the treatment of articular rheumatism. It is supposedto be useful in cases of tuberculosis. In Germany, the plant extract is used for the treatment ofsoreness or bruising.The herb enhances the immune system. It is used against blood parasites, especially againstmalaria, both prophylactic and curative. In the tropics, where malaria is prevalent, the Spilanthesflower has been known to also treat this debilitating disease.In the Northern parts of Brazil and Central America, this flower is added to vegetables duringcooking. It adds flavor to stews and salads. It is combined with garlic and different types ofchillies for flavor. In India, it was used as an additive in tobacco for flavor.In-vitro studies of the roots and flowers have shown strong antibacterial activity againstEscherichia, Klebsiella, Proteus, Pseudomonas, Salmonella and Staphylococcus. Also Candidaalbicans is inhibited. Spilanthes flowers are also a treatment for fungus and ringworminfestation.An infusion of the flowers of Spilanthes has potent diuretic activity and the ability to dissolveurinary calculi. It is antifungal, antiviral and immunostimulating, shows antimicrobial andantiobesity activities.A crude powder of the leaves used as an insecticide has proven effective against e.g. Aedes,Anopheles and Culex mosquitoes and corn earworm (Helicoverpa zea). Spilanthol, an antisepticalkaloid, is effective at very low concentrations against blood parasites. It is a poison for mostinvertebrates, but is said to be harmless to warm-blooded animals.There have been studies in the use of extracts of the Spilanthes flower as a treatment to decreasefacial lines and facial wrinkles. There is a promising effect for relaxing facial muscles todecrease visible wrinkles in the face and to diminish ageing lines and age spots. Many are eagerto know if the Spilanthes flower extract can ultimately be a replacement for expensive Botoxtreatments but results regarding this study have yet to be announced. Spilanthes flowers may be42