Spilanthes

Spilanthes is known for its distinctive tingling effect, which signals increased circulation, salivation, and lymphatic movement. Traditionally used in South American and Southeast Asian medicine systems:

stimulates salivation and moistens dryness (5)
supports healthy immune function
offers antimicrobial and antiviral support
relieves toothaches and oral discomfort (numbing effect)
activates digestion (bitter + sialogogue action)
supports lymphatic stagnation and mild edema
encourages local circulation for wound healing
invigorates the whole system when fatigue or sluggishness are present

Energetically, it “switches on” the body’s defenses and life force.

Cautions

Generally safe and well tolerated.

Use mindfully in:

pregnancy (limited data)
individuals with excessive salivation conditions
those with mouth ulcers or open oral lesions (strong tingling)
avoid high doses in people with damp-heat oral conditions unless guided ⁹

Known Chemical Constituents

Alkamides (Primary Active Group)

Spilanthol — primary tingling, numbing, antimicrobial compound ¹¹
Undeca-2E,7Z,9E-trienoic acid isobutylamide
Other isobutylamides

Flavonoids

Apigenin
Luteolin
Phenolic glycosides

Triterpenes & Sterols

α-amyrin
β-sitosterol
Stigmasterol

Essential Oils (Trace)

Carvone
Limonene
β-Caryophyllene

Other Compounds

Polysaccharides
Fatty acids
Mineral salts

Botanical Description

A low-growing tropical perennial with bright green leaves and cheerful yellow or gold cone-shaped flowers tipped with a red or brown center. These pom-pom blossoms contain the plant’s signature numbing, tingling, and salivating effects. Spilanthes thrives in warm, moist climates and produces abundant blooms throughout the growing season. ³

Fun Facts

Spilanthes is used in modern mixology as a “buzz button” — bartenders add a single petal to cocktails to create an electric, tingling sensory experience. ¹⁰

Parts Used

Fresh or dried flowers, leaves, and occasionally roots (less common).

Harvest

Harvest fresh flowers and leaves throughout the growing season.

Optimal potency occurs when flowers are fully formed, bright, and aromatic.

Fresh plant tincturing yields the strongest alkamide content. ¹²

Preparations

Tincture: 1:2–1:3 fresh plant; ~75–95% ethanol; 5–30 drops as needed ⁸

Glycerite: excellent for children and oral health

Infused oil: for wound healing or topical circulation support

Chewing the fresh flower: traditional for toothaches and oral infections

Oxymels or syrups: for immune and lymphatic support

Often blended in bitters formulas to increase salivation and digestive activation

Sacred Rituals

A wonderful plant for awakening the senses and sharpening presence before ceremony or meditation.

Traditionally chewed to “clear the mouth” and activate communication before speaking prayers or blessings.

Use when you want to:

call back vitality
break energetic stagnation
awaken creativity
stimulate courage or expression

Affirmations

“I awaken to my vitality; my senses come alive.”

Spiritual Associations

A lively, mischievous plant spirit — Spilanthes wakes up the senses, clears stagnation, and reminds us of the joy and spark of being embodied.

It brings courage, aliveness, and flow where energy has become stuck.

A wonderful ally for:

lethargy or dullness
creative block
emotional stagnation
reclaiming personal spark

References