After looking around the nursery a bit, I found myself sneaking back at this ugly little plant; it captivated me, I was drawn to it like a magnet. And soon after that, it was in my hand and ready to go back to the house. What interested me, was that it was a dark green leaf, and had this yellow/red button flower that poked up at of the plant on very firm stalks. And the name was something I could not say, (thank goodness for the common names).
They tag on the plant said Spilanthes and the common name is the Toothache Plant, which really intrigued me. And although in the herb section, I was reluctant to put it in my mouth until someone said that it would be all right to do so. (heck; I'll try just about anything pertaining to culinary).
Brought the plant home and stuck it in the ground soon to discover that the plant held it's own in the herb garden. A small mounding plant that was very happy in the part sun/part shade spot I found for it. But did I find out what the name meant? I could not wait any more and had to go to one of our Herb friends. It was then that I discovered that the Toothache plant is just that, A plant that contains an analgesic used for numbing the mouth and or throat.
Now don't take my word for it, as with all herbs and spices, you should be checking up on them yourself to discover if any medications you are on could have any diverse affects. Knowledge is paramount when it comes to herbs, the more you know, the more prepared you will be when having to deal with them.
In the mean time, I am forever on the prowl for awesome herbs! This weekend with our Herbal Tour coming up, I'll be on the hunt once again for anything out of the ordinary! And by the way... yes, you can find Spilanthes here in Lancaster, we'll show you where.
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