YELLOW EYES WITH RED CENTRES THAT CAN MAKE YOU FREEZE, LITERALLY! KNOWN FOR IT’S ANAESTHETIC QUALITIES, ACMELLA OLERACEA IS CALLED THE TOOTHACHE PLANT AS IT SOOTHES SORE SPOTS! AND IT CAN BE USED IN SALADS, COCKTAILS OR RICE DISHES TOO!

Description
Acela Oleracea extract is considered a natural alternative to Botox! Applied topically, Acmella Oleracea reportedly reduces muscle tension, reducing facial wrinkles caused by tense or contracted facial muscles. It is considered a natural muscle relaxant and has been traditionally used as an herbal Oragel of sorts, used to numb toothaches thanks to the presence of analgesic alkylamides called spilanthol. This spilanthol is thought to have the same paralysing effects on facial muscles as it does on gums, reducing wrinkles by relaxing the skin.

Acmella Oleracea is a species of flowering herb in the family Asteraceae. Common names include Toothache plant, Paracress, Sichuan buttons, Buzz Buttons, Tingflowers and Electric Daisy. Its native distribution is unclear, but it is likely derived from a Brazilian Acmella species. It is grown both as an ornamental, edible herb and for the medicinal remedy it’s used for in various parts of the world.

For culinary purposes, small amounts of shredded fresh leaves are said to add a unique flavour to salads. Cooked leaves lose their strong flavour and may be used as leafy greens. Both fresh and cooked leaves are used in dishes such as stews in northern Brazil, especially in the state of Pará. They are combined with chilli and garlic to add flavour and vitamins to other foods. The flower bud has a grassy taste followed by a strong tingling or numbing sensation and often excessive salivation, with a cooling sensation in the throat. In India, they are used as flavouring in chewing tobacco.

Always consult a medical or herbal practitioner before embarking on any program of using a new medical herb. Some herbs should not be taken in certain situations, for example pregnancy, or for certain health conditions where adverse reactions may be possible. Alternatively, you may have allergies to an herb or induce side effects from other medication or health conditions. So please do not take without qualified medical advice.

These seeds are rare and hard to find! They will make an interesting display and be a useful plant as well!

Grow Notes
It grows up to 12 to 15 inches tall and will spread to 24 to 30 inches across.

Sow
Seeds are small and long with a straight top edge. Reasonably easy to see and handle.

Sow on the surface (Acmella requires light to germinate) of the soil or seed raising mix and water carefully, keep moist. Optimum temperature 20-24°c. Alternatively start seeds indoors 4 to 6 weeks before last frost on a heat mat.

Germination
Germination takes 10-20 days at that temp in proper conditions.

Maturity
Approximately 4 months’ time.