Acmella oleracea
Acmella oleracea
Acmella oleracea (pronunciation: ak-MEL-uh oh-leh-RAY-see-uh), also known as toothache plant or paracress, is a species of flowering herb in the family Asteraceae. The plant is native to the Amazon rainforest.
Etymology
The genus name Acmella is derived from the Greek word 'akme', meaning 'point', which refers to the pointed fruits of the plant. The species name oleracea is Latin for 'vegetable/herb' used in the kitchen.
Description
Acmella oleracea is a fast-growing, annual plant, which is highly ornamental and culinary. It has a spreading habit and produces gold and red inflorescences. The plant is known for its pungent, numbing properties in the mouth when consumed.
Uses
The plant is used as a medicinal remedy in various parts of the world. A decoction or infusion of the leaves and flowers is used in traditional medicine for stomach and throat complaints. The plant is also used as a toothache remedy due to its analgesic properties.
Related Terms
- Asteraceae: The family of flowering plants that Acmella oleracea belongs to.
- Decoction: The process of extracting flavors from plant material by boiling it.
- Infusion: The process of extracting chemical compounds or flavors from plant material in a solvent.
- Analgesic: A class of drugs used to relieve pain.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Acmella oleracea
- Wikipedia's article - Acmella oleracea
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