Spilanthes acmella (Paracress)

Family: Compositae or Astralaceae

Part Used: Whole plant

Active Constituents:

Alkylamides, bitters, resins, volatile oil

Medicinal Actions:

Anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial (fungus and virus), antiseptic, carminative, mild diaphoretic

Medicinal Uses:

1)The primary use for Spilanthes is as an anti-viral or anti-fungal treatment, especially for the upper respiratory system.

2)It is used internally to treat colds, flus and allergies. It is also used to treat inflammation of any of the respiratory mucous membranes.

3)In patients experiencing frequent or ongoing infection, it can help restore normal immune resistance.

4)Used topically, it can treat herpes, accelerate wound healing and treat skin fungus.

5)It is a superb sialagogue, and stimulates the release of digestive enzymes through the gastrointestinal tract.

6) It's actions as an anti-inflammatory extend to the GI tract and it is used for gastroenteritis and constipation and intestinal atony. Historically, it has been used as a vermifuge, though there is no modern research into this action.

7)Consider combining with other plants that have the antifungal activity provided by essential oils, like Usnea or Tabebuea (Taheebo). Used with berbera if used for GI.

8)Eaten as food in England

Contraindications: None known

Pharmacy:

Infusion: 1 Tbl. Herb/cup water infuse 15-30 minutes 3-6 times daily

Tincture (1:5, 1:1): 15 - 60 drops BID to QID

Poultice: Use strong infusion. May include infused herba . Infused oil or essential oil best for topical fungal infections.