Pará cress is a member of the Asteraceae family and the Heliantheae tribe. The Spilanthes genus comprises 300 known species. Native to Latin America, it was widely used in the last century to make toothpaste. It is a powerful anti-scorbutic, much appreciated in tropical regions. Its refreshing peppery flavor, or hotness according to others, makes it a much sought-after condiment in hot countries. It is widely used in Madagascar, where it is an ingredient in the national dish roumazava. It also has digestive, antiseptic, anesthetic, aphrodisiac and anti-inflammatory properties, and was once highly prized for relieving toothache.