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Ctenium aromaticum
Species of grass From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Ctenium aromaticum is a species of grass known by the common name toothache grass. It is native to the southeastern United States, where it grows on the coastal plain.[1]
This is a perennial grass that forms clumps of stems reaching 1 to 1.5 meters (3 ft 3 in to 4 ft 11 in) in maximum height. The leaves are up to 46 centimeters (18 in) long. The inflorescence is a panicle with one branch that is up to 15 centimeters (5.9 in) long and lined on one side with two rows of spikelets. Each spikelet is roughly 1 centimeter (0.39 in) long.[1]
It is not known whether or not the grass was ever used as a remedy for toothache. It has, however, been used as a sialagogue, an agent that increases saliva. The crushed roots have a strong scent.[2] The lower part of the stem produces a numbing sensation when it is chewed.[3] The agents responsible for this action are isobutylamides.[4]
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