Buzz buttons

Buzz Buttons are cheerful, button-like yellow flowers that pack a surprising punch. While visually charming, their most famous trait is the tingling, mouth-numbing sensation they create when eaten.

 What Makes Them Buzz?

The secret lies in a compound called spilanthol, a natural molecule responsible for the buzzing, cooling, slightly electric feeling you get when consuming the flowers. Traditionally, they’ve been used as:

• A natural remedy for tooth and gum pain
  
  

• An anti-inflammatory agent in herbal medicine
  
  

• A surprising ingredient in food and drink

 History of the Buzz Button

Buzz Buttons thrive in warm, humid regions such as the Amazon Basin, Southeast Asia, and Sub-Saharan Africa. In Brazil, they’re called Jambú and often appear in classic dishes like tacacá or pato no tucupi. In Southeast Asia, they're known as Para Cress and add zing to spicy soups and curries.

 Buzz Button Taste Test

Imagine a flavor journey that starts earthy and herbal, then evolves into:

• A pop-rock-like crackle on your tongue
  
  

• A cooling, minty sensation without the mint
  
  

• A pleasant numbness that lingers in your mouth
  
  

They're like a party trick your mouth didn't know it needed!

 How to Use Buzz Buttons

Once your Buzz Buttons are blooming, here are a few ways to use them in your kitchen:

Cocktails

• Float one as a garnish
  
  

• Muddle it into your drink
  
  

• Infuse it in alcohol (think: rum or gin)
  
  

In Brazil, the flowers are used to create Cachaça de Jambú, a mouth-tingling twist on the traditional sugarcane spirit.

Teas

Steep dried flowers and leaves for a unique tea known for:

• Immune and inflammation support
  
  

• That telltale numbing tingle
  Pair it with herbs like ginger, mint, or lemon balm for a custom herbal blend.
  
  

Soups, Salads & More

• Chop fresh leaves into salads
  
  

• Add flowers as a garnish
  
  

• Toss leaves into stir-fries, omelets, or sauces
  
  

 How to Grow and Care for Buzz Buttons

Buzz Buttons are easy to grow indoors and require minimal care once they sprout. Here’s how to get started:

 Growing Tips:

• Plant 2–3 seeds per pod
  
  

• Use a well-lit indoor system or sunny windowsill
  
  

• Harvest as soon as flowers appear
  
  

• The more you prune, the more flowers it will produce!
  
  

 Why We Love Them:

• Compact and ornamental
  
  

• Great for winter growing
  
  

• A fun conversation starter
  
  

• Long blooming cycle when regularly harvested
  
  

 Bonus Fact: Buzz Buttons in Skincare?

Spilanthol isn’t just for your taste buds. It’s also finding its way into beauty products thanks to its anti-inflammatory and muscle-relaxing properties. Buzz-worthy inside and out!

 Final Thoughts

Buzz Buttons are more than just a quirky plant—they’re a multi-sensory experience. From cocktails and teas to skin care and traditional medicine, their uses are as vibrant as their bright yellow blooms.

Thinking of growing your own? Sproutania.in has everything you need to get started—seeds, grow guides, and more.