Spilanthes acmella is definitely numbing to the mouth and gums. I am not sure about the oleraccea, as I have just grown and used acmella. It's the leaves which are used for the numbing effect. You can chew fresh or dried leaves, or make a tincture and use a drop or two applied to the gums. It also causes one to salivate profusely. You might also try a drop or two of St. John's wort tincture (Hypericum perforatum)directly rubbed on the sore gums, as it has a healing effect on nerves. Just check to make sure your friend isn't taking any meds that might interact with either herb first. Best of luck to you.

I'm sorry, I re-read my response and I don't want to come off as sounding obnoxious.. I've bought boxed clematis at Sams before, and like people have already mentioned, they were small. Of the 4 in the box which I purchased; one died (it grew for a couple weeks, but never returned) two turned out to be fantastic plants (and the correct variety) and the last one grew well and flowered the following season (but I think the variety was wrong). I'd plant them, and care for them well the first year. Plenty of water and keep them free of weeds. Add compost around the planting hole and put mulch around the plant (2-3 inches deep, 1-2 inches from the stems). If you're back there, see if they have a 'Sweet Autumn Clematis' in a box. These are vigorous growers and as foolproof a clematis as I've encountered. Best of luck on your purchase either way! ~Chills

Gotcha, I'm thinking. Meantime, 100' side yard? Seriously? 100' from the sides of your house to the boundary of your neighbor's property line? Why I ask is also going to figure into what kind of trees,their sun and water needs and how much density is allowable. You read forums where folks have 12' side yards, plant leylands and in 10 years the leylands are brushing against the sides of both houses so details of dimensions are very important. If you want, you can bring your details over to the 'Conversations' section here and chat more freely. If the rear of your house entirely faces due west, we need to begin with the summer setting sun area to plant first. This is going to have the most beneficial impact on your lawns and with a blend of deciduous and understory evergreens you'll have a good plan for dappled shade above and 6-10' evergreen privacy. Please tell more about your actual location in Charlotte. If you give me your street address (over in Conversations) I can googleearth it and zoom down to see what privacy issues you're having (neighbors) what trees they have,how close they are to the lines to see what kinds of trees/shrubs are compatible. Simply going to a nursery and planting a row of mid-sized leylands is not a wise solution. Two/three years ago this area had a terrible outbreak of cypress canker that killed off so many leyland privacy hedgewalls. It's never good to overdo one variety. Cypress is cypress and they're all subject to the same canker disease.Leylands are beautiful but people plant them way too close together. Trees need air circulation, need room for roots to spread and anchor them from harsh winds. I'll check in 'Conversations' in a day or so and see if you've provided a specific location I can research.

I am a Newbee here but have done a lot of searches on the site regarding appliances...we are building a new house and I think I have narrowed it down and am pretty comfortable with my choices. I am going with a 48" American Range natural gas, 8 burner cooktop with the island back and the American Range 30" double wall mount ovens, french door top and chef door bottom...both electric one with broiler the other with proofing element. My question is this: They make a 24" removable flattop that is made to cover four burners, they make it in Chrome and Stainless....while neither is my first choice, I don't know which to pick. My preference would be Cast Iron but I don't think they make it.... I really want the one that goes with the cooktop so it will have the best fit. Thoughts or any information on Chrome vs Stainless Steel flattop would be very helpful. Freedbaby