Plant based compounds are gaining popularity in healthcare. Stevia, a plant based sweetener, has antihyperglycemic, antihypertensive, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, diuretic, anti-microbial and immunomodulatory effects. Its use as an antimicrobial agent in the extraction sockets of mandibular third molars has never been reported in the literature. Aim and objectives: This study aims to find an answer to avert adverse effects related to post-operative oral antimicrobials and thus evaluates and compares the effectiveness of stevia with amoxicillin trihydrate used in sockets of surgically extracted impacted mandibular third molars. Materials and methods: A split mouth randomised controlled trial was undertaken on 18-45 years old 40 healthy subjects with bilaterally impacted mandibular third molars ie, 80 surgical sites. After extractions, Group 1(n=40) received stevia extract powder and Group 2 received amoxicillin trihydrate powder in the sockets before suturing. Facial measurements, inter-incisal mouth opening, WBC counts, rise in axillary temperature, presence of suppuration, lymph node palpability, intra-oral erythema, wound dehiscence and pain were noted pre and post-operatively on days 1,3,7.