Mimosa pudica

Mimosa pudica

Other Names : humble plant, shame plant, live and die, and touch me not, Touch-Me-Not
This is a semi-erect subshrub most commonly found in India, Australia, and tropical America.

Special Precautions of Mimosa pudica

• Should not be consumed by pregnant and lactating women.
• always take the medicine in the recommended amount. If taken in high quantities it can prove fatal.
• Avoid using it if you suffer from constipation or hypomenorrhea (scanty periods).

Health Benefits and Uses of Mimosa pudica

It posses antivenom, antibacterial, anticonvulsant, antifertility, aphrodisiac, antidepressant and a wide range of additional pharmacological properties. The Mimosa Pudica has been used for ages to treat dysentery, sinus, urogenital disorders, piles and has been applied to wounds. The pharmacognostic aspects of this plant have been explored for numerous years. The Mimosa Pudica has been proven to contain alkaloids, flavonoids, sterols, mimosine or non-protein amino acids, C-glycosides, terpenoids, fatty acids, and tannins.

• Anti-parasites, Stomach Ache and Intestinal Worms : The Mimosa Pudica is a gelatinous plant capable of scraping parasites from the walls of the intestines. The plant is unique because it is classified as a mucilaginous herb. This means if the plant comes in contact with liquid, it will swell up. This is similar to the effect of cutting open an aloe plant or soaking chia seeds. Any toxins present in the colon are absorbed by a gooey, thick mass. The plant also helps bulk up the stool in a similar way as fiber. The digestive tract is often unable to break down the mucilaginous herbs the same way as with most foods. This enables the gel-like substance of the Mimosa Pudica to make it through the digestive system while still intact. The material is then able to latch onto parasites, toxins and other bacteria to help regulate the flora. Just like most plants with a seed cover, this miracle herb will produce some mucilage. These help assist the plant in storing water and food and germinating in addition to other useful functions. For treating stomach ache and the problem of intestinal worms all you have to do is make a paste from the leaves of this plant. Mix the paste with honey and consume it once a day till you feel better.
• Antidepressant Attributes : functions as an antidepressant capable of boosting the mood. Mimosa Pudica is able to support treating depression through internal health. The gut is responsible for making approximately ninety percent of the serotonin in the body. This is aided by an abundance of specific microbes and beneficial bacteria. When antibiotics are taken, the gut flora is disrupted. This has the potential to impact the neurotransmitter levels. This is one of the biggest concerns anyone focusing on cleaning out parasites or repairing their guts to regain their health are facing. Low levels of serotonin cause numerous symptoms including insomnia, depression, anxiety, negative thoughts and feelings, panic attacks, a generally low mood, and irritability.
• The sciatic nerve can be regenerated with Mimosa Pudica. One of the most devastating types of pain comes from the sciatic nerve. There are amazingly few solutions to help the individual find relief. Despite the fact the sciatic nerve originates from the discs found in the spine, the pain can radiate throughout the back, thighs, calves, rear and can sometimes reach all the way down to the toes. A study was conducted where animals suffering from sciatic injuries were given Mimosa Pudica for a period of three months at four-day intervals. As much as forty percent of the sciatic nerve showed regeneration during this study. The results were much more promising than for the group treated with just a steroid called hydrocortisone.
• Antioxidant Properties : Mimosa Pudica has been proven to raise the levels of antioxidants within the body. This is especially true in cases where toxins with the potential to be poisonous are present. This is excellent for parasite cleaning because this plant does a lot more than bind the toxins the parasites are releasing as they die. This plant provides the body with encouragement to produce antioxidants which supports the immune system.
• Liver Damage : Liver damage can be prevented by Mimosa Pudica. A lot of chronically ill patients experience difficulty with damage to their gallbladders or livers due to parasites or Lyme disease. This is partially due to the fact numerous parasites feeding on blood or bile find the bile duct a hospitable home. Rats were given Mimosa Pudica in another study in addition to toxins known to cause liver damage. The Mimosa Pudica either prevented or slowed down the damage to the liver.
• Minor Cuts And Wounds : The touch me not leaves has healing properties. It can subside pain and help to heal any sort of wound much faster.For curing wound or cuts apply the juice extracted by crushing a few leaves of this plant on the wound. Do it quite a few times until you feel better.
• Excessive Bleeding During Menstruation : The touch-me-not plant comes useful to control excessive bleeding during menstruation. It has properties to balance out the hormones in the body and thus bring relief.
• Piles Or Bleeding Piles Or Hemorrhoids : Mimosa pudica in its powder form is also beneficial for curing hemorrhoids or piles. Simply make a powder from its leaves and mix 1 teaspoon in a glass of milk. Drink this twice a day.
• Joint Pain Or Arthritis : Mimosa pudica can help cure joint pain caused by arthritis. It has anti-inflammatory properties that can cure the inflammation in joints and thereby relieve pain. For this, you need to make a paste from the leaves of this plant and apply it on your joints. Leave it for the night and then wash it the next morning. By doing this daily you will notice the difference, as the swelling and pain from the joints will start subsiding.
• Diabetes : In Ayurveda, mimosa pudica is used to regulate the blood sugar levels in the body. It does so by releasing the required amount of insulin. Thus, this plant can treat diabetes. Drink 30ml juice extracted from the leaves of the plant religiously in morning and evening. Within 7-10 days you will notice the difference in your blood sugar levels.
• Diarrhea : It works replenishing the body with the required water balance. Juice from the leaves of this plant helps to treat diarrhea. Drink a dose of 30ml quiet a few times to see good results.
• Jaundice : Mimosa pudica is also used for treating jaundice. Extract juice from the leaves of this plant and administer 20-40ml twice a day for three weeks.
• Itching : To get rid of the itchy skin, just make a paste from the root of this plant and apply it to the affected area. Alternatively, make a paste by extracting the juice of this plant and adding Sesame oil to it. The consistency of the paste should be such that the juice of this plant makes up ¾ of the paste. Apply this over the affected area for good 30 minutes for maximum relief.
• Gum Problems And Toothache : Mimosa pudica has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties.6 So, it works to reduce the swelling in the gums and prevent any sort of infection. You can gargle with the decoction made from the roots of this plant to maintain good oral hygiene and cure a toothache.
• Glandular Swelling And Hydrocele : Prepare a juice from the leaves of this plant and apply on the affected area for treatment of glandular swelling and hydrocele. By doing this the burning sensation and swelling will subside.
• To Uplift Sagging Breast : Instead of going for expensive treatments and surgeries, simply prepare a paste of the touch-me-not plant and Ashwagandha roots and apply this paste on the breasts to uplift them. It works by toning up the stretched muscles from inside.
• Treating Snake Bites : Touch-me-not is proven to fight against the venom of snakes as dangerous as the cobra. In a case of such emergencies prepare a decoction of its roots (10gm) in 400ml of water and drink it twice a day.
• Insect Bites : In a case of insect bites grind the leaves and stem of this plant and apply on the affected area. Do this remedy twice a day. This will reduce the swelling, pain, and redness caused by the bite as it has healing properties.
• Insomnia/Sleeplessness : The touch me not is also used to relax the brain and body from anxiety and stress. When your brain is at peace sleeping becomes a lot easier. Take leaves of this plant (5gm) and crush them to make a paste. Boil this paste in hot water and strain. Take this prepared solution during nighttime and within 15-20 days you will see the results.
• Asthma : Mimosa pudica works for asthma as it clears the airway path of any dust, allergens, and inflammation and thereby provide relief.8

Prepare the juice of this plant (15ml) and drink it twice a day. This will help in treating asthma.

• Premature Ejaculation : Mimosa pudica is also used to help men suffering from erectile dysfunctioning. However, there is no study done yet to prove this medicinal use. Take the seeds of this plant and mix with equal quantities of sugar. At night take 2 teaspoons of it with warm milk.
• Fights Hair Loss : The Mimosa Pudica plant helps in the growth of new hair cells and helps to control hair loss and baldness. It is advised to use herbal shampoos containing the extracts of this plant. For better results, take a handful of the touch me not leaves. Add some water and coconut oil and make a paste out of it. Apply this paste for around 20 minutes and then wash it off with water.
• Treating Fractures : The plant also helps to treat fractures of the bone. It does so by repairing the injured tissues and bones faster than the usual speed. Simply make a paste of the leaves and apply on the affected area. Do it three times a day for around 2 weeks for good results.

References

• Ueda M, Yamamura S. The chemistry of leaf movement in Mimosa pudica L. Tetrahedron. 1999;55:10937–48.
• Khare CP. Encyclopedia of Indian Medicinal Plants. Germany: Springer; 2004. pp. 313–4.
• Jha NK. Mimosa pudica: Lajjalu. Phytopharm. 2007;8:3–8.
• Hafsa A, Sakshi S, Anurag M, Rajiv G. Mimosa pudica L (Laajvanti): An overview. Pharmacogn Rev. 2012;6:115–124.
• Chatterjee A, Pakrashi SC. The Treatise on Indian Medicinal Plants. New Delhi: National Institute of Science Commission and Information Resources; 2006. pp. 65–6.
• Rajendran R, Sundararajan R. Preliminary Phytochemical Analysis and Anti-Bacterial Activity of Mimosa pudica Linn. Leaves. Int J Pharm Bio Sci. 2010;6:1–8.
• Baby J, Jency G, Jeevitha M. Pharmacology and Traditional Uses of Mimosa pudica. Int J Pharm Sci Drug Res. 2013;5:41–44.
• Joy PP, Thomas J, Mathew S, Skaria BP. Medicinal Plants. Trop Horticulture. 2001;2:449–632.