Mimosa pudica, commonly known as the “touch me not” plant is often seen as a shy and sleepy herb. But now many are aware of the health benefits of Mimosa pudica.
Loaded with medicinal properties and has a pharmacological profile to itself, the touch-me-not plant possesses antibacterial, antifertility, antivenom, antidepressant, anticonvulsant, aphrodisiac, etc, and is used in the treatment of many medical disorders, since ages. Why does touch-me-not plant close down on touching?
Mimosa Pudica or the touch-me-not plant shrink or close down when touched, in order to protect itself from external stimuli.
This stimulus can be anything from neighbouring leaves or herbivores animals. When the plant is disturbed, some parts of the stems are triggered, thus releasing chemicals such as potassium ions which disperse water out of the cell vacuoles.
As a result, there is a loss of cell pressure, resulting in the collapsing of the cell. This is the reason why the touch-me-not plant closes down upon touching. However, the leaves re-open after a few minutes.
Properties And Nutritional Value Of Mimosa Pudica:
The touch-me-not plant or Mimosa Pudica is an extremely mystifying herb not only because of its rapid plant movement when stimulated but also because it is loaded with so many medicinal properties and nutrients. However, the plant continues to be a subject of curiosity and is undergoing further exploration.
Mimosa Pudica is used in the treatment of many medical disorders including piles, sinus, dysentery, insomnia, alopecia, diarrhoea, among various other diseases. It is also applied on wounds for their cure.
Besides antibacterial and other medicinal properties, the touch-me-not plant contains emetic, sedative and tonic properties too.
Further studies have revealed that the plant contains the goodness of alkaloids, non-protein amino acid, flavonoids, tannins, terpenoids, sterols, and fatty acids. These properties make the touch-me-not plant a great herbal material.
Besides being an intriguing and fun element of nature, the touch-me-not plant is loaded with a lot of health benefits. Let’s take a look at what are the health benefits of Mimosa pudica plant.
1. Helps In Healing Cuts And Wounds:
The healing properties of the touch-me-not plant help give relief from pain and when applied on to the wound, heals it much faster.
How to use?
- Crush a few leaves and extract the juice.
- Apply directly on the wound.
- Repeat a few times till you feel better.
2. Controls Excessive Menstrual Bleeding:
Mimosa Pudica has properties that help regulate hormonal imbalance, as a result bringing excessive menstrual bleeding under control.
How to use?
- Extract juice from the leaves, as much as 6 tablespoons.
- Mix the juice with a tablespoon of honey.
- The mixture must be consumed thrice a day.
- Alternatively, extract juice from the root of the touch-me-not plant.
- To 5 ml of juice add honey and pepper.
- Drink this home remedy 4 times a day.
3. Cures Hemorrhoids And Bleeding Piles:
The powder form of Mimosa Pudica is used in the effective cure of piles and haemorrhoids.
How to use?
- Crush the leaves to make a powder.
- Add 1 tablespoon of the powder to a glass of milk.
- Consume this twice a day.
- Alternatively, dry the root of the touch-me-not plant.
- Grind it to a powder.
- Add 1 tablespoon of powder to 2-4 tsp of curd.
- Consume every morning till you’re relieved of the symptoms.
4. Helps Cure Joint Pains Caused By Arthritis:
The anti-inflammatory properties present in Mimosa Pudica helps give relief from joint pains caused by arthritis.
How to use?
- Crush leaves and make a paste.
- Apply directly on the joints overnight.
- Wash off next morning.
- By doing this regularly, the swelling in the joints will subside and so will the pain.
5. Effective In The Treatment Of Diabetes:
As per Ayurvedic practice, Mimosa Pudica is consumed in juice form as it is known to release the right amount of insulin in the body, thereby keeping the blood sugar levels under control.
How to use?
- Extract juice from the leaves.
- Consume 30ml of the juice every day in the morning and evening.
- You will notice a drastic change in the blood sugar leaves within 7-10 days.
6. Cures Itching:
Considering Mimosa Pudica is known to possess antibacterial properties, thus helpful in curing itchy skin.
How to use?
- Crush the roots of the plant to make a smooth paste.
- Apply it to the affected area.
- For maximum relief, let it stay on for at least 30 minutes.
7. Treats Intestinal Worms And Stomach Ache:
Again, since the touch-me-not plant has antibacterial properties, it effectively kills all the bad bacterial build-up in the body.
How to use?
- Make a paste of the leaves.
- Mix it with honey.
- Consume the concoction once a day till you find relief from the symptoms.
8. Treats Snake And Insect Bites:
The plant also possesses antivenom properties, so much so that it can effectively fight against the venom of dangerous snakes including cobra.
How to use?
- 10 grams of the plant root mixed in 400ml of water.
- Drink it twice a day.
Alternately, for insect bites, make a paste of crushed leaves and stem of the plant and apply on the affected area.
Repeat twice a day.
9. Treats Insomnia:
The touch-me-not plant is said to have properties that induce relaxation to the brain and body, as a result of keeping anxiety and stress under control, leading to a sound sleep.
How to use?
- Take 5gms of the leaves and crush it to a paste.
- Add this paste to boiling water and then strain.
- Drink the solution before going to bed.
- Results are sure to be seen within 15-20 days if taken regularly.
10. Treats Hair Loss:
Yes, you read that right. Mimosa Pudica helps fight hair loss by promoting new hair cells. Herbal shampoos that contain the plant’s extracts are useful in treating baldness.
How to use?
- For more effective results, make a paste of the leaves with a few drops of water and coconut oil.
- Apply the paste to the scalp and hair and leave for 30 minutes.
- Wash off with plain water.
Mimosa Pudica or the touch-me-not plant is useful in treating many more medical conditions including jaundice, bone fractures, premature ejaculation, asthma, sagging breasts, among other disorders.
When NOT to Consume Mimosa Pudica?
- Pregnant women and lactating mothers should strictly stay away from consuming Mimosa Pudica.
- Also, remember to consume the plant and its parts in controlled quantities as it can prove fatal if overdosed.
- If you are suffering from constipation, stay away from the herb.
- You should avoid consuming the touch-me-not plant if you suffer from hypomenorrhea (scanty periods).
Source: Fashionlady
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