The scientific name of Touch-Me-Not Plant is Mimosa Pudica. With its striking shy attributes, around the globe, it has developed many nicknames like the sleepy plant, shy plant, shrinking plant or bashful plant.
But, what the people are unaware of are the various health benefits of Mimosa Pudica. This article will give you an exhaustive description of the various benefits that you can reap out of this plant.
The touch-me-not plant is not really shy or bashful. The leaves of this plant when touched fold or shrink inwards as a “rapid plant movement” to protect itself from harmful elements in the environment like grazing animals.1 However, after a few minutes, the leaves open again.
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Nutrient Value And Properties Of Touch-Me-Not Plant
The touch-me-not plant is a mysterious element not only because of its drooping reaction when touched but also because it is abundant in so many nutrients and remains a subject of interest to undergo further exploration.
It helps in the treatment of many disorders like piles, dysentery, sinus, insomnia, diarrhea, alopecia and is also applied to cure wounds for ages.
Touch-me-not plant helps as it has antibacterial, antivenom, antidepressant, aphrodisiac, anticonvulsant, anti-fertility and anti-asthmatic properties. It also have emetic, sedative and tonic properties.
It is very rich in alkaloids, flavonoids, non-protein amino acid (mimosine), tannins, sterols, terpenoids, and fatty acids. All this makes the touch-me-not plant a helpful and promising herbal candidate.
Health Benefits Of Touch-Me-Not Plant (Mimosa Pudica)
The touch-me-not plant beside being a fun intriguing element of nature is also filled with a lot of health fortifying properties. The list below deals about the benefits of this plant and the ways you can use it to cure multiple health issues.
1. For 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.2
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.
2. For 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.
- Extract 6 teaspoons juice of this plant and mix it with honey.
- Drink this home remedy 3 times a day.
- Or you can extract juice from the root of this plant and take 5ml for 4 times mixed with honey and pepper.
3. Cures 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.3
Alternatively, take the root of this plant and dry it. Now grind this dry root and add 1 teaspoon of this powder to 2-4 tablespoon of curd. Take this every morning till your symptoms subside.
4. For 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.4 By doing this daily you will notice the difference, as the swelling and pain from the joints will start subsiding.
5. For Treating 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.
6. For Treating 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.
7. For Treating 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.
8. For Treating Stomach Ache And Intestinal Worms
This plant has anti-bacterial properties so, it can effectively kill the bacterial build up in the body.5
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.
9. To Cure 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.
10. To Cure 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.
11. For Treatment Of 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.
12. 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.
13. For 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.
14. For Treating 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.
15. Treating 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.7
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.
16. For Treating 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.
17. For Treating 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.
18. 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.
19. 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.
Final Talk
Mimosa pudica has an array of medicinal uses. It is used since traditional times to treat multiple health ailments.
In spite of its array of help benefits, it should not be consumed by pregnant and lactating women. Moreover, always take it in the recommended amount. If taken in high quantities it can prove fatal. Also, you should avoid using it if you suffer from constipation or hypomenorrhea (scanty periods).
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