Mimosa Pudica – Medicinal Qualities, Uses, Benefits, Side Effects

A variety of herbs have traditionally been used in the field of disease prevention since ancient times. Plants rich in these medicinal properties have gained a special status in Ayurvedic treatments. One of the best herbal plants found in India as well as Assam is Lajuki Lata (Sensitive Plant). This herbal plant has been used to treat a variety of ailments for a long period of time.

Mimosa Pudica - Medicinal Qualities, Uses, Benefits, Side Effects

What is Sensitive Plant/Mimosa pudica?

A sensitive Plant is a herbal plant rich in medicinal properties. This is called ‘Sensitive plant’ in English and ‘Touch me not plant’ and ‘Lajawanti’ in Hindi. The sensitive Plant belongs to the plant family ‘Fabaceae and its scientific name of it is – “Mimosa Pudica”.

Where is it found?

The sensitive Plant is native to Central America and South America. At present such plants are found in Asia such as India, Bangladesh, Thailand, Malaysia, Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Japan, Sri Lanka, etc. Mimosa comes from the Greek word “mimic” which means “to mimic” and “counterfeit”. This type of plant often grows under the ever-shaded areas, under bushy trees. Sensitive Plant is an herb blessed with amazing medicinal health benefits. The whole Sensitive Plant is used for medicinal purposes. In India, this plant is used in Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani medicine for the treatment of various ailments.

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Appearance:

Sensitive Plant is a low-growing, multi-branched, perennial shrub that prefers to grow in areas such as- roadside, pasture, grassland etc. The stems of this plant are tubular, tapering, with secondary and tertiary branches up to 2 cm long; the surface is more or less wrinkled. The stems are reddish-brown or purple in color. The stems are 3-4 mm long, narrow, slightly bent, hard and sharp. The leaves are dark green and hairy, the petiole is about 2.5 cm long. The leaves have 10-15 leaflets. The leaflets are 8-12 mm long, 1.5 mm wide, rectangular, linear and jagged. Touching the leaves causes rapid folding and closing of the leaves at night. The flowers are bright pink. The flowers of this plant in India bloom from August to October. The fruits are oblong, flattened about 4-20 mm long and 2-6 mm wide with 1-5 seeds. The seeds are flattened to 2.5-3 mm in diameter and have a smooth surface and a thin brown color.

Medicinal Qualities

Traditionally, Mimosa pudica has been used as an antidote to snake bites. The root of the plant is used as a poultice in the field. Roots are used to treat menstrual problems and toothache. Infections of the toes can be treated with a decoction of Mimosa pudica leaves. This plant is also used to treat piles, dysentery, and intestinal worms.

The chemical substance of Sensitive Plant/Mimosa pudica

  • Flavonoids
  • Glycosides
  • Terpenoid
  • Alkaloid
  • Coumarin
  • Saponins
  • Tannins
  • Phytosterols
  • Jasmonic acid
  • Mimosine
  • Betulinic acid 
  • Stigmasterol
  • Beta-sitosterol 
  • 2-hyrdoxymenthyl

Various lingual names of Sensitive Plant

  • English: Sensitive plant, Touch me not plant
  • Hindi: Chui-mui, Lajwanti
  • Tamil: Thottasinungi
  • Malayalam: Tint Armani
  • Assamese: Lajuki Lota
  • Bengali: Lajjabati
  • Kannada: Muttidare Muni, Muchunga, Nachike mullu
  • Nepali: Lajawatee, Bukhaaree jhaar, Nidaaune Jhaar, Naanee jhaar

Scientific classification of Sensitive plant/Mimosa pudica

  • Kingdom: Plantae
  • Clade: Tracheophytes
  • Clade: Angiosperms
  • Clade: Eudicots
  • Clade: Rosids 
  • Order: Fabales
  • Family: Fabaceae
  • Subfamily: Caesalpinioideae
  • Clade: Mimosoideae
  • Genus: Mimosa
  • Scientific name: Mimosa pudica

Benefits of Sensitive Plant/Mimosa pudica

1. Joint pain and arthritis:

Sensitive Plant helps in curing arthritis and rheumatism. To cure toxins in the joints, make a paste of the leaves of this plant and apply it to the affected area.  Apply the paste overnight and wash it off the next morning; by doing this daily you will notice the difference as this treatment reduces the swelling and toxins in the joints.

2. To treat insomnia/sleeplessness:

This herb is excellent for treating insomnia and insomnia. To get rid of the problem of insomnia, make a paste of Mimosa pudica leaves and boil the pasta in hot water and press it. Take it at night for 15-20 days for beneficial results.

3. For treating Asthma:

Mimosa pudica herbaceous plant is useful in curing Asthma disease. For this treatment, prepare the medicinal juice (15 ml) of Mimosa pudica and take it twice a day.

4. To cure gum problems and toothache: 

The benefits of Sensitive Plant are seen in case of dental problems. To maintain good oral hygiene and cure toothache, you need to gargle with a decoction made from the juicy extract of this plant.

5. To cure itching:

Sensitive plants help in healing scabies. To get rid of itchy skin, make a paste of this herb and apply it on the affected area or make a paste by extracting the juice of this plant and add sesame oil and apply this mixture on the affected area. This application will provide relief from itching.

6. Fights hair loss:

Mimosa pudica helps in the development of new hair cells and helps in controlling hair fall. It is recommended to use herbal shampoo containing the extract of this plant on the hair for this health issue.

7. Treats Fractured Bone:

The benefits of Mimosa pudica in the treatment of broken bones are noticeable. This plant helps in the treatment of bone fractures. The leaves of this plant are made into a paste and applied to the affected area.

8. For minor cuts and wounds:

The benefits of Mimosa pudica vine for healing cuts and wounds can be noticed. This herbal leaf juice works wonders when applied to cuts or wounds. This plant has healing properties through which toxins are easily reduced.

9. For treating Diabetes:

Mimosa pudica is also useful in controlling diabetes. This vine’s juice is beneficial in controlling high blood sugar levels. Low blood sugar level is one of the benefits of consuming Lajuki lata herbal juice. Drink 30 ml of this plant juice in the morning and evening. Within 8-10 days you will notice a difference in your blood sugar levels.

10. Helps in treating High Blood Pressure:

Mimosa pudica plant has special benefits for the treatment of high blood pressure. To get rid of the problem of high blood pressure, take 15 ml of leaf juice from this plant twice a day.

11. For treating Premature Ejaculations:

Mimosa pudica treats premature ejaculation. For this treatment, take the seeds of this plant and mix them with equal amounts of sugar. Mix two teaspoons of it with hot milk and take it at night.

12. To treat Glandular swelling and Hydrocele:

Prepare the juice of the leaves of this plant and apply it to the affected area for treating glandular swelling and hydrocephalus. Doing so will reduce inflammation and swelling.

13. To uplift Sagging Breast:

Instead of expensive treatment and surgery, apply a paste of Lajuki lata and the roots of Ashwagandha on the sagging breasts to improve posture.

14. For treating Stomach Aches and Intestinal Worms:

All you have to treat stomach problems and intestinal worms are – to make a paste of the leaves of this plant and mix this paste with honey and consume it for 3-4 days daily.

15. For treating snake bites:

Mimosa pudica vines have been shown the ability to fight against the venom of snakes such as cobras. In such cases, a decoction of this plant should be prepared in 400 ml of water and taken twice a day. But in case of emergency, you should seek medical help.

16. For treating insect bites:

In case of insect bites, apply the paste of leaves and stems of this plant to the affected area.

Read Also: Sesame Seeds – Benefits, Uses, Medicinal Importance and Side Effects

Uses of Lajuki lata/Mimosa pudica

The stems, leaves, flowers, and roots of this plant can be used as medicine to get the benefits of Mimosa pudica. The leaves, leaf juice, decoction, extract, paste, juice, root juice, powder, etc. are used in different ways to cure different diseases. Shampoo, oils, tablets, etc., made from the Lajuki lata herb are available in the market.  

It is recommended to take 15-20 ml of fresh juice of Lajuki lata. If you have taken it as a decoction, the recommended dose is 10 to 75 ml.

Treatment: Proven MS treatment by Dr. Gary Levin M.D

Side Effects of Sensitive Plant/Mimosa Pudica

No specific side effects of this herb have been reported, although in some cases the herb can show some harmful effects –

  • Excessive intake of it can lead to stomach problems in some cases.
  • Lajuki lata plants have anti-infertility properties so if you are trying to conceive then never take Lajuki lata plants in any way.
  • Not all pregnant women should take shy plants.

Therefore, considering the side effects and benefits of Lajuki Lata, it should be used in the right amount on a limited basis and a doctor’s advice should be sought before using it in the treatment of diseases.

Conclusion

The above article provided you with a basic knowledge of the Mimosa pudica herb discussing the uses, chemical elements, different linguistic names, disadvantages, and other benefits of Mimosa pudica. We hope that the information contained in this article will help you in various ways. Thank You!

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