Health & Life

The Humble Mimosa Pudica: Unveiling Its Medicinal Marvels

The touch-me-not plant, also known as the shy plant or mimosa pudica, is a creeping annual or perennial herb of the pea family, Fabaceae. It is native to South America and Central America, but has become naturalized in many other parts of the world. The plant is characterized by its compound leaves, which fold inward when touched or shaken, and its small, pink flowers. The touch-me-not plant has been used in traditional medicine for centuries, and modern research has confirmed some of its medicinal properties.

Administrator

21 April, 2024

111

Mimosa Pudica: The Sensitive Plant with Astonishing Medicinal Properties

Mimosa pudica, commonly known as the sensitive plant, touch-me-not, or shameplant, is a fascinating botanical marvel belonging to the Mimosaceae family. Its peculiar name originates from its remarkable ability to quickly fold its leaves and stems inward when touched, resembling a shy reaction.

In traditional Chinese medicine, almost every part of Mimosa pudica has been employed for medicinal purposes. The twigs and leaves possess a sweet and slightly bitter taste, along with a cooling nature and mild toxicity. They are known for their ability to clear liver heat, calm the mind, dispel heat accumulation, and detoxify the body. The roots, on the other hand, exhibit a slightly bitter and astringent taste, along with a warm nature and toxic effects. They are valued for their expectorant, antitussive, qi-activating, and digestive-aiding properties.

Mimosa pudica’s Medicinal Value: A Treasure in Traditional Chinese Medicine

Primarily, the stems, leaves, and roots of Mimosa pudica are utilized for their therapeutic benefits. The stems and leaves are harvested during the dry season and dried for medicinal purposes, while the roots can be collected throughout the year, dried, and used similarly.

Benefits of Mimosa Pudica

Extensive research, including the work of Professor of Pharmacology Dam Trung Bao, has revealed a multitude of therapeutic properties and health benefits associated with Mimosa pudica. These include:

Calming the central nervous system, supporting sleep, and reducing anxiety
Delaying the onset of seizures and epileptic episodes
Alleviating pain
Neutralizing toxins and counteracting arsenic acid
Relieving sore throat and bronchitis symptoms
Supporting heart and lung function

Traditional Medicinal Uses of Mimosa Pudica

According to traditional Chinese medicine, Mimosa pudica is incorporated into various herbal remedies for a range of ailments, including:

Chronic Gastritis

Clean and slice the Mimosa pudica roots, then dry them. Daily, boil 10-15g in water and consume.

Mimosa Pudica: A Natural Remedy for Gastric Issues

Aching Joints

Thinly slice the roots of Mimosa pudica and dry them in a shaded area. Each day, roast 120g until golden brown. Then, soak them in 35-40% alcohol and roast again until dry. Add 600ml of water and simmer (preferably in an earthenware or porcelain pot) until reduced to 200-300ml. Divide the concoction and consume 2-3 times daily.

Regular consumption within 4-5 days should provide significant pain relief for aching joints.

Nervous Exhaustion and Insomnia

Use 15g of the entire Mimosa pudica plant (or 6-12g of leaves alone) in combination with 15g of butterfly pea flower and 30g of sour tamarind leaves. Steep in boiling water and consume in the evening. Continue for 7-10 days.

Shingles

Crush fresh Mimosa pudica leaves and apply the paste to the affected area. Repeat this application 2-3 times daily. Before applying, clean and dry the wound thoroughly.

Mimosa Pudica: An Herbal Remedy for Shingles

High Blood Pressure

Combine 6g each of Mimosa pudica, cypress, mint, akebia, eucommia, vangueria leaves, cassia seeds, Chinese yam, and dodder seeds (fukien tea). Add 8g each of he shou wu and tang gui, and 4g of yam. Steep in boiling water and consume daily.

Alternatively, grind the mixture into a powder, form it into pills, and take 20-30g daily.

Indigestion

Use 16g each of Mimosa pudica leaves, dioscorea, peony root, and malt. Boil in water twice and consume after lunch and dinner. Relief should be noticeable within 3-5 days.

Chronic Bronchitis

Boil 100g of Mimosa pudica roots in 600ml of water until reduced to 100ml. Divide this into two doses and consume throughout the day. Each treatment should last 10 days. Clinical observations indicate a 70% recovery or significant improvement rate after one treatment, increasing to 80% after 2-3 treatments (with breaks of 5-10 days in between). Seeking medical advice regarding the treatment regimen is advisable.

Caution: Mimosa pudica contains the toxic compound mimosine, with both acute and chronic toxicity. Due to its sedative and numb

Frequently asked questions

In traditional Chinese medicine, almost all parts of the plant are used for various therapeutic purposes. The stems and leaves are harvested during the dry season and used to calm the mind, clear liver heat, and support sleep. The roots are valued for their expectorant and digestive-aiding properties. Overall, it is believed to help with nervous exhaustion, insomnia, pain relief, high blood pressure, indigestion, and more.

To treat gastric issues, clean and slice the roots, then dry them. Boil 10-15g of the dried roots in water and consume daily.

Thinly slice the roots and dry them in a shaded area. Roast 120g of the sliced roots until golden brown, then soak them in alcohol and roast again. Add water and simmer until reduced, then consume the concoction 2-3 times daily for 4-5 days for significant pain relief.

Use 15g of the entire plant or 6-12g of leaves, along with butterfly pea flower and sour tamarind leaves. Steep in boiling water and consume the tea in the evening for 7-10 days.

Crush fresh Mimosa pudica leaves and apply the paste to the affected area 2-3 times daily. Ensure the wound is clean and dry before application.

Combine equal parts of Mimosa pudica, cypress, mint, akebia, eucommia, vangueria leaves, cassia seeds, Chinese yam, and dodder seeds. Add he shou wu, tang gui, and yam, then steep in boiling water for a daily tea. Alternatively, grind the mixture into pills and take 20-30g daily.

Use 16g each of Mimosa pudica leaves, dioscorea, peony root, and malt. Boil in water twice and consume the tea after lunch and dinner. Relief should be noticeable within 3-5 days.

Yes, boil 100g of Mimosa pudica roots in 600ml of water until reduced to 100ml. Consume this in two doses throughout the day for a 10-day treatment. Clinical observations show a significant improvement rate after one treatment, increasing to 80% after 2-3 treatments. It is advisable to seek medical advice regarding the treatment regimen.

Caution should be exercised as Mimosa pudica contains the toxic compound mimosine, which can cause both acute and chronic toxicity. It has sedative and numbing effects, so professional medical advice is recommended before incorporating it into your routine.