Mimosa Pudica – Touch it More to Gain Plentiful Health Benefits*

Mimosa pudica, a very delicate to touch plant, is often referred to as the sensitive plant or touch me not. If you have touched the leaves of mimosa pudica before, you would certainly know how quickly its leaves retract and fold up as soon as they feel the stimulus. In case you’re wondering if the folding up reaction takes place only because of touch, then do know that the same reaction is seen in response to sudden changes in light and temperature conditions.

This delicate plant has several medicinal properties. It has its origin in South and Central America. Nowadays, Mimosa Pudica seeds are also cultivated in a big way in southern areas of the USA, the Caribbean, some African countries, the Pacific Islands, southeast and southern regions of Asia, and Western Australia. Here, we’ll be discussing mimosa pudica and its health benefits.

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How to identify Mimosa Pudica?
The seedling of Mimosa Pudica comprises of an erect stem. However, as the plant ages, the stem flops over and starts growing like a trial or creeper. Sometimes, you may find the stems of this plant reaching a length of 5 feet or more. At times, the stems of the mimosa plant are prickly enough to make people avoid walking bare feet wherever they grow. According to this post on Mimosa Pudica, its leaves are feather-shaped or pinnate in structure. The leaflets growing on the stems are also pinnate and end up giving a fernlike look to the foliage.

The soft pink or purple flowers of the mimosa pudica are found on the stalks. They start increasing in number as the plant matures. The heads of the flower are either oval or round in shape, they’re pollinated by wind and insects alike. These flowers develop into pods with segments holding hard, pale brown seeds – despite the reputation of Mimosa Pudica being hard to germinate.

Medicinal Uses of Mimosa Pudica
Mimosa Pudica should not be consumed as it happens to be toxic. However, the leaves, roots, and flowers of the plant can be utilized for making topical medicines. Touch me not contains an alkaloid called mimosine. This alkaloid either kills the plant stems in entirety or stops them from reproducing and growing. Given these features of Mimosa Pudica, it serves as an effective antibacterial agent. The goodness of Mimosa Pudica can be further understood in terms of its antioxidants that protect human cells by inactivating the harmful free (radical) oxygen molecules. The other benefits of Mimosa Pudica include fatty acids, tannins, and sterols. The leaves of this plant comprise a chemical that shows properties similar to adrenaline. These properties are quite effective in taking care of cobra venom and easing migraine headaches.

Adopt the Goodness of Mimosa Pudica
Mimosa Pudica, a beautiful and fascinating plant, has several powers and secrets that are waiting to unfurl. You may want to experience the many benefits of mimosa plants and their seeds after getting in touch with the health practitioner of your choice.