Touch Me Not Plant Benefits & Uses (Mimosa Pudica Plant)

Are you curious about touch me not plant benefits? Or how they can be good for your health? If yes, you have safely landed at the right place because we are about to tell you everything you need to know about these plants.

When you touch the leaves of a Touch Me Not plant, it folds inward instantly as if the plant is shy or afraid, and the fact that not all plants do it makes it truly fascinating to see something like it happen in front of your eyes. This curious behaviour is not just for show but a natural defence mechanism these plants use to scare away insects or protect themselves from harm.

When the plant senses touch, heat, or strong vibrations, it sends signals through its leaf stalks called pulvini that let the leaves bend and close quickly.  

Scientifically known as mimosa pudica, it is native to South and Central America but is now found in many parts of the world and has gained a lot of attention not just for its leaf-folding mechanism but also for its health benefits. 

People have used it in traditional medicine for centuries as it has healing properties and can be useful in calming inflammation, treating skin problems, and more. This article will explore mimosa pudica benefits, uses, and why it holds an important spot in the herbal field.

Touch Me Not Plant Benefits For Health

The touch me not plant has many health benefits, from treating piles to controlling blood sugar. You can use it for various conditions and illnesses, including the ones we have mentioned below.

Relief from Piles

People have been using mimosa pudica for years to treat piles, and it has proved to be quite effective, reducing pain, bleeding, and burning, the common symptoms associated with the condition. They crush its leaves into a fine paste and apply it like a plaster on the affected area, and since the plant has healing properties, it soothes the inflammation and promotes healing.

Helps Treat Ulcers

The Mimosa pudica plant is also helpful in treating stomach ulcers, so people suffering from them can use it as an herbal remedy to ease their pain and discomfort. A study done on rats, where ulcers were artificially induced, was treated with an ethanol extract of the plant, showing promising results. Just 1 mg dose was enough to reduce the size and severity of the ulcers, showing how effective it is for painful stomach or intestinal ulcers.

Wound Healing Properties

When talking about touch-me-not plant benefits, we cannot forget about its healing properties and how people have used its leaves to treat wounds and cuts for years. The leaves ground with a little water create a paste which can be applied directly on the skin to heal the affected area. Researchers believe the healing effect is mainly due to the phenolic compounds found in the plant.

Cures Diarrhoea

This is one of the mimosa pudica benefits that cannot be denied because even studies conducted on rats have proved its efficiency. People suffering from diarrhoea can use it to control and reduce their symptoms. It is a natural remedy for digestive issues, and the best part is that it has no side effects, at least nothing major.

Anti-Venom Properties

One of the lesser-known but fascinating uses of the Mimosa pudica plant is that it can act as an anti-venom if needed. Based on a study, the effects of a water-based extract made from the plant’s boiled dried roots can fight the venom of the Indian cobra, as it can neutralise the venom’s harmful effects. Though more research is needed on this matter, the remedy can be useful as first aid support if someone gets bitten by a cobra.

Anti-Inflammatory Effects

The plant is rich in natural compounds like phenolics, flavonoids, and other antioxidants effective in reducing inflammation in the body, so you can use it to remove harmful free radicals, protect your heart, and even prevent signs of aging. Among all parts of the plant, the leaf extract has the strongest antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity, while the stem extract has the least, so make sure to use the right part for maximum benefit.

Helps Control Blood Sugar Levels

When talking about Touch-me-not plant uses, we cannot skip the benefits it offers to people suffering from diabetes. Studies have shown that using petroleum ether and ethanolic extracts made from its roots and leaves can lower your blood sugar levels to a great extent. That’s why many people use it as a natural aid to manage their diabetes, but for maximum benefits, it should be paired with regular medicines as advised by a doctor.

Touch Me Not Plant Benefits For The Skin

Mimosa pudica is popular for its skin benefits as well, and if you didn’t know about it before, you can read about it in the section below.

Great For Skin Issues

Mimosa pudica has long been used in traditional medicine, where it proved to be highly effective against skin problems like burns, cuts, rashes, and wounds, which is why people use its roots, leaves, and extracts on the affected area. It has strong healing properties that form a protective layer on the skin and speed up the healing process so your skin can get back to normal faster.

Soothes Sensitive Skin

If you have sensitive skin, using mimosa pudica can help as it can relieve itching and discomfort caused by allergies, insect bites, or dryness. It acts as a natural skin soother, so you don’t have to use artificial products that are not good for your skin.

Neuroprotective Potential

Mimosa pudica is rich in antioxidants, which are found to protect nerve cells from oxidative stress, but still more research is needed before you can use it for this purpose.

Touch Me Not Plant Benefits For The Environment

Now that you have an idea about mimosa pudica's medicinal uses, let’s take a look at how it benefits the environment.

Improves Soil Health

As a type of legume, it works with helpful bacteria that live in small nodules on its roots to enrich the soil, so it not only benefits itself but also the plants growing nearby. These bacteria take nitrogen from the air and turn it into a form plants can use through a process called nitrogen fixation, which increases its levels in the soil and thus makes it more fertile.

Prevents Soil Erosion

The shy plant spreads close to the ground and offers wide coverage while its roots hold the soil in place so it doesn’t get loose or erode. Covering the ground protects the soil from being blown or washed away by rain or wind, which is why it is useful in areas where erosion is common. 

Reduces The Need For Chemicals

The sensitive plant increases nitrogen levels in the soil, which in turn reduces the need for chemical fertilisers and herbicides, which do more damage than good if used in excess. If the soil is healthy, it requires fewer inputs to grow crops, and the natural ground cover can limit unwanted weeds from growing.

Side Effects Of the Touch Me Not Plant

The Touch Me Not plant is known for its healing and medicinal properties, but it has some side effects you should know before you start using it as a natural remedy. 

The main side effects of touch the touch-me-not plant are as follows:

• It contains tannins and other active compounds that are harmful to your health if you take it in large amounts. 

• Taking high doses of this plant may cause toxicity and even threaten your life in extreme cases, which is why you should follow the dosage limit recommended by your doctor.

• It is not considered safe for pregnant women or those who are planning to get pregnant, so it’s better to talk to a doctor before adding it to your routine.

• It can slow down your digestion and make constipation worse if you are already suffering from it.

• It can affect your menstrual cycle if you experience light or irregular periods already.

Uses Of The Touch Me Not Plant

The Touch Me Not plant has many uses, and that’s one of the many reasons why it is popular in different parts of India.

Many people grow this plant in their gardens as it keeps animals and pests away with its unique structure and movement, acting as a natural deterrent, but some also like it because it looks beautiful. It has delicate pink flowers and soft leaves that not only enhance its charm, but you can also use it to decorate your space.

It thrives in moist, loamy soil, so make sure it receives enough sunlight and humidity for it to grow and remain healthy.

It is said in Vastu Shastra that keeping this plant in the north direction of your home brings positive energy, so if you believe in these things, you should surely give it a try.

Be it for beauty or healing properties, the Touch Me Not plant can be a valuable addition to your home or garden, and the fact that it is easy to grow makes things even better.

Touch Me Not Plant Care

If you plan to grow a touch-me-not plant in your home, knowing its care requirements will help you ensure it stays in good health. We have provided the touch-me-not plant care guidelines in the lines below so you don’t have to look anywhere else.

• It grows best in bright, indirect sunlight, so place it near a window where it can receive plenty of filtered light, not direct sun.

• Keep the soil moist but ensure it doesn’t get soggy; otherwise, your plants will die due to excess water, as it rots the roots.

• Use well-draining soil, preferably a mix of regular potting soil, sand, or perlite for better drainage.

• It likes warmth and doesn’t do well in cold temperatures, so you should keep it in a space between 18–24°C and away from frost. 

• Feed your plant with a balanced liquid fertiliser every 4-6 weeks during spring and summer, and stop feeding when the fall and winter seasons arrive.

• Trim the tips as required so it looks full and neat always.

• Watch out for pests like spider mites and aphids, and if you spot them, use neem oil or insecticidal soap to remove them.

• If your plant outgrows its pot or the roots get crowded, use fresh, loose soil and move it to a bigger container.

• It is sensitive to poor-quality water, so it’s better if you use filtered or distilled water instead of tap water with high salt or chlorine content.

• Since it has delicate leaves, keep it in a protected area so the wind cannot destroy it.

• You can grow these plants from seeds if you soak them overnight and then plant them in moist soil.

• If you want to grow it indoors, turn the pot regularly to ensure all sides of the plant get light evenly, and move it outdoors if needed.

Final Thoughts

After reading the touch me not plant benefits, you have an idea of the things you can use it for and how it will affect you. It has a wide range of health, skin, and environmental benefits, which give you enough reasons to add it to your plant collection if you have any. Whether you use it for its healing properties or to decorate your home, the touch-me-not plant can be a wonderful plant to grow and watch it thrive.

FAQs

What is the touch-me-not plant good for?

You can use the Touch-Me-Not plant to treat various health issues like piles, wounds, skin problems, and stomach disorders.

Why does the touch-me-not plant close?

The leaves of the touch-me-not plant will close if you touch them in a defensive reaction, so it doesn’t get harmed or eaten by animals or insects.

What is the medicinal use of Mimosa pudica?

Mimosa pudica is effective against piles, diarrhoea, wounds, skin infections, and even anxiety.

Why is Mimosa called the touch-me-not plant?

Mimosa is called the Touch-Me-Not plant because its leaves fold up immediately when touched, a defence mechanism unique to this plant.

What is Mimosa pudica used for?

Mimosa is used in traditional medicine for treating pain, bleeding piles, skin diseases, and minor wounds.

Which plant is very shy?

The Mimosa pudica plant is called the “shy plant” because its leaves fold when touched.

Why is Mimosa pudica sensitive to touch?

Mimosa pudica is sensitive to touch as it has special cells in its leaves that lose water when touched, causing it to fold immediately.

What flower closes when touched?

Mimosa pudica closes its leaves when touched, but not the flowers.

Is Mimosa pudica good for skin?

Mimosa pudica is good for the skin, which is why many people use it to heal cuts, reduce inflammation, and treat skin infections.

What are the benefits of drinking Mimosa pudica?

Drinking Mimosa pudica can lower plasma levels of free fatty acids, and that’s why it is used for metabolic disorders.

What is the Indian name for Mimosa pudica?

The Indian name for Mimosa pudica is Lajwanti.

How to take Mimosa pudica capsules?

You can take up to Mimosa pudica capsules daily with 8-12 ounces of water or whatever your doctor suggests.

Who should not take Mimosa pudica?

People who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or allergic to the plant shouldn’t use it.