Table of Content
| 1. Introduction |
| 2. Common Names |
| 3. Plant Description and Parts |
| 4. Ayurvedic Perspective |
| 5. Chemical and Nutritional Value |
| 6. Health Benefits |
| 7. Mimosa Pudica for Piles |
| 8. Simple Ayurvedic Preparations |
| 9. Dosage (General) |
| 10. Side Effects and Precautions |
1. Introduction
Almost every child in India has played with the touch-me-not plant. The moment you touch its leaves, they fold inwards. That is why people call it the shame plant or touch-me-not. In Hindi, it is commonly known as Lajwanti Beej or Chui Mui. It originally came from South and Central America but now grows widely in India and other tropical countries.
It belongs to the Fabaceae family and grows abundantly in tropical countries like India. According to Ayurveda, it has a bitter (tikta) and astringent (kashaya) taste, with a cooling effect. It is believed to balance Pitta and Kapha doshas, making it useful for a wide range of health problems.
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2. Common Names of Mimosa Pudica
This plant is known by many names in different parts of the world. In English, it is called the sensitive plant, touch-me-not, shame plant, or humble plant. In Hindi, it is called Lajwanti or Chui Mui. In some other languages, people call it lajju, makahiya, or shy plant.
3. Plant Description and Parts
Leaves
The leaves are compound and fern-like. They fold instantly when touched. Ayurveda uses leaf paste for wounds, swelling, piles, and skin infections. Decoctions are prepared for diarrhea, urinary problems, and even to calm the nerves in insomnia.
Seeds
The seeds are small, flat, brown, and hard. In Ayurveda, they are used to treat men’s health problems particularly, premature ejaculation and low sperm count. They are also considered useful in urinary tract infections and mood disorders.
Roots
The roots are thin, brown, and fibrous. In traditional medicinal system it is use for piles, ulcers, jaundice, diarrhea, fever, asthma, and even snake bites. Applied externally, root paste can stop bleeding and help wounds heal faster.
Flowers
The flowers are tiny, pinkish-purple, and look like fluffy balls. They later develop into seed pods. They are mainly ornamental, but after flowering, the seeds are used for many remedies
4. Ayurvedic Perspective
In Ayurveda, every plant is described in terms of taste (rasa), qualities (guna), potency (virya), and effect on the three doshas. Mimosa pudica is:
- Taste (Rasa): Bitter (tikta) and Astringent (kashaya)
- Potency (Virya): Cooling (sheeta)
- Effect on Doshas: Pacifies Pitta and Kapha
Because of this, it is considered good for conditions related to heat and inflammation, like bleeding piles, ulcers, skin problems, and digestive irritation.
5. What It Contains (Chemical and Nutritional Value)
Modern research has found many active compounds in Mimosa pudica that support its Ayurvedic uses:
- Mimosine: A unique amino acid with anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects.
- Flavonoids (quercetin, kaempferol): Strong antioxidants that fight free radicals.
- Tannins: Natural astringents that help control bleeding, tighten tissues, and reduce swelling.
- Terpenoids (β-sitosterol, stigmasterol): Support immunity and reduce inflammation.
Along with these, it also contains:
- Vitamin C – supports immunity and protects against oxidative stress.
- Iron – helps in hemoglobin production and energy.
- Calcium – important for bone and muscle health.
6. Health Benefits of Mimosa Pudica
1. Digestive Health
The leaves are commonly used for diarrhea and indigestion. Decoction made from the leaves helps regulate bowel movements and improves gut health. Its astringent property helps control loose stools.
2. Men’s Health
Seeds of Lajwanti are considered a natural remedy for premature ejaculation and low sperm count. When taken with milk or rock sugar, they are believed to improve reproductive strength.
3. Respiratory Relief
Powder of the leaves is sometimes given with water to ease cough, congestion, and mild asthma.
4. Skin and Wounds
Paste made from leaves can be applied on wounds, cuts, and insect bites to stop bleeding and speed up healing. It is also used for itching, acne, eczema, and other inflammatory skin conditions.
5. Sleep and Mental Health
Mimosa leaves are calming in nature. A simple decoction at night can reduce anxiety and help with insomnia. Some studies even point towards its anti-depressant properties.
6. Diabetes Support
Traditionally, decoctions of Mimosa powder are used to control high blood sugar levels.
7. Jaundice and Liver Care
Fresh juice of the plant (in very small quantity) has been given traditionally for jaundice and other liver-related conditions.
8. Immunity Booster
Its antioxidants help the body fight infections and protect overall health.
7. Mimosa Pudica for Piles
One of the most popular uses of this plant in Ayurveda is for piles. Hemorrhoids often cause pain, swelling, and bleeding — and Mimosa addresses all three.
- Its anti-inflammatory property reduces swelling.
- The astringent nature helps stop bleeding and tighten tissues.
By supporting better digestion and bowel movement, it reduces strain during passing stool.
8. Simple Ayurvedic Preparations
Digestive Drink
½ teaspoon Mimosa seed powder + cumin + coriander boiled in water. Strain and drink after meals.
Relaxing Tea
Mix Mimosa seed powder with chamomile and tulsi leaves, boil, and sweeten with honey. Drink at night for relaxation.
Sleep Infusion
Boil Mimosa powder with Brahmi and crushed cardamom. Drink before bedtime for restful sleep.
Immunity Tea
Tulsi, turmeric, a pinch of black pepper, and Mimosa powder boiled together make a good immune-boosting tea.
Joint Pain Paste
Mix Mimosa seed powder with turmeric and aloe vera gel. Apply on swollen joints for relief.
9. Dosage (General)
- Fresh Juice: 15–20 ml
- Leaf Decoction: 50–75 ml
- Tincture: 1–3 ml per day
- Capsules: 1–2 per day
- External Paste: as required
10. Side Effects and Precautions
- Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
- Should be avoided in severe chronic illness unless guided by a doctor.
- May interfere with diabetes and blood pressure medicines.
- Overuse may cause constipation.
- Elderly (65+) should take only after medical consultation
Conclusion
Mimosa pudica — the touch-me-not plant — may look delicate and shy, but inside it holds powerful healing strength. From piles and digestive issues to wounds, skin problems, men’s health, and immunity, Ayurveda has used it for centuries. Modern research now supports many of these traditional uses.
Used in the right way and under proper guidance, this small “shy” plant becomes a dependable natural medicine, reminding us once again of the deep connection between nature and healing.
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Hello,
1. You can take mimosa seeds powder with water or milk, it is the easiest way to take this.
2. Take ¼ teaspoon up to ( Or as recommended by the doctor) twice per day of the Mimosa seed powder with cold or hot filtered water, juice, smoothies, applesauce, yogurt, or your preferred drink.
3. Yes, you can add honey, if you don’t have an allergy to honey.
4. It depends upon the reason for using mimosa powder, some are listed in the post. Please refer “How to use Mimosa Seeds Section” of this post.
Hello
Thank you for all the good information on your site. I would like to know a little more detail about how to take the mimosa pudica seeds please. Do you grind the seeds to make the powder and then soak it for 10 min before drinking? Is it alright to add a little honey to this mixture? Does one take it only at bedtime or can you also take one or more does during the day as well on an empty stomach? Thank you very much for your help; I really appreciate your time. Sincerely, Anna