Mimosa Pudica (Lajwanti): Health Benefits, Uses & Side Effects (Chui Mui, Shame Plant)

Introduction

If you grew up in India or ever seen a touch me not plant, you probably remember touching a small green plant whose leaves folded The moment you touchy, it almost like a shy plant.
That plant is Mimosa Pudica, known locally as Lajwanti, “touch-me-not”, “chuimui”, or “sensitive plant”.

But friends here’s what most people don’t know that this shy little plant holds a great place in Ayurveda.

For centuries, Mimosa has been used to support digestive health, wounds, women’s health, urinary problems, bleeding disorders, skin issues, and sexual health. It may look like a tiny and sensitive plant but is contains numerous health benefits.

So, friends, in this post let’s understand its nature, benefits, and how to use it without any side effects.

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Common Names

  • Hindi: Lajwanti, Chuimui
  • English: Sensitive Plant, Touch-Me-Not Plant
  • Tamil: Thotta Sinungi
  • Sanskrit: Lajjalu
  • Bengali: Lojjaboti
  • Telugu: Atta Sitta

Botanical Profile

  • Botanical Name: Mimosa pudica
  • Family: Fabaceae
  • Parts Used: Whole plant (roots, leaves, seeds)
  • Type: Herbaceous, perennial creeping plant

Mimosa Pudica is mostly found in India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Brazil, and other tropical countries.

Ayurvedic Identity of Lajwanti

In Ayurveda, Lajwanti is considered:

  • Rasa: Kashaya (astringent), Tikta (bitter)
  • Guna: Laghu (light), Ruksha (dry)
  • Virya: Sheeta (cooling)
  • Effects on Dosha: Pacifies Pitta & Kapha, may slightly increase Vata if taken excessively.

Ayurvedic Actions (Karma)

  • Stambhana: Helpful in reducing excessive bleeding
  • Vrana Ropana: Wound healing
  • Kashaya: Astringent, tightens tissues
  • Mutrala: Supports urinary health
  • Deepana & Pachana: Improves digestion

Health Benefits & Uses of Mimosa

Here are the most important benefits and uses, that explained in simple and practical way.

For Piles & Fissures

How to Use

Boil 10–15 grams of fresh Mimosa Pudica leaves in 2 cups of water. Reduce it to 1 cup and drink once a day for 5–7 days.

Why It Works

Because of its astringent nature (Kashaya rasa) that helps shrink swollen tissues, reduce bleeding, and soothe fissure pain.

Excessive Bleeding (Menorrhagia, Piles Bleeding)

How to Use

Take ½ teaspoon Mimosa Pudica powder with cold water twice daily.

Why It Works

Mimosa is rich in tannins that help tighten tissues and reduce blood loss.

For Wound Healing

How to Use

Make a paste of fresh leaves and apply gently to cuts, burns, insect bites, or wounds.

Why It Works

  • It acts as a natural antibacterial and tissue repair agent.
  • It also reduces swelling and supports faster healing.

For Stomach & Intestinal Health

How to Use

Take ½ teaspoon of Mimosa Pudica powder with buttermilk after lunch.

Why It Works

It has cooling properties that calm the digestive tract, improve absorption, and helps reduce loose motions.

For Diarrhea & Dysentery

How to Use

Take one cup Mimosa decoction, once daily, until symptoms are reduced.

Why It Works

Mimosa has astringent compounds that help to tighten the intestines and reduce excessive watery stools.

For Worm Infestation

How to Use

Take Mimosa Pudica seeds powder (¼ teaspoon) at night with warm water for 3 days.

Why It Works

Mimosa Pudica seeds have natural anthelmintic action, that help to eliminate intestinal worms.

Female Reproductive Health

How to Use

Take ½ teaspoon Mimosa Pudica root powder with honey in the morning.

Why It Works

  • It reduces excessive menstrual bleeding
  • It helps to treat Leukorrhea
  • It also treats PCOS-related heavy bleeding
  • Post-partum tissue healing

Men’s Reproductive Health

How to Use

Take ¼–½ teaspoon Mimosa Pudica seed powder with warm milk once daily, at night.

Why It Works

The seeds are traditionally considered balya (strengthening) and help nourish male reproductive tissues, supporting stamina and sperm health.

How to Use Mimosa Pudica in Daily Life?

Here are simple ways you can add Lajwanti to your routine.

Lajwanti Tea

  • Add 1 tsp Mimosa Pudica powder or fresh leaves to boiling water
  • Steep for 5 minutes
  • Drink warm

Powders

  • Dosage: ½ to 1 teaspoon once or twice daily
  • Take with warm water or honey

Paste (External Use)

  • Crush fresh leaves
  • Apply directly on wounds, burns, insect bites

Seed Powder

For worms or digestive detox

  • Take ¼ teaspoon at bedtime (short-term use)

General Recommended Dose

  • 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

Simple Ayurvedic preparations that you can use at home.

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.

Precautions & Side Effects

  • Avoid during pregnancy unless guided by a practitioner.
  • People with chronic constipation should avoid excessive use (may dry tissues).
  • Do not take high doses for long periods it may increase Vata.
  • If you are taking medicine for diarrhea or bleeding disorders, consult with doctor first.

Conclusion

So, friends, now you understand why this small, shy plant holds high value in traditional medicinal system.

From digestive balance to women’s health, wound healing, urinary comfort, and bleeding control, Mimosa heals all.

With the correct dose, time and simple use at home, it can be a valuable addition to your natural living.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)

Q1. Is Mimosa Pudica safe for daily use?

Yes, but in small or suggested doses (½–1 teaspoon). You should be monitoring your health if you are using for Long-term.

Q2. Can I use Mimosa Pudica for piles?

Yes, it is one of the most effective herbs for bleeding piles and fissures.

Q3. Does it help in loose motions?

Yes, due to its astringent effect, it reduces diarrhea and strengthens digestion.

Q4. Can kids use Mimosa Pudica?

Mild decoction can be used for children (age 5+) for worm infestation, but dosage should be low.

Q5. Are there any drug interactions?

Yes, it may interact with anti-diarrheal or blood-thinning medicines. So, consult first, before combining.



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  • Priti Gupta on

    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.

  • Anna Protheroe on

    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


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