Health and Wellness.
Pinki Biswas, BS News Agency: Mimosa pudica, commonly known as the touch-me-not plant, shameplant, or "Lajwanti," is a creeping herb in the pea family (Fabaceae) highly valued in traditional medicine for its diverse medicinal properties, particularly for skin issues, digestive health, and inflammation. Almost every part of the plant—including the leaves, roots, and seeds—contains therapeutic bioactive compounds like alkaloids, flavonoids, and tannins.
Key Benefits of the Plant and Its Roots
Wound Healing: A paste made from leaves or roots is applied to cuts, wounds, and skin infections to accelerate healing, stop bleeding, and reduce inflammation.
Piles/Hemorrhoids Treatment: It is traditionally used to reduce inflammation and pain in cases of bleeding piles.
Anti-inflammatory and Joint Pain: The plant helps reduce swelling and is effective for treating arthritis and muscle pain.
Digestive Health: It is used to treat diarrhea, dysentery, and stomach aches.
Skin Care: It acts as a natural remedy for itching, eczema, boils, and rashes.
Diabetic Support: Research indicates that extracts from the roots and leaves can help manage and lower blood sugar levels.
Anti-venom: The roots of the plant are used in traditional medicine as an antidote to snake bites.
Reproductive Health: The plant is used to treat heavy menstrual bleeding and, in some contexts, to manage infertility in men.
Respiratory Relief: It has been used for asthma and bronchitis.
Other Benefits: It has shown potential in reducing anxiety, insomnia, and liver detoxification.
Benefits to the Environment
Soil Enrichment: As a legume, its roots fix nitrogen in the soil, which improves soil fertility.
Erosion Control: It is a creeping plant that spreads close to the ground, acting as a natural ground cover that helps hold soil in place.
Key Uses of Roots
Decoction: A decoction of the roots is used to treat urinary complaints, renal stones, and as an antidote to poison.
Pain Relief: Root paste is used for swelling and Hernia.
Jaundice: It is used to treat jaundice, as part of a 3-week treatment protocol.
Important Precautions
Pregnancy: It should be avoided by pregnant or breastfeeding women, as it can be harmful.
Dosage: While beneficial, excessive consumption or high doses of the plant can be toxic.
Constipation: It may not be suitable for people with chronic constipation or scanty periods.
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes based on traditional medicine and, as with any herbal remedy, should be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional##.