The sensitive plant, commonly known as Mimosa pudica (also called shy plant, touch-me-not, or sleeping grass), is a well-known medicinal herb widely used in traditional medicine across many Asian countries. Below is a rewritten, advertisement-free overview of its characteristics, medicinal value, and traditional remedies.

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1. Botanical Characteristics

Mimosa pudica belongs to the legume family (Fabaceae). It is a perennial herbaceous plant that commonly grows wild in open fields, along roadsides, riverbanks, and vacant land.

The plant typically reaches up to 1.5 meters in length, with creeping or spreading stems covered in small hooked thorns. Its leaves are bipinnate and highly sensitive—when touched, they fold inward and droop, a unique trait that gives the plant its common name.

The flowers are small, round, and pinkish-purple, growing on long stalks from the leaf axils. The fruits are star-shaped pods covered with stiff hairs and grow in clusters.

Originally native to Central and South America, the sensitive plant has spread widely throughout tropical Asia. In Vietnam, it grows abundantly, especially in southern regions.

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2. Chemical Composition and Processing

2.1 Chemical Components

The entire plant contains natural amino acids with properties similar to alkaloids, which are known for their analgesic and sedative effects. Other identified compounds include alcohols, organic acids, flavonoids, crocetin, and mimosine.

The seeds contain mucilage and selenium. The leaves are believed to contain substances that help regulate blood circulation, with effects somewhat similar to selenium and adrenaline.

2.2 Harvesting and Preparation

All parts of the plant can be used medicinally. Leaves and stems are typically harvested during the dry season and used fresh or dried. Roots should be thoroughly cleaned, cut into small pieces, then sun-dried or air-dried and stored in sealed containers for later use.

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3. Health Benefits of the Sensitive Plant

3.1 According to Traditional Medicine

In traditional medicine, Mimosa pudica is considered cooling in nature with a mildly sweet taste. It has been used to support the treatment of insomnia, nervous exhaustion, stomach pain, conjunctivitis, hepatitis, urinary stones, rheumatism, and high blood pressure.

3.2 According to Modern Research

Scientific studies have explored several potential pharmacological effects of Mimosa pudica. Research published in India (2001) reported that extracts from dried roots may inhibit certain enzymes found in snake venom.

Other studies suggest that compounds in the plant may influence ovulation cycles and exhibit antidepressant-like effects. Leaf extracts have also shown anticonvulsant activity in experimental models and may help regulate blood sugar levels, reduce anxiety, and ease palpitations.

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4. Traditional Herbal Remedies Using Mimosa pudica

Note: The following remedies are based on traditional practices and are provided for informational purposes only.

4.1 Lower Back Pain

• Method 1:
  Use 20–30 g of dried roots. Clean, roast lightly, soak briefly in rice wine, roast again until dry, then decoct with water and drink daily.

• Method 2:
  Combine Mimosa pudica root with several other traditional herbs, roast lightly with rice wine, and decoct for daily use.

4.2 Joint and Bone Pain

• Decoctions made from dried roots alone or combined with other medicinal vines and roots are traditionally used to relieve joint stiffness and pain.

4.3 Insomnia and Nervous Fatigue

• Drink a daily decoction made from 15 g of the plant.

• More complex herbal formulas combining Mimosa pudica with other calming herbs are traditionally taken in the evening to improve sleep quality.

4.4 High Blood Pressure

• The plant is included in traditional herbal mixtures that may be consumed as a decoction or prepared into pills for daily use.

4.5 Indigestion and Bloating

• Decoctions of the stems and leaves combined with digestive herbs are traditionally consumed after meals.

4.6 Arthritis and Joint Inflammation

• A mixture of herbs including Mimosa pudica is boiled, and the steam is used for herbal steaming therapy once daily.

4.7 Epilepsy

• Traditional remedies use decoctions of Mimosa pudica combined with other calming herbs, taken daily or before the onset of seizures.

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5. Important Precautions

• Not recommended for pregnant women.

• Should not be combined with other Mimosa species without professional guidance.

• Not suitable for individuals with weak constitution or cold body type.

• Long-term or therapeutic use should be supervised by a qualified traditional medicine practitioner.

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Although Mimosa pudica is a versatile medicinal herb, its effectiveness and safety depend greatly on proper preparation, dosage, and individual health conditions. Professional consultation is strongly advised before using the plant for medicinal purposes.