Touch Me Not Plant: Uses, scientific name, benefits & side effects

Touch me not plant or Mimosa pudica plant: We’ve all prodded at these curious leaves, only to have them shrivel up immediately. The touch me not plant’s touching and withdrawing movement is quite amusing.

It is fascinating to observe the opening and closing of the touch me not plant. One tries it again and again, waiting for the leaves to reopen after each attempt.

Have you ever wondered why the legendary “don’t touch me” plant is called such? Today we’ll explain this to you. It’s the most sensitive plant that has ever existed.

When someone touches these plants, they tend to have small green leaves that close or shrink inwardly. They instantly close regardless of how gentle the contact is. We’ve all enjoyed watching it nod off; most likely because we’re wondering what went on in there and whether it will reopen soon.

Touch Me Not Plant’s Scientific Name

The touch me not plant, scientifically known as Mimosa pudica (from Latin: pudica “shy, bashful or shrinking”), has been given the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit in the United Kingdom. It is also known as sensitive plant, sleepy plant, action plant, and shame plant. Yes, you read that correctly.

It is frequently handled, blown, or shaken on purpose to observe its compound leaves fold inward rapidly and droop, protecting themselves from harm, and reopening a few minutes later. It goes through “sleep” or nyctinastic movement like a variety of other plant species.

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Features of Touch Me Not Plant

This plant is native to Central and South America, although it may now be cultivated in a variety of environments as a pantropical weed. This plant thrives in soil that has little fertilizer. This plant grows fast.

The way this plant changes the direction of its leaves is the plant’s most outstanding feature. This change in leaf orientation is referred to as nyctinastic, which means “sleep” in Greek. Delicate touch me not plants, as well as other cold-hardy plants, close at night and resume their growth during light.

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Touch Me Not Plant Uses

This distinctive species thrives in loose, loamy soil with a high moisture level. This plant flourishes in locations with a lot of humidity. It is simple to discover, keep, and maintain, and it has several applications.

• The touch me not plant might alter the soil’s physical, chemical properties. In areas where these plants are grown, the overall nitrogen and potassium levels rose significantly.
• Touch me not plants are beautiful, hardy, and easy to cultivate indoor houseplants. They may be kept outside as well, where they can acquire plenty of sunlight. The touch me not plant has great aesthetic value and may be maintained in areas of your home that are well-lit.
• The sensitive plant is more than simply a delicate plant. It has a variety of medical applications, making it ideal for treating a broad range of ailments. The touch me not plant’s leaves, seeds, roots, and complete plant are used to cure disease.
• Mimosa Pudica Roots – The touch me not plant’s roots are often used to cure snake bites, smallpox, diarrhea, fever, ulcerative colitis, jaundice, leucoderma, hemorrhoids, fistula, and asthma.
• Elephantiasis and other illnesses are caused by the use of just part of the plant. The entire plant is used for muscular pain, depression, cancer, and elephantiasis. One can get irritated skin as a result of changing weather conditions and specific chemicals. Antiseptic fluid may assist with irritation by soothing itchy skin; the best anti-irritant paste consists of roots from this particular plant and sesame oil. You may also combine juice from this plant with Sesame oil to make a thick paste.

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Side Effects of Touch Me Not Plant

Given the wide range of health advantages that this plant has, it should be emphasized that overuse is never beneficial.

• Touch me not is a poisonous plant that can kill you if you take too much of it. If the tannin in touch not is consumed in large amounts, it might be hazardous.
• The plant may be used to prevent pregnancy, which is why individuals who are trying to conceive should avoid ingesting it.
• If you have constipation or don’t get your periods on time, you should avoid consuming the touch me not plant.
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Touch Me Not Plant Health Benefits

This is a highly beneficial plant that has several therapeutic applications. The plant’s almost every part is utilized for its therapeutic properties. It has antibacterial, antivenom, antifertility, anticonvulsant, antidepressant, aphrodisiac, and other medicinal effects that assist in the treatment of many diseases.

1. This product is used for minor injuries and cuts.
2. To treat heavy bleeding during menstruation.
3. It is also used to treat diabetes, diarrhea, jaundice, stomach discomfort, intestinal worms, and other conditions.
4. Rubbing this plant paste can be used to treat a variety of illnesses including itchy skin, gum irritations, and toothache.
5. For treating snake bites and insect stings, try using a paste of this essential plant on the affected area.

The touch me not plant’s minute leaves are a treasure trove of therapeutic effects. Make the most of it!

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Growing Touch Me Not Plant

The touch me not plant is generally grown as an indoor yearly plant, but it may also be used as a groundcover on rare occasions. It grows entirely in soil that isn’t rich in nutrients and allows for constant water drainage and seepage. They can be maintained as an indoor plant at home, regardless of how sensitive they are to touch. Because the touch me not flower appears to be fluffy pink balls, it is both alluring and appealing.

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• Vastu for Snake Plant
• Vastu for Money Plant

Conclusion

The touch me not plant is an extraordinary herb that has a plethora of benefits. While it does have some side effects, they are relatively minor compared to the benefits this plant provides. Whether you want to treat a specific ailment, boost your overall health and well-being, or simply enjoy its beauty, the touch me not plant is an excellent choice.