Mimosa pudica, also known as lajjalu in ancient Ayurvedic practice, has been used for centuries to treat coughs, indigestion, jaundice, and skin disorders.
It is most prevalently found in warm regions of the world, including Australia, India, and Central and South America.
You may have heard the plant called Sensitive Plant, Shame Plant, or Touch-Me-Not plant. This is because its leaves are incredibly sensitive and fold up at night or when handled. This is an intelligent defense mechanism to protect itself from harm.
Though Ayurvedic medicine has used parts of the plant for quite some time, Dr. Todd Watts of Meridian, Idaho, recently discovered how effective the seeds of the plant can be for binding to parasites in your gut.
Mimosa pudica seed is very gelatinous, meaning when it mixes with water, it becomes jelly-like and sticky.
When in a veggie capsule, it is easily broken down by your body. Once the powdered seed mixes with watery fluids in your gut, it becomes gelatinous.
As it forms a gel, it also expands, so it can gently scrub the sides of your intestines. In this way, it could help pull out heavy metals, parasites, toxins, and other invaders that might attach to your intestinal walls. It is also useful in clearing out intestinal buildup.
According to Dr. Watts, "It’s this gut-grabbing property that makes Mimosa pudica seed helpful in protocols that call for detoxification and support in removing parasites from your digestive tract. Scientists have also shown powerful benefits of Mimosa pudica extracts as an antiparasitic tool."
Antioxidants and Other Phytochemicals
The premise of herbal medicine is that plants are rich in natural substances that can support your health. These beneficial plant compounds include phytochemicals.
Every part of Mimosa pudica contains phytochemicals. The leaves are highest in these compounds compared to the rest of the plant. Still, you’ll find phytochemicals throughout the plant, including in the stems and seeds.
Mimosa pudica is especially rich in phytochemical groups called flavonoids and phenolics. These have been linked with helping prevent heart disease and cancer, as well as promoting healthy aging. One likely reason for this is their antioxidant properties.
Antioxidants scavenge free radicals and may help reduce damage to your cells. This helps prevent oxidative stress in your tissues. In turn, this may decrease your risk of certain diseases.
Mimosa pudica also contains phytochemicals called alkaloids (mimosine is one), glycosides, and tannins. These likely also contribute to the plant’s antioxidant benefits and other health properties.
Dr. Watts and his health company, Microbe Formulas, has close ties with Rajesh Kotecha, an Indian ayurveda physician and current Secretary of the Ministry of AYUSH. Aside from being the first company to make Mimosa pudica seed a product, Microbe Formulas is also the first company to utilize Mimosa pudica seed as a cash crop. This Idaho company partners with Indian universities to cultivate its growth with the goal of rebuilding the local economy and community around the Mimosa pudica seed resource.
In order to further enhance Mimosa pudica as a cash crop, Microbe Formulas is also in the process of building a 20,000-square-foot facility for the storing, cleaning, and processing of Mimosa pudica seed. Plus, to support the research and educational aspect, the company is sponsoring two PhD ayurvedic students to study Mimosa pudica seed.
“The goal is to continue to raise awareness of this incredible natural product,” says Dr. Watts. “We are dedicated to bringing Mimosa pudica seed to the world.”
Learn more about the Mimosa pudica plant and Microbe Formulas: An Intro to Mimosa Pudica (And Its Sticky Seeds)