Touch me not 

🌿 Botanical Name: Mimosa pudica

🌿 Herbal Uses of Touch-Me-Not (Mimosa pudica)

1. Wound Healing

- Astringent leaves: Used as a poultice to heal wounds and cuts.
- Antiseptic properties: Prevent infection in skin injuries.

2. Pain and Inflammation

- Anti-inflammatory: Reduces swelling and pain in joints and injuries.
- Used in treating arthritis and joint stiffness.

3. Digestive Aid

- Antidiarrheal: Leaf decoction traditionally used for diarrhea and dysentery.
- Liver tonic: May help support liver function.

4. Urinary and Reproductive Health

- Hemostatic: Helps reduce excessive menstrual bleeding.
- Used in traditional medicine for urinary tract infections.

5. Neurological Support

- Mild sedative: Helps relieve anxiety and promote sleep.
- Traditionally used for nerve-related disorders.

6. Skin Conditions

- Used in treating skin infections, eczema, and minor burns.
- Anti-allergic and antimicrobial action supports skin healing.

7. Anti-Microbial and Anti-Parasitic

- Effective against certain bacteria and intestinal parasites.
- Roots used in decoctions for internal cleansing.

🌱 Plant Description:

- Type: Perennial herb or creeping shrub
- Height: 1 to 3 feet (30–90 cm)
- Structure: Spreading, low-lying or slightly upright stems
- Leaves: Bipinnate compound leaves that fold inward when touched (thigmonastic movement)
- Stems: Slender, prickly, and hairy

🌸 Flowering & Fruit:

- Flowers: Small, globose pink to purple puffball-like inflorescences
- Flowering Season: Mainly during warm months
- Fruit: Flat, small pods with multiple seeds; pods are prickly and break into segments

🌱 Propagation:

- By Seeds: Easily propagated from seeds; sow directly into soil in spring or summer

🗓️ Harvest Time:

- Leaves and roots can be harvested at any time after the plant matures (typically 3–4 months after germination)
- For medicinal use, root harvesting is done during the dry season for better potency.