Mimosa plant is a short lived evergreen shrub which can be treated as an annual plant. This is an interesting plant due to peculiar movement of its leaflets that are sensitive to touch. Its fern like leaves close up and droop down whenever touched either by hand or by any object, living or non-living. It is due to the specific characteristics of its leaves that mimosa is regarded as a plant of high ornamental value. These leaves open in a very short time after the stimulus is withdrawn.

Ayurveda has declared that its root is bitter, acrid, cooling, vulnerary, alexipharmic, and used in the treatment of leprosy, dysentery, vaginal and uterine complaints, inflammations, burning sensation, asthma, leucoderma, and fatigue and blood diseases. Unani Healthcare System its root is resolvent, alternative, and useful in the treatment of diseases arising from blood impurities and bile, bilious fevers, piles, jaundice, and leprosy etc. Decoction of root is used with water to gargle to reduce toothache. It is very useful in diarrhea (athisaara), amoebic dysentery (raktaatisaara), bleeding piles and urinary infections. It arrests bleeding and fastens the wound healing process. It is mainly used in herbal preparations for gynecological disorders. It has been said to have medicinal properties to cure skin diseases. It is also used in conditions like bronchitis, general weakness and impotence. It is also used to treat neurological problems. The content of M.pudica has a capacity of arresting bleeding and it fastens the process of healing of wounds. It is recommended in diarrhea, amoebic dysentery and bleeding piles. It is also used in herbal preparations of gynecological disorders. Its extract can cure skin diseases. Some herbal doctors recommend it for bronchitis, general weakness and impotence. All the five parts of the plant (that is the PANCHANG) - leaves, flowers, stems, roots, and fruits are used as medicines in the traditional healthcare systems. In India, different parts of the plant have been in popular use for treating various ailments since long. Recent researches show that the extract of this plant can be used for checking child birth. Some authors have reported that this herb can replace contraceptive pills if researches are done properly.

According to different researches done so far, Mimosa Tenuiflora bark is used to relax the mind, and relieve depression, mental distress, irritability, severe palpitations, and amnesia. It is a mood enhancer and improves circulation of the blood. Some believe Mimosa can reduce the onset of baldness. Due to its ability to promote healthy cell growth, Tepezcohuite is used in shampoos, creams, capsules, and soaps. In Ayurvedic and Unani medicine, Mimosa pudica root is used to treat bilious fevers, piles, jaundice, leprosy, dysentery, vaginal and uterine complaints, inflammations, burning sensation, fatigue, asthma, leucoderma, and blood diseases. In Western medicine, Mimosa root is used for treating insomnia, irritability, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), menorrhagia, hemorrhoids, skin wounds, and diarrhea. It is also used to treat whooping cough and fevers in children, and there is some evidence to suggest that Mimosa is effective in relieving the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. All parts of the Mimosa plant are reportedly toxic if taken directly. Its consumption is not recommended to pregnant or nursing ladies. Due to these reports, it seams to be best to consult a physician before using Mimosa internally. Researches regarding safety in young children or those with severe liver or kidney disease have not been found.