This evergreen tropical plant which is characterised by fern-like leaves which close and droop when touched, has nerve regenerating properties.

In addition to its sensitive leaves which usually reopen within minutes of closing up, Mimosa Pudica – which is more commonly known as Shame OL’ Lady – is also characterised by a prickly stem and small, fluffy ball-shaped pink flowers.

Mimosa contains an alkaloid known as mimosine, as well as another chemical known as adrenaline.

Other substances such as tannin, crocetin, viamethyl ester as well as an array of phytochemicals such as calcium oxalate crystals explain why it is good for sprains, strains and pains.

I once had a combination of teas on the market known as backache tea.

It was a combination of Shame OL’ Lady, comfrey, blue vervein and nettle and it worked perfectly against sprains and backaches.

It is also used as an effective anti-spasmodic against colds mucous and phlegm.

I have often heard that is it good for gonorrhoea, and while I am not prescribing it as a cure for semenial discharges, I think it is worth taking by anyone who is experiencing this particular type of discomfort.

An extract from Mimosa Pudica, is now being prepared for pain relief is currently patent pending.

Mimosa produces tricylic norpramin and perpofrane, whch are patented anti-depressants.

Anafranil is one of the branded pain relievers which contains mimosa.

Women suffering from bleeding disorders like menorrhagia (excessive blood loss during menstration) would do well to use an ounce of mimosa to make a pint of tea and drink it at least two to three times for the day.

I remember wringing my foot while on a herb-gathering expedition in the mountainaous Gubbe community in deep rural St Catherine.

For months I suffered excrutiating pain from the sprain. I decided to try a concotion of this plant and within minutes I experienced so much relief that I was able to walk properly.

Mimosa Pudica is currently under the scrutiny of many laboratories throughout the world. Some of these very same findings have also been made by these labs.

Consequently I can say with some confidence that it is effective for rhematoid arthritis, muscular pain and any stress-related agtation.

This plant is well known for its rapid movement and ability to improve soil quality by extracting nitrates from the air and transmitting them to the soil as nitrogen.

It is indigenous to South and Central America as well as many West Indian islands, including Jamaica.

However, today it may be found in many regions including Asia, Africa the Pacific Islands, Australia the Saychelles Mauritus and parts of Florida. In Queensland Australia its cultivation is controlled as it has the potential to take over vast areas of grass land.

The Indians – who call it Lajjalu – use it to as an astringent, exotic ornament and to balance the body’s yin and yang.

Buckston Harrison is well known for his work as a herbalist, especially in western Jamaica. He resides in Sheffield, Westmoreland.

Buckston and Huber’s Alternative is not intended as a substitute for the diagnosis, cure, prevention or treatment of disease. You may send your questions and comments to thealternative@jamaicaobserver.com.