We don’t know many plants and their potential medicinal effect. That is because most of the plants or herbs have not been rigorously tested under the same standard a drug would need to go through. This is not to say that mimosa pudica does not have medicinal purposes. I do not have enough information to comment on this particular plant.

 

On another note, many people equate “natural product” with safety. That is not a safe assumption. These days, the FDA requires extensive cardiovascular safety data before a diabetes drug can be approved. And the public seem to feel that this safeguard is not sufficient. However, we don’t have a similar safety screening for natural products. In regards to the spots on the feet, although it does not seem to suggest a serious diabetes condition it is difficult to make a judgment without looking at it. I would suggest that you seek medical attention.

 

Answer by: William Hsu, M.D.