Putri malu or shame plant or puahilahila (Mimosa pudica) is a short shrub legumes tribe members are easily recognized by their leaves which can be quickly shut down by itself when touched. Although some members of legumes can do the same, this plant responds more quickly than other types. The situation is temporary wilting because after a few minutes will be restored as before.
This plant is often found around rice fields, gardens, grass, an herb climbing or lying or half-shrub with a height of 0.3 to 1.5 meters. Wild plants in the open comes from tropical America are found at an altitude of 1,200 meters above sea level.
Leaves pinnate compound leaves form a perfect double two. Number of children until the lancet-shaped leaves elongated, pointed tip, base rounded, flat edge, upper and lower surfaces smooth, 6-16 mm long, 1-3 mm wide, green, purple leaf edge generally. If the leaf is touched will tuck themselves, pinnate duplicate. Fin assembly by closely with a length of 4 to 5.5 cm.
Stem round, hairy, and spiny paste. Stem with a hair brush that leads downward sloping. The roots form a strong root pen. Flower is round like a ball, stemmed, dark purple / red. Petals very small, four-toothed, like the white membrane. Crown small tube, called the four, like the white membrane. Fruit-shaped pod, flat like a line. Seed round and flat.
Putri malu plants has substantial efficacy to cure various diseases. From leaf to root, the plant is efficacious for transquillizer (tranquilizers), ekspetorant (sputum laxative), diuretic (urine laxative), antitussive (antibiotic), antipyretic (fever), and anti-inflammatory. Putri malu efficacious to overcome malaria. Roots and seeds nutritious to induce vomiting.
Chinese medicine experts and U.S. and Indonesian researchers indicate putri malu can be used to treat various other diseases, such as acute inflammation of the eye, kidney stone, high fever in children, intestinal worms, insomnia, inflammation of the respiratory tract (bronchitis).
In addition, chemical substances in plants putri malu to prevent the growth of disease-causing bacteria Shigella dysentriae shigellosis. Utilization for the drug can be given by mouth or as an external medicine. Only use root shy daughter in high doses can cause poisoning and vomiting. Pregnant women are also forbidden to drink the potion because it can harm the fetus.