{
  "type": "article",
  "title": "This 'shy' plant in Ranchi's forests folds its leaves at a touch, and locals swear by it for stomach and skin trouble",
  "summary": "The chhuimui, or touch-me-not, plant found in the forests around Ranchi wilts the moment it is touched and then reopens on its own, and residents say it is also used to treat diarrhoea, stomach pain and skin ailments.",
  "content": "In the forests around Ranchi in Jharkhand, a plant grows in large numbers that appears to change its shape the instant someone touches it. Known locally as the chhuimui plant, it is widely believed to carry strong medicinal properties, and residents say it even helps treat diarrhoea, a serious stomach ailment.\n\nLeaves wilt on touch, then reopen on their own\nThe plant's biggest quirk is that the moment a hand touches its leaf, the leaf instantly wilts and curls up. After a short while, the same leaf opens back up on its own and looks exactly as it did before. That is why locals also call it the magical plant. Sujit, a resident of the area, says villagers often play with the plant. Many outsiders travel here specifically to see it, touch it to watch it wilt and reopen, enjoy the reaction, and record videos of it.\n\nA remedy for stomach pain and diarrhoea\nAccording to Sujit, the plant helps wounds heal quickly and is considered a cure all for almost every stomach related problem. Villagers pluck its leaves and prepare a decoction from them. He says that anyone suffering from diarrhoea, stomach pain, gas or indigestion only needs to drink two spoons of this decoction, and the trouble starts clearing up on its own.\n\nAlso said to help with skin problems\nSujit further explains that the plant is also considered effective against skin marks and itching. For this, its leaves are ground into a paste, which is rubbed onto the affected part of the skin. Doing this two to four times is said to gradually reduce skin related problems. That is why the plant is regarded locally as a form of medicine.\n\nFound in the forests of Khunti, it draws visitors from far away\nSujit says the plant is found in the forests of Khunti near Ranchi and has become a local attraction. People often travel long distances just to see this plant and ask locals where the chhuimui plant can be found. Villagers also use the plant to prepare organic fertiliser. In short, this single plant offers many benefits, which has given it a distinct identity in the region.\n\nWhat this means for you\nThis story is tied to a local folk belief and traditional home remedy, so its practical effect is limited but still notable.\n\n• Across India: Readers interested in home remedies and folk medicine may find it interesting to see how local communities use ordinary wild plants for traditional treatment.\n• In Ranchi, Jharkhand: The plant in the forests of Khunti could draw more outside visitors curious to see it, increasing footfall in the area.\n\nQuestions & Answers\n\n1. Where is the chhuimui plant found?\nThe plant is found in the forests of Khunti near Ranchi.\n\n2. What happens when the plant is touched?\nIts leaves instantly wilt and curl up when touched, then reopen on their own after a short while.\n\n3. Why do locals call it a magical plant?\nBecause touching its leaves makes them wilt and then return to their original shape on their own, which is why residents call it the magical plant.\n\n4. How is it used for stomach problems?\nVillagers pluck its leaves to make a decoction, and drinking two spoons of it is said to help with diarrhoea, stomach pain, gas or indigestion.\n\n5. How is it used for skin problems?\nA paste made from its leaves is rubbed onto the affected skin, and doing this two to four times is said to gradually reduce skin related problems.\n\n6. Who shared information about this plant?\nSujit, a local resident of the Ranchi area, explained the plant's uses in detail.\n\n7. What else do locals use the plant for?\nLocals also use the plant to prepare organic fertiliser.",
  "url": "https://trendkia.com/en/lifestyle/jharkhand-ke-jngalon-men-mila-anokha-paudha-chhute-hi-pattiyan-sikura-jati-hain-peta-aura-skina-ki-bimariyon-men-mana-jata-hai-ram-4288",
  "category": "Lifestyle",
  "publishedAt": "2026-07-03",
  "tags": [
    "Chhuimui plant",
    "Ranchi",
    "Jharkhand",
    "Khunti forests",
    "home remedies",
    "medicinal plant"
  ],
  "language": "en",
  "site": "TrendKia"
}