Ti Marie (Mimosa Pudica) leaves are a traditional Caribbean remedy used to “cool” the body and settle a restless mind. When prepared as an herbal tea for sleep, the leaves act as a mild natural sedative that helps quiet the nervous system and prepare the body for deep, restorative rest.
Why Ti Marie is a Top Herbal Tea for Sleep
While many people know Mimosa Pudica for its seeds used in a parasite cleanse diet, the leaves offer a completely different benefit.
In Trinidad, we use the leaves as one of our most trusted herbal remedies for digestion and stress because they address the “gut-brain” connection. When your nervous system is calm, your natural gut health improves, allowing for better nutrient absorption and less bloating.
If you are looking for the physical ‘scrubbing’ action of the seeds rather than the calming leaves, see my full Mimosa Pudica parasite cleanse diet protocol here.
Best Time to Harvest Ti Marie for Maximum Potency
Timing is everything when working with sensitive plants. To prepare the most effective herbal tea for sleep, you should harvest your Ti Marie leaves in the early morning hours, just as the dew is drying but before the tropical sun becomes too intense.
During the night, the plant is in its resting state, and the delicate compounds responsible for its sedative effects are most concentrated.
If you wait until mid-day, the plant’s energy shifts toward survival and moisture retention. Always look for vibrant green, open leaves. Remember, as soon as you touch them, they will “sleep” and fold, this is a natural sign that the plant’s alkaloids are active and ready for your nighttime brew.
Research into the phytochemicals of Mimosa pudica suggests that the plant contains alkaloids and flavonoids that contribute to its sedative and antidepressant-like properties (see this study on the pharmacological profile of Mimosa pudica).
How to Make Fresh Ti Marie Leaf Tea
Following traditional tropical healing protocols, this tea should be made with fresh leaves whenever possible to preserve the delicate alkaloids that promote relaxation.
- Step 1: Harvest two small handfuls of fresh Ti Marie leaves (beware of the thorns!).
- Step 2: Rinse the leaves thoroughly in cool, filtered water.
- Step 3: Bring 2 cups of water to a boil, then add the leaves.
- Step 4: Turn off the heat immediately and let the tea steep for 5–7 minutes.
- Step 5: Strain into a mug and enjoy warm, ideally 30 minutes before bed.
The Flavor Profile: What to Expect
Unlike some bitter herbal remedies for digestion, Ti Marie has a surprisingly mild and pleasant flavor profile. It tastes “green” and slightly earthy, with a faint sweetness similar to young garden peas or mild green tea.
Because the flavor is subtle, it pairs beautifully with other island ingredients. If you find the taste too grassy, a small teaspoon of local raw honey or a thin slice of fresh ginger can enhance the “cooling” effect. Avoid adding refined sugars, as these can spike your energy levels and defeat the purpose of using a restful nighttime brew.
The Benefits of “Cooling” the System
In island herbalism, we talk about “cooling” the blood. High stress and poor sleep create “heat” in the body, which can lead to inflammation. Using a traditional cooling tea like Ti Marie helps flush out that excess heat. This is a gentle way to support your body’s transition into a healing state, making it a perfect companion to more intensive herbal remedies for digestion.
Traditional Wisdom and Safety Precautions
In our tropical healing protocols, we respect the potency of every plant. While Ti Marie is a wonderful herbal tea for sleep, it is historically avoided by pregnant women or those trying to conceive due to its traditional use in regulating cycles.
Furthermore, because this plant acts on the nervous system to promote natural gut health, it is best to enjoy it in a quiet environment. Drink your tea when you are ready to disconnect from screens and allow the “sensitive” nature of the plant to help you turn inward for the night.
No Garden? How to Use Dried Ti Marie Tea
If you don’t have fresh Ti Marie growing in your backyard, you can still experience the benefits. High-quality dried Mimosa pudica leaf tea is a shelf-stable alternative that can be steeped at any time of day to help ground your nervous system.
- How to consume: Contains 12 packets. 1 sachet with 100-120 ml. of water (or desired concentration) Soak for 3-5 minutes,…
- Size 12 Teabags
- Store in a dry or cool place
