Herb · Asia
Devil's cotton
Abroma augusta
Traditionally attributed effects: leaves and stem soothing, root bark promotes menstruation; for painful menstruation, regulates menstruation, uterine tonic, for gonorrhoea; can cause skin irritation.
Safety notes
Serious illnesses such as infections, cancer or hepatitis need a doctor: there is no evidence that this remedy cures them. Traditional use is no proof of effectiveness; if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult a doctor or pharmacist.
Cautions by tradition (1)
- Ayurvedic materia medica: Serious illnesses such as infections, cancer or hepatitis need a doctor: there is no evidence that this remedy cures them.
Preparation
Root bark 1–2 g; decoction of the root 14–56 ml; cold infusion of fresh leaves/stem 15–25 ml; fresh juice of root bark during menstruation.
Use in traditions
Described in the Ayurvedic materia medica. Sanskrit name: Pinchaskarpas. In Ayurveda and Bengali folk medicine the root bark is used for menstrual complaints; the stems provide a strong, silky fibre.
Applications
Use by tradition
How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.
Ayurvedic materia medica
Attributed effects
Leaves and stem soothing, root bark promotes menstruation; for painful menstruation, regulates menstruation, uterine tonic, for gonorrhoea; can cause skin irritation.
Preparation and amount
Root bark 1–2 g; decoction of the root 14–56 ml; cold infusion of fresh leaves/stem 15–25 ml; fresh juice of root bark during menstruation.
Caution: Serious illnesses such as infections, cancer or hepatitis need a doctor: there is no evidence that this remedy cures them.
- Ways to prepare herbs
- Tea (infusion)Decoction