Herb · Africa
Levant cotton
Gossypium herbaceum
Traditionally attributed effects: soothing, laxative, expectorant, aphrodisiac, promotes milk flow, promotes menstruation; seeds for intermittent fever and dysentery; oil for rheumatism, freckles, herpes, scabies, wounds, nerve pain; compress on bruises and burns.
Safety notes
Traditional use is no proof of effectiveness; if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult a doctor or pharmacist.
Preparation
Root powder 1–4 g; decoction 28–56 ml; leaf tea 5–10 ml; oil and compress externally; root bark not in pregnancy (abortifacient).
Use in traditions
Described in the Ayurvedic materia medica. Sanskrit name: Karpas.
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
Soothing, laxative, expectorant, aphrodisiac, promotes milk flow, promotes menstruation; seeds for intermittent fever and dysentery; oil for rheumatism, freckles, herpes, scabies, wounds, nerve pain; compress on bruises and burns; sitz bath for uterine cramps.
Preparation and amount
Root powder 1–4 g; decoction 28–56 ml; leaf tea 5–10 ml; oil and compress externally; root bark not in pregnancy (abortifacient).
- Ways to prepare herbs
- Tea (infusion)DecoctionCompress, poultice and pastePowder and kitchen