Silk cotton tree

Bombax ceiba

Traditionally attributed effects: gum astringent and stops bleeding; root and bark soothing, diuretic, aphrodisiac; for abnormal uterine bleeding, diarrhoea, dysentery, coughing up blood, heavy menstruation, bladder and kidney stones, boils, itching.

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 6–12 g; flowers 12–24 g; fruit powder 1–3 g; gum (mocharas) 1–3 g; bark paste and flower paste externally.

Use in traditions

Described in the Ayurvedic materia medica. Sanskrit name: Shalmali. The tree blooms fiery red on bare branches and the fruits provide kapok for cushions. In Ayurveda and Unani medicine the gum (mocharas) is used for diarrhoea. In Chinese medicine the flowers (mu mian hua) are used for dysentery; it is the city flower of Guangzhou.

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

Gum astringent and stops bleeding; root and bark soothing, diuretic, aphrodisiac; for abnormal uterine bleeding, diarrhoea, dysentery, coughing up blood, heavy menstruation, bladder and kidney stones, boils, itching.

Preparation and amount

Root powder 6–12 g; flowers 12–24 g; fruit powder 1–3 g; gum (mocharas) 1–3 g; bark paste and flower paste externally.

Ways to prepare herbs: Compress, poultice and paste Powder and kitchen

Sources

All herbs from Asia →