Gossypium barbadense L.

DeFilipps, Robert A. & Krupnick, Gary A., 2018, The medicinal plants of Myanmar, PhytoKeys 102, pp. 1-341 : 111

Gossypium barbadense L.

Names.

Myanmar: nu-wah. English: kidney cotton, sea island cotton, tree cotton.

Range.

Tropical America; said to have originated in South America. Cultivated in Myanmar.

Uses.

The seeds, roots, flowers, and leaves are employed. Whole plant: All parts used to alleviate skin problems, snakebites, scorpion stings, and shooting uterine pains. Bark: A decoction is taken to alleviate excessive menstrual bleeding. For white vaginal discharge, a paste made of the root with water reserved from washing rice is considered a remedy. Leaf: Preparations are used to control diseases involving gas, increase blood, promote urinary function, and protect against ear infections. Juice from crushed leaves is taken for diarrhea with indigestion. Flower: The bud, which is considered sweet, with cooling properties, is known for promoting weight gain, stimulating lactation, controlling bile and phlegm, alleviating thirst, supporting the memory, and focusing the mind. The flowers are used in a sherbet drink to alleviate mental disturbance or disease. Ash from the flower is pressed into sores to stimulate healing and new tissue formation. Seed: Used to increase lactation and virility. An ointment made from the crushed seed kernel is applied to soothe burns. Seed kernels stewed in milk are given for weakness of the brain. A paste made with the seeds, dried ginger, and water is used for inflammation of the testes. A decoction is used as a mouthwash or rinse to soothe toothaches. Roasted, pressed seeds are applied as a poultice to cure calluses and boils. Root: A decoction is given to clear urinary infections causing symptoms of burning sensation during urination and pain in passing urine.

Notes.

Medicinal uses of this species in India are discussed in Jain and DeFilipps (1991). Indigenous medicinal uses of this species in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands (India) are described by Dagar and Singh (1999).

Worldwide medicinal usage, chemical composition and toxicity of this species are discussed by Duke (1986).

Reference.

Agricultural Corporation (1980).