Cotton (Gossypium herbaceum)

The cotton plant is a herbaceous plant known by all as the fiber is extracted from it is commonly used as curing material, in addition to many other applications as we shall see. In Spain the cotton does not take more than one season: it is sown in spring and die in winter. It has large leaves, the venation palmate, divided into five segments, the lower and three upper. The flowers are born at a time in the axils of the leaves, which are sustained by their spokes. It is a plant native to East and is now widespread throughout the peninsula.

FLOWERING

Flowers in summer and autumn. Collection of interest for medicinal purposes filaments seed-what we commonly know as cotton. This cotton is found around the seeds within a fruit ovoid-shaped capsule and divided into three cavities.

APPLICATIONS

The filaments of cotton seeds are composed almost exclusively of cellulose (approximately 95%), with a thin layer of fat and wax, along with fatty acids such as palmitic, stearic and pectin. In the seeds we found a significant amount of oil and other compounds of less interest. Cotton fibers, properly prepared, that is, clean, oil-have the virtue of quickly absorb large amounts of water. For this is called cotton wool. This fiber is widely used as material for a cure to the point of replacing other tissues used in the past. Today you can find cotton in any medicine cabinet, any small wound to heal. In hospitals also widely used as surgical material. From cotton seed extract is removed to increase milk production of cows, if given daily. To the same end is given to lactating women, in smaller quantities. Another component of cotton oil, proteolytic diastase is used as a powerful anthelmintic, although it should be administered according to specific guidelines. In fact, much used in cases of people who are intolerant of root bark of pomegranate or male fern.

ADMINISTRATION

Cotton was topically applied on any injury, either alone or soaked in an antiseptic. Should have it stored in a dry place and preferably in sealed bottles so as not to alter their properties. Is available in health due at any pharmacy. Normally exists in two forms: coils or zigzag, both being equally valid as material for a cure.

SUMMARY

FAMILY: Malvaceae
HABITAT: East
FLOWERING: Summer and autumn
PART USED: Filaments of seed
CASTILIAN: Algodón
CATALAN: Cotoner
BASQUE: Liñabera

USES

Strong Absorber, Moderate galactógena, Anthelmintics Leve.