Cotton

The cotton plant of the Gossypium herbaceum species, known for relatively large seeds, which are overgrown with up to 25 mm long fibres and grey-green fluff, and light-yellow blossoms, originates in Southern Africa, but can be found on almost every continent on the planet. It thrives in sunlight and warm temperatures; the young plant would die at ten degrees while the older ones resist the cold as low as two degrees below zero.

Herodotus was the first to describe it in the 5th century B. C.: “In India there are trees growing wild, which produce a kind of wool better than sheep’s wool in beauty and quality, which the Indians use for making their clothes.” This is the origin of the legend of the “sheep plant”, according to which, the tree supposedly grew out of a sheep.

Cotton was used for mummification in the Egyptian times; today, it is usually used as fabric to make clothes. Its seeds can be consumed. In the past, it was consumed as a dietary complement to ease menstrual cramps, heal irregular blood circulation or to increase milk discharge from mammary glands by mothers after giving birth. It was also used to stop internal bleeding, overcome sickness, diarrhea, fever and headaches. Cotton seed extract was tested as potential male contraception, but it has been discovered that it causes infertility. In laboratory studies they used it to prematurely terminate gestation in rats.

They used its leaves and seeds as a traditional herbal remedy to cure dysentery and headaches, also as an antiseptic, to thin blood vessels, soothe or heal wounds.

In Ayurveda, the cotton seed extracts are used to repair imbalances, such as paralysis, constipation, flatulence, and others. It is used to fight fatigue, exhaustion, dizziness, faints, heart problems, cure sepsis, gastritis, burning sensation in the eyes, poisonous bites, wounds and ulcers, soothe pain, paralysis and other vain and muscle related problems, against ageing and as a aphrodisiac.

Cotton seed extract protects the skin and helps improve its barrier function, providing a mild antimicrobial effect; it helps the skin renew its outer layer and reduce the effects of potentially irritating substances, like heavy soaps and cleaning products. It nourishes the skin, accelerates regeneration, soothes irritations, and reduces irritability. It is often used in products for sensitive skin to help restore the smoothness and flexibility.

Rich in vitamin E, palmitic acid, oleic and linoleic acids, the cotton seed extract hydrates, smooths the skin and gives it a soft appearance. It cleanses the hair and skin, maintains the supple look of the hair and skin, smooths irregularities, and soothes it, while providing extra deep strengthening and hydration for the hair. Aminoacids give the hair their shine and keep it in good health, while the proteins in it increase the volume of dry, dull, and chemically damaged hair.

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