Cotton Tree

SOS IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE

*Botanical name:- Bombax ceiba

*Local name:-Silk Cotton Tree, Kapok Tree,  Shalmali, Semal,  Tera,  Dumboil, Kempu booraga,  Sittan, Sanmali, Unnamurika, Simal, Phunchawng, Shaalmali, Sthiraayu.

*Family -  Malvaceae

 

* Medicinal used –  Removing Bacteria in Teeth-

Deep Fry some cotton seeds in a vessel till they turn black. This can be used to massage the teeth to get rid of bacteria and give healthy teeth.

Eye Pains-

Boil cotton leaves in butter milk. Apply these leaves on the eyes and bandage them to get relief from eye pains.

Swollen Legs-

Crush cotton leaves and extract it’s juice. Apply this on the swollen area of the leg to cure.

Joint Pains-

Boil the crushed baby cotton leaves in castor oil or with cow ghee. Apply this on joints and bandage it. This gradually removes joint pains.

Burn Wounds-

Crush cotton flowers and extract the juice. Apply this juice on burnt wounds as an ointment. It gradually heals the wounds.

Scorpion Bite-

Finely Grind together cotton tree leaves and mustered seeds. Apply this mix immediately on the area bitten by scorpion. This cures soon.

 

 SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS & WARNINGS-

Pregnancy and breast-feeding:- Its LIKELY UNSAFE to use cotton if you are pregnant. It might cause the uterus to contract, and this might cause a miscarriage.

Not enough is known about the safety of using cotton during breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Kidney problems:- Dont use cotton if you have a kidney condition.

Reproductive system condition:- Dont use cotton if you have a problem with your reproductive system.

Other Uses- The cotton which comes from the tree is used to make pillows, quilts, sofas.

The wood part is used in making match sticks.

Also for making canoes and light duty boats and or other structures required under water.

 Containers , Fibre , Gum , Insulation , Oil , Packing , Pioneer , Soap making , String , Tannin , Waterproofing , Wood etc.

 

*Environmental benefits - Special Uses

Attracts Wildlife , Carbon Farming , Food Forest