Cotton

Uses

What is cotton used for?

Cotton bark is used to make medicine. People take it for treating nausea, fever, headache, diarrhea, dysentery, nerve pain, and bleeding.

Women use cotton for menstrual disorders and symptoms of menopause. They also use it to bring on labor and childbirth, as well as to expel the afterbirth. Some women use cotton to improve breast milk production.

Men sometimes use cotton for birth control. Cotton is also included in some birth control products that are applied vaginally.

How does it work?

There are not enough studies about how this herbal supplement works. Please discuss with your herbalist or doctor for more information. However, there are some studies showing that cotton root bark might help stimulate menstrual flow, induce labor and delivery, and act as a male contraceptive.

Precautions & warnings

What should I know before using cotton?

Consult with your doctor or pharmacist or herbalist, if:

• You are pregnant or breastfeeding. This is because, while you are expecting or feeding a baby, you should only take medicines on the recommendation of a doctor.
• You are taking any other medicines. This includes any medicines you are taking which are available to buy without a prescription.
• You have allergy with any substances of cotton or other medications or other herbals.
• You have any other illnesses, disorders, or medical conditions.
• You have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals.

The regulations for an herbal supplement are less strict than the regulations for a drug. More studies are needed to determine its safety. The benefits of taking this herbal supplement must outweigh the risks before use. Consult with your herbalist or doctor for more information.

How safe is cotton?

Pregnancy and breastfeeding:

It’s 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 breastfeeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Side effects

What kind of side effects may I have from cotton?

For men, it may cause irreversible sterility.

Not everyone experiences these side effects. There may be some side effects not listed above. If you have any concerns about side effects, please consult your herbalist or doctor.

Interactions

What interactions may I have with cotton?

This herbal supplement may interact with your current medications or medical conditions. Consult with your herbal healer or doctor before using.

These health conditions may interact with this herbal, such as:

• Kidney problems
• Reproductive system condition

Dosage

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your herbalist or doctor before using this medication.

What is the usual dose for cotton?

The dose for this herbal supplement may be different for every patient. The dose that you take depends on your age, health, and several other conditions. Herbal supplements are not always safe. Please discuss with your herbalist or doctor for your appropriate dosage.

What form does cotton come in?

This herbal supplement may be available in the following dosage forms:

• Powder