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Desert Cotton
Gossypium thurberi Wild cotton
Malvacea – Mallow Family
Description As a many branched, moderately sized shrub, Desert cotton can reach heights of 12 feet, but usually 3-5 feet is normal. Its petioled leaves are palmately 3-5 parted; each lobe is pointed. The large, showy, white flowers are occasionally crimson spotted; they exist in groups of 2-3, are 5-petaled, and 2-3 inches across. The seed capsules are round and 3-parted. Look closely for the small cotton fibers after the seed capsules split open from age.
Distribution In the United States Desert cotton is limited in distribution to central and southeastern Arizona. Look for the plant along washes, streamsides, and canyon bottoms – at higher elevations, look to draws, among foothills, and rocky slopes. Although limited in range it is a fast-growing, successful plant; it sprouts easily and is not difficult to propagate.
Chemistry Phenolic acids, condensed tannins and the sesquiterpene: gossypol
Medicinal Uses Desert cotton is primarily an emmenagogue. Use the fresh plant tincture (the most active preparation) when menses is slow to start and there is pelvic and lower back pain. In larger doses, the plant may even cause mid-cycle spotting. Alone or in combination with other herbs that address constitutional imbalances Desert cotton is of help in resolving uterine and breast fibroids. In combination with Wild peony or Hopbush, it is well suited in diminishing first and second day period cramps. Modern day use of Desert cotton primarily originates from Eclectic practitioners, traditional Mexican use, and the associated use of Gossypium spp. by slaves throughout cottonlands in the southeast.
In recent years, light has been shed upon gossypol’s physiological effects. The compound is largely present in the seed and in smaller amounts throughout the whole plant. Initially discovered in China where the poor in times of scarcity eat cottonseed meal cakes, the plant disrupts fertility in men. In at least one study funded by the World Health Organization it was determined that proper sperm formation in the testes was inhibited. Apparently, spermatogenesis is negatively affected by gossypol’s disruptive effect on the testes’ sertoli cells. In a small percentage of men taking the isolated compound fertility was impaired permanently. In conclusion, men are ill advised to use Desert cotton.
Indications Menses slow to start with back and pelvic pain Breast and uterine fibroids
Collection In the spring when Desert cotton is beginning to leaf out dig the slender, woody taproots; on older plants, they are occasionally forked.
Preparations Clip the fresh roots into small ¼-½ inch sections and tincture. High-grade Desert cotton by only tincturing the thin layer of outer root bark. Although this is time consuming a much stronger medicine will be gained.
Dosage FPT: 20-40 drops 3 times daily
Cautions Do not use while pregnant or nursing. As stated previously, men should not use Desert cotton, and should avoid food containing cottonseed oil, if wanting to keep sperm intact and healthy. |