Devil's Cotton

March 2023

Botanical name: Abroma augustum.

Common names: Devil's Cotton, Cotton Abroma.

Vernacular name: Devva hatti, Bhangi mara, Melpundi gida.

Devil's cotton is a fascinating plant with a long history of use in various cultures worldwide. This tree is particularly notable for its fluffy white fibers, which have been used for centuries to create everything from mattresses and pillows to life jackets and insulation. Despite its many uses, Devil's cotton remains relatively unknown outside of certain regions where it is grown.

Devil's cotton is a tropical tree that is native to the rainforests of Central and South America, as well as parts of Africa and Asia. The tree thrives in hot and humid climates and can be found growing in lowland tropical forests, along riverbanks, and in other areas with high rainfall. Devil's cotton is now widely cultivated in many parts of the world, including Southeast Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean, for its valuable fibers and other uses. In addition to its practical applications, Devil's cotton also holds cultural significance for many indigenous communities, who have used the plant in traditional ceremonies and rituals for centuries.

Devil's cotton

Plant description

The Devil's cotton plant is a large deciduous tree that can grow up to 230 feet tall in its native tropical habitats. The tree has a straight, sturdy trunk and a broad, spreading crown of branches with glossy, green leaves that can grow up to 20 inches long. During the flowering season, the tree produces large, showy flowers that can be up to 6 inches in diameter and are usually pink or white in color. These flowers eventually give way to large, woody seed pods that can contain up to 200 seeds each.

However, the most distinctive feature of the Devil's cotton plant is its fluffy, cotton-like fibers that surround the tree's seeds. These fibers are soft, lightweight, and have a water-resistant coating, making them ideal for use in a wide range of products. In fact, the fibers have been used for centuries to create everything from pillows, cushions, and insulation to life jackets and even toys. Despite its many uses, Devil's cotton remains relatively unknown outside of certain regions where it is grown.

Medicinal uses

In Ayurveda, an ancient system of traditional medicine that originated in India, Devil's cotton is used for a variety of medicinal purposes. The plant has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine and is known for its ability to balance the body's doshas (energies) and promote overall health and well-being.

Devil's cotton is believed to have a number of therapeutic properties, including:

1. Pain relief

One of the most common medicinal uses of Devil's cotton is for pain relief. The tree's fibers contain compounds that have been shown to have analgesic properties, making them useful for treating a variety of pain-related conditions such as headaches, arthritis, and menstrual cramps.

2. Anti-inflammatory effects

In addition to its pain-relieving properties, Devil's cotton also has anti-inflammatory effects. The compounds found in the fibers have been shown to reduce inflammation in the body, which can help to alleviate symptoms of conditions such as asthma and rheumatoid arthritis.

3. Respiratory ailments

Devil's cotton has traditionally been used to treat respiratory ailments such as coughs, colds, and bronchitis. The fibers can be boiled in water and then drunk as a tea to help soothe the throat and reduce inflammation in the respiratory system.

4. Digestive problems

The fibers of Devil's cotton can also be used to treat digestive problems such as constipation and diarrhea. The fibers are able to absorb water and swell, which can help to add bulk to stool and promote regular bowel movements.

5. Wound healing

Devil's cotton has also been used topically to promote wound healing. The fibers have antiseptic properties and can be applied to wounds to help prevent infection and promote healing.