The bark of the root of Gossypium herbaceum Linne, and of other species of Gossypium (nat. ord. Malvaceae).

Habitat

Subtropical Asia and Africa; cultivated in the United States.

Characters

In thin, flexible bands or quilled pieces; outer surface brownish-yellow, with slight longitudinal ridges or meshes, small, black, circular dots, or short, transverse lines, and dull, brownish-orange patches, from the abrasion of the thin cork; inner surface whitish, of a silky lustre, finely striate; bast-fibres long, tough, and separable into papery layers; inodorous; taste very slightly acrid and faintly astringent.

Composition

1) A yellow Resin. (2) A fixed Oil. (3) Tannic Acid. (4) Yellow coloring matter.

Dose, 1/4 to 1 dr.; 1. to 4. gm.

Preparation

Extractum Gossypii Radicis Fluidum. Fluid Extract Of Cotton Root Bark

By maceration and percolation with Glycerin and Alcohol, and evaporation.

Dose, 1/4 to 1 fl. dr.; 1. to 4. c.c.

Action And Uses Of Cotton Root Bark

Cotton Root Bark has the same action as ergot, and is an emmenagogue and an abortifacient. It is used as an uterine haemostatic in the treatment of menorrhagia and metrorrhagia from various causes, and particularly from uterine fibroids.