Kapasa

(Cotton)
Sanskrit: कार्पास • Botanical: Gossypium herbaceum Linn.

Karpasa (Gossypium herbaceum) is the common cotton plant, widely cultivated. The seeds, root bark, and cotton fiber are used medicinally. The plant grows 3-4 feet tall with yellow flowers. The seed oil is used as Vrishya (aphrodisiac) and for cooking. The root bark is a well-known galactagogue and is used to promote lactation. Cotton seed contains Gossypol, which has contraceptive properties in males. The seeds are 20-25% oil content. The cotton fiber itself is used in wound dressing. Root bark decoction is given for promoting breast milk. Cotton seed oil is used medicinally in Vata disorders. The seed cake after oil extraction is used as animal feed. Ergot-like contamination can occur on cotton bolls. Dose: seed 2-4 masha; root bark decoction 1-2 tola.

Ayurvedic Properties

Taste (Rasa)
Sweet (Madhura)
Quality (Guna)
Unctuous (Snigdha), Heavy (Guru)
Potency (Virya)
Hot (Ushna)
Post-digestive (Vipaka)
Sweet (Madhura)
Key Constituents
Gossypol, Phospholipin, Phytosterol, Dihydroxy benzoic acid, Salicylic acid, Betaine, Ceryl alcohol
Also Known As
English: Cotton, Cotton Plant, Indian Cotton
Sanskrit: कार्पास, कार्पासी, बादरा, तुण्डकेरी, समुद्रान्तक
Hindi: कपास, रुई

What is Cotton / Kapasa (कपास)?

Karpasa (Gossypium herbaceum) is the common cotton plant, widely cultivated. The seeds, root bark, and cotton fiber are used medicinally. The plant grows 3-4 feet tall with yellow flowers. The seed oil is used as Vrishya (aphrodisiac) and for cooking. The root bark is a well-known galactagogue and is used to promote lactation. Cotton seed contains Gossypol, which has contraceptive properties in males. The seeds are 20-25% oil content. The cotton fiber itself is used in wound dressing. Root bark decoction is given for promoting breast milk. Cotton seed oil is used medicinally in Vata disorders. The seed cake after oil extraction is used as animal feed. Ergot-like contamination can occur on cotton bolls. Dose: seed 2-4 masha; root bark decoction 1-2 tola.

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 3

Therapeutic Actions (Karma)

  • Vrishya (aphrodisiac)
  • Stanyajanana (galactagogue)
  • Vatahara (alleviates Vata)
  • Karnashoolahara (alleviates earache)

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 3

Kapasa by Condition

Explore how Kapasa is used for specific health concerns — with dosage, preparation methods, and classical references for each.

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Kapasa for Male Sexual Health

Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Ayurvedic treatments should be pursued under the guidance of a qualified practitioner (BAMS/MD Ayurveda). Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment. Content is sourced from classical Ayurvedic texts and may not reflect the latest medical research.