Old world medicine woman

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Darby Gates is an old-world medicine woman. She has spent her life digging and harvesting (literally AND figuratively), researching and studying ALL the knowledge available regarding plants, and herbs, and how they work WITH us and FOR us, not against us. Seeking answers to the simplest of questions, like "Why is all of this information and knowledge hidden from us, and WHY are we not using what has been given to us, as a means to a cure?" She takes consultations for herbal remedies and offers classes and lectures in all things medicinal botany. Contact Bohemian Holistic at twicelifeapo@gmail.com.

It seems to be wildly popular with the Farmhouse Chic crowd. Houses full of it in vases, on tables, in wreaths. Family photo shoots in wide open fields, as far as the eye can see. Your socks are made from it; T-shirts, sweaters, sheets, blankets, bath towels. It seems to be that plant that has such an important use, but...is it REALLY all that useful? You BET. Cotton as commonly known is from cotton plant that is botanically referred to as Gossypium herbaceum Linn. It belongs to the Malvaceae family, genus Gossypium. Apart from being popularly used in the textile industry for making clothes, cotton continues to play remarkable role in Ayurveda, folk and Unani medicine for tackling several ailments. Here are just a "few" benefits found in Cotton...try and keep up...Cotton seeds are an excellent source of tannins, glycosides, proteins, saponins, steroids, phenolic compounds, aluminum, resins, potassium, sulfur, amino acids, sodium, carbohydrates, phosphorus, iodine, flavonoids, calcium, saponins, lactic acid, fluorine, iron, sulfhydryl compounds, strontium, betaine, silica, magnesium, choline, chlorine, manganese and traces of barium, copper, zinc, phytins, phosphatides, boron and nickel. Cottonseed is a rich source of vitamins such as inositol, nicotinic acid, thiamine, biotin, riboflavin, folic acid, pyridoxine, pantothenic acid, vitamin A, vitamin D and vitamin E. The seed contains yellow pigments, flavones, gossy pururin, carotenoids, griseofulvin and gossy caerulin. Enzymes such as phytase, lipase, peroxidase and catalase are also found in this shrubby plant. PHEW!!

Here is a fun fact: Drinking 50 grams of the juice of cotton tree leaves mixed with 100 grams of rice- soaked water cures poison spread by rat bite. So, just in case, right? In all seriousness, cotton is a SUPERPLANT. Here are some amazing uses and benefits:

Crush red cotton “boll”, filter its juice. Take 20 grams of the juice 2 to 3 times a day. This works as an antidote for any poison ingested.

For burns - Crush cotton flowers and extract the juice. Apply this juice on burn wounds as an ointment. It gradually heals the wounds.

Joint Pain - Boil the crushed baby cotton leaves in castor oil or with cow ghee. Apply this on joints and bandage it. This gradually removes joint pains.

Swollen Legs - Crush cotton leaves and extract its juice. Apply this on the swollen area of the leg to cure.

For Eye Pains - Boil cotton leaves in butter milk. Apply these leaves on the eyes and bandage them to get relief from eye pains.

For removing bacteria in teeth - Deep fry some cotton seeds in a vessel till they turn black. This can be used to massage the teeth to get rid of bacteria and give healthy teeth.

For curing pus in the ears - Make juice from cotton “boll” and filter it. Add some guggilam (Myrsinaceae) and honey to the juice. Put 2 to 3 drops to remove pus from the ear.

A Tincture extracted with 80 proof Ethanol (Potato Vodka is excellent) is a wonderful anti-ulcer, and promotes a healthy urinary tract and keeps your gut clean (diuretic).

Who knew the puffy fluffy sticks found in every home decor magazine could be so GOOD for us?

**As always, I am NOT a doctor and I am NOT doling out medical advice. I am just in tune with my body, my surroundings, and have learned to adapt to using what God has given us naturally to heal from within. I am led to share and help others on their own journey. Please, if needed, consult your trusted physician with any concerns. And ALWAYS DO YOUR OWN RESEARCH. Be safe, stay well, and forage your backyard.