Latin name : Bombax ceiba Linn. (Bombacaceae), B.malabaricum DC., Salmalia malabarica, Gossampinus malabarica (DC) Merr.
Sanskrit/Indian name : Shalmali, Semul, Simul
General information :
The Silk Cotton Tree is often referred to as the ‘silent doctor’ for the host of medicinal benefits that it offers. Each part of the tree, including the bark, flowers and leaves have therapeutic uses. A herbal composition made from the bark of the tree, for example, is administered for the treatment of sexual and gastrointestinal disorders.
The tree is commonly found in India, Burma and Sri Lanka.
Therapeutic constituents :
Glycosides and tannins have been found in the root and stem of the Silk Cotton Tree, which gives the tree its pharmacological benefits.
Key therapeutic benefits :
- As an aphrodisiac, the extracts of the Silk Cotton Tree are beneficial in the treatment of male sexual disorders.
- It also has hemostatic properties and is administered during menorrhagia.
- Silk Cotton Tree extracts are also helpful in the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders like dysentery and diarrhea.
