Overview
Kapasa is one of the herbs traditionally used in Ayurveda for male sexual health. 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.
How Kapasa Helps with Male Sexual Health
According to Ayurvedic pharmacology, Kapasa has specific properties that make it valuable for addressing male sexual health:
- Potency (Virya): Ushna (hot)
- Post-digestive (Vipaka): Madhura (sweet)
- Taste (Rasa): Madhura (sweet)
- Qualities (Guna): Snigdha (unctuous), Guru (heavy)
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
Other Herbs for Male Sexual Health
See all herbs for male sexual health on the Male Sexual Health page.
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.