Silk Cotton Tree Flowers

(Silk Cotton Tree Flowers)
Sanskrit: शाल्मलीपुष्प • Botanical: Salmalia malabarica (DC.) Schott & Endl.

Shalmali Pushpa (Silk Cotton Tree flowers) are large, bright red flowers that bloom before the leaves appear. The tree (Salmalia/Bombax) is large and deciduous. The flower buds are cooked as a vegetable. The dried flowers are used in bleeding disorders and as a tonic. The gum (Mocharas) exuded from the bark is astringent and used in diarrhea. The tree is thorny when young. Verse: referenced in Pushpa Varga.

Ayurvedic Properties

Taste (Rasa)
Astringent (Kashaya), Sweet (Madhura)
Quality (Guna)
Heavy (Guru), Unctuous (Snigdha)
Potency (Virya)
Cold (Sheeta)
Post-digestive (Vipaka)
Sweet (Madhura)
Key Constituents
Tannins, Mucilage, Flavonoids
Also Known As
English: Silk Cotton Tree Flowers, Red Silk Cotton Flowers
Sanskrit: शाल्मली पुष्प, मोचरस
Hindi: सेमल के फूल

What is Silk Cotton Tree Flowers (Shalmali Pushpa / शाल्मली पुष्प)?

Shalmali Pushpa (Silk Cotton Tree flowers) are large, bright red flowers that bloom before the leaves appear. The tree (Salmalia/Bombax) is large and deciduous. The flower buds are cooked as a vegetable. The dried flowers are used in bleeding disorders and as a tonic. The gum (Mocharas) exuded from the bark is astringent and used in diarrhea. The tree is thorny when young. Verse: referenced in Pushpa Varga.

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 4

Therapeutic Actions (Karma)

  • Raktapittahara (alleviates bleeding)
  • Vrishya (aphrodisiac)
  • Grahi (absorbent)

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 4

Silk Cotton Tree Flowers by Condition

Explore how Silk Cotton Tree Flowers is used for specific health concerns — with dosage, preparation methods, and classical references for each.

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Silk Cotton Tree Flowers 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.