White Silk Cotton

(White Silk Cotton Tree)
Sanskrit: कूटशाल्मली • Botanical: Ceiba pentandra (Linn.) Gaertn.

Kutashalmali is the white-flowered variety of Silk Cotton, also known as True Kapok. It grows widely in the Southern and Western parts of India. The tree provides Kapok fiber from its seed pods. Its medicinal properties are similar to the red Shalmali but it is considered slightly less potent. The gum and root are used as aphrodisiacs. The bark is used in dysentery. Dose: Similar to Shalmali. Verse: 30.

Ayurvedic Properties

Taste (Rasa)
Sweet (Madhura), Astringent (Kashaya)
Quality (Guna)
Heavy (Guru), Unctuous (Snigdha)
Potency (Virya)
Cold (Sheeta)
Post-digestive (Vipaka)
Sweet (Madhura)
Key Constituents
Tannins, Mucilage, Kapok fibers
Also Known As
English: White Silk Cotton Tree, True Kapok Tree
Sanskrit: कूटशाल्मली, श्वेतशाल्मली, रक्तप्रसूनी
Hindi: सफेद सेमल

What is White Silk Cotton (Kutashalmali / कूटशाल्मली)?

Kutashalmali is the white-flowered variety of Silk Cotton, also known as True Kapok. It grows widely in the Southern and Western parts of India. The tree provides Kapok fiber from its seed pods. Its medicinal properties are similar to the red Shalmali but it is considered slightly less potent. The gum and root are used as aphrodisiacs. The bark is used in dysentery. Dose: Similar to Shalmali. Verse: 30.

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 5

Therapeutic Actions (Karma)

  • Vrishya (aphrodisiac)
  • Stambhana (binding)
  • Pushtikara (nutritive)

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 5

White Silk Cotton by Condition

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

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White Silk Cotton 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.