Cotton

Levant cotton is a shrubby species of cotton native to semi-arid regions of Africa and West Asia, and grown in India since ancient times. It has lobed leaves, yellow flowers with a purple centre, and capsules or bolls that split to release seeds covered in white fibre.

Known as Karpasa in Sanskrit and Paruthi in Malayalam, its seed, root bark and leaf are used in Ayurvedic practice in traditional preparations for women's wellbeing and skin care. The seed, root bark and leaf are used.