🌴Caribbean Folk Medicine

Sea Island Cotton Root

Gossypium barbadense

About Sea Island Cotton Root

Sea Island Cotton Root (Gossypium barbadense) is a herb used in the Caribbean Folk Medicine tradition to help with Menstrual Issues, Labor Induction, UTI, and Headache. The root is the part traditionally used, taken internally.

Botanical background

Gossypium barbadense, also known as extra-long staple (ELS) cotton, is a species of cotton plant that has been cultivated to have extra-long staple fibers - longer than 34 mm (1 3/8"), that are associated with high quality products. Varieties of ELS cotton include West Indian Sea Island Cotton Association (WISACA) Sea Island, American Pima, Egyptian ELS Gizas, Indian Suvin, and Chinese xinjiang. It is a tropical, frost-sensitive perennial plant that produces yellow flowers and has black seeds....

Source: Wikipedia, via iNaturalist

Parts used

Root · internal
🫖

Decoction

1–2 cups daily
  • Add 1–2 tsp of dried Sea Island Cotton Root to 2 cups of cold water.
  • Bring to a boil, then simmer for 15–20 minutes.
  • Strain and drink warm.
💧

Tincture

20–40 drops in water, 2–3× daily
  • Pack dried Sea Island Cotton Root into a jar and cover with 40–60% alcohol.
  • Seal and steep for 4–6 weeks, shaking daily.
  • Strain and store in a dark dropper bottle.
💊

Powder / Capsule

500 mg – 1 g, 1–3× daily
  • Grind dried Sea Island Cotton Root into a fine powder.
  • Fill size 00 capsules or stir into smoothies or honey.

Pregnancy, Breastfeeding & Children

Pregnancy

Avoid

Cotton root bark is contraindicated in pregnancy — it has a well-documented history as an abortifacient and uterine stimulant.

Breastfeeding

Avoid

Not used during breastfeeding; limited safety data.

Children

Avoid

Not used in children.

Contraindications

  • Significant kidney impairment — diuretic herbs may worsen renal function

Warnings

⚠️ Kidney Disease

Some diuretic herbs are contraindicated in those with kidney disease. Consult your doctor if you have impaired kidney function.

⚠️ Allergic Reactions

Discontinue immediately if you experience rash, itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing.

⚠️ Not Medical Advice

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using herbal remedies.

Drug & herb interactions

May affect hormone levels

Watch for: Hormone therapies, oral contraceptives, and tamoxifen or similar medications

Some herbs have mild phytoestrogenic or hormone-modulating activity that can interact with hormonal medications.

May have a diuretic effect

Watch for: Diuretic medications and lithium

Additive fluid loss can affect electrolyte balance and change how the body clears lithium.

Where to find in nature

Native region

Caribbean islands, coastal Central America

Climate

Tropical maritime

Habitat

Tropical coastlines, rainforest interiors, and traditional medicine gardens of Caribbean islands

🌿 To see Sea Island Cotton Root growing, visit botanical gardens, university plant collections, or specialist herb nurseries near you. If foraging in the wild, always work with an expert identifier — never consume a plant you are not 100% certain of.

Where to buy

In store

  • Caribbean grocery stores and botanicas
  • West Indian food markets in cities with Caribbean communities
  • Health food stores (Whole Foods, Natural Grocers, Holland & Barrett, GNC)
  • Naturopathic clinics and integrative medicine practices
  • Specialist herbal apothecaries and herbalist practices

Online

iHerb

Wide selection of standardised extracts, capsules, and powders with lab testing

Mountain Rose Herbs

Premium bulk dried herbs — certified organic, ethically sourced

Starwest Botanicals

Large selection of certified organic bulk herbs and powders

Herb Pharm

High-quality liquid extracts and tinctures, rigorous quality standards

Amazon

Convenient — verify brand certifications and check third-party testing

Etsy

Small-batch artisan herbalists, hand-harvested and wildcrafted herbs

Quality tips

When buying Sea Island Cotton Root, look for: certified organic labelling, clearly stated country of origin, third-party lab testing for heavy metals and pesticides, and a batch expiry date. Standardised extracts offer consistent dosing; bulk dried herbs are more economical for regular use. Avoid very cheap, unlabelled products — quality varies enormously.