Cotton Root Bark vs Partridge Berry

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Cotton Root Bark

Gossypium herbaceum

Womens Health

Mitchella repens

Womens Health

Cotton Root Bark

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Partridge Berry

✅ Generally safe in pregnancy

✅ Generally safe while nursing

Description

Asian and African cotton plant whose root bark is used in Ayurveda and folk medicine as an emmenagogue, uterine tonic, and galactagogue.

A delicate woodland vine used by Native American women for centuries to prepare for childbirth and ease delivery.

Active Compounds

gossypol, quercimeritrin, beta-sitosterol, fatty acids, flavonoids

Saponins, Tannins, Mucilage, Glycosides

Traditional Uses

Menstrual regulation, Labor induction, Galactagogue, Fever

Childbirth preparation, Menstrual regulation, Urinary support, Anxiety

Modern Uses

Emmenagogue activity, Uterine stimulant effects, Galactagogue properties

Uterine tonic, Parturient, Mild diuretic, Nervine

Adult Dosage

1-2ml tincture of root bark 3x daily; professional guidance required

2-4g dried herb as tea 2-3x daily in last 4-6 weeks of pregnancy

Contraindications

Pregnancy abortifacient, Children, Male fertility (gossypol)

Early pregnancy, History of preterm labor

Side Effects

Uterine contractions, Male infertility from gossypol

Rarely reported; mild GI upset

Drug Interactions

0 known interactions

Reviewed by: HerbAlly Editorial Team, Medical herbalists and healthcare professionals

Sources: WHO Monographs · NCCIH · PubMed · Commission E