Selaginella lepidophylla vs Cotton Root Bark

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Selaginella lepidophylla

Womens Health

Gossypium herbaceum

Womens Health

Selaginella lepidophylla

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Cotton Root Bark

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Description

Desert spikemoss with remarkable desiccation tolerance; used in Mexican folk medicine for childbirth and fertility.

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

Active Compounds

trehalose, flavonoids, caffeic acid derivatives, selaginellin

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

Traditional Uses

difficult labor, fertility, resurrection ritual, fever

Menstrual regulation, Labor induction, Galactagogue, Fever

Modern Uses

uterine tonic (traditional), spiritual/ritual use

Emmenagogue activity, Uterine stimulant effects, Galactagogue properties

Adult Dosage

3-5g herb decoction

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

Contraindications

pregnancy (uterine stimulant), bleeding disorders

Pregnancy abortifacient, Children, Male fertility (gossypol)

Side Effects

uterine contractions

Uterine contractions, Male infertility from gossypol

Drug Interactions

0 known interactions

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

Sources: WHO Monographs · NCCIH · PubMed · Commission E