Description
No one knows exactly how old cotton is. Scientists searching caves in Mexico found bits of cotton bolls and pieces of cotton cloth that proved to be at least 7,000 years old. They also found that the cotton itself was much like that grown in America today.
In the Indus River Valley in Pakistan, cotton was being grown, spun and woven into cloth 3,000 years BC. At about the same time, natives of Egypt’s Nile valley were making and wearing cotton clothing.
Arab merchants brought cotton cloth to Europe about 800 A.D. When Columbus discovered America in 1492, he found cotton growing in the Bahama Islands. By 1500, cotton was known generally throughout the world.
Medicinal Uses:
People use the bark of the root and seed to make medicine for conditions such as menstrual disorders and menopause symptoms, to prevent childbirth, as well as to induce childbirth, and for birth control in men. Cotton is is ubiquitous in modern hospitals and clinics, and stands among the safest fibers in the world. Cotton has proven to be an effective tool for treating and protecting the health of patients, in both its absorbent and nonabsorbent form in dressings and bandages, etc.
Growing Cotton:
Cotton is a plant that needs a long frost-free period, a lot of heat and plenty of sunshine. It prefers warm and humid climate. Cotton can grow in almost all well drained soils. However, suitable soils for achieving high yields are considered the deep well drained sandy loam soils, with enough clay, organic matter and a moderate concentration of nitrogen and phosphorus. The best yields are often achieved in loamy soils that are rich in calcium carbonate. A gentle slope generally helps the water drainage and is sometimes desired. Hardy in zones 8-11, an annual in colder climates, may overwinter in the hotter areas. Will not tolerate frost.
