Calotrope (koton swa)
Calotropis procera
Calotrope
koton swa
Coton soie
Calotropis procera
Traditionally used
⚠ The milky latex is toxic and a fierce eye/skin irritant, and the plant carries cardiac glycosides — never taken internally without expert guidance. Traditionally used externally for skin conditions, inflammation, fever, respiratory complaints, intestinal worms, and pain.
Prepared as
WARNING: toxic in large doses. Leaf poultice applied externally to inflamed skin, boils, and painful joints — do not apply to broken skin. Latex from stem applied carefully to warts. Never ingest. Wash hands thoroughly after handling. For external pain relief only: warm leaf briefly, apply to painful area for 15 minutes. Avoid contact with eyes.
In three languages
Kreyòl — ⚠ Lèt blan an toksik epi li brital pou je ak po, epi plant lan gen glikozid kadyak — pa janm pran l andedan san konsèy yon ekspè. Tradisyonèlman itilize sou po a pou maladi po, enflamasyon, lafyèv, pwoblèm respirasyon, vè nan vant, ak doulè.
Français — ⚠ Le latex laiteux est toxique et fortement irritant pour les yeux et la peau, et la plante contient des glycosides cardiaques — à ne jamais prendre par voie interne sans l'avis d'un expert. Traditionnellement utilisé en externe pour les affections cutanées, l'inflammation, la fièvre, les troubles respiratoires, les vers intestinaux et les douleurs.
Safety
WARNING: toxic in large doses. Leaf poultice applied externally to inflamed skin, boils, and painful joints — do not apply to broken skin. Latex from stem applied carefully to warts. Never ingest. Wash hands thoroughly after handling. For external pain relief only: warm leaf briefly, apply to painful area for 15 minutes. Avoid contact with eyes.
Plants can look similar and be misidentified — always verify with a local herbalist or guide before use.
Kept alongside