Pronunciation: [kˈa͡ʊɪd͡ʒ] (IPA) 
The spelling of the word "cowage" can be a bit confusing. It is pronounced as /ˈkaʊədʒ/ and is often spelled as "cow-itch" or "cowhage." Cowage refers to a type of tropical plant that has bristly hairs on its pods. It is commonly used in traditional medicine and as a natural pesticide. So, if you encounter the word "cowage" in writing or conversation, remember that its correct pronunciation is /ˈkaʊədʒ/.
Cowage is a noun that refers to a tropical leguminous plant, known scientifically as Mucuna pruriens, belonging to the Fabaceae family. This plant is native to Africa, India, and other tropical regions and is also commonly known as velvet bean or cowitch. It is characterized by its vine-like growth habit, bearing clusters of purplish or white flowers followed by velvety pods containing seeds.
However, cowage is primarily recognized for the seeds it produces. These seeds are covered in sharp, bristly hairs that are known to cause a prickling sensation upon contact with human skin, earning it the name "cowitch." The plant's seeds have been historically used for various purposes. In particular, cowage has been employed in traditional medicine due to its rich content of various bioactive compounds, including alkaloids, flavonoids, and L-dopa. The seeds are known for their potential health benefits, such as enhancing reproductive health, reducing inflammation, and providing relief from muscle pain.
In addition to its medicinal uses, cowage has also been utilized in horticulture and agriculture. Due to its nitrogen-fixing abilities, it can be employed as a cover crop, helping improve soil fertility and reducing erosion. Moreover, the plant's dense foliage provides shade and protection for other crops.
Overall, cowage is a plant species valued for its seeds, which possess medicinal properties and can be utilized in horticulture and agriculture.
The word "cowage" has its etymology from the Middle English term "couage", which was derived from the Old French word "cuage". It ultimately traces back to the Latin word "coāgere", meaning "to drive together" or "to assemble". In the specific context of "cowage", it refers to the activity of driving or herding cows.
