Bala (Sida Cordifolia)
Bala-Sida Cordifolia
It is commonly known as Country mallow. It is widely occurring herb. The plant is used as strength promoting agent. The name Bala denotes that which gives strength. The flowers are yellow in colour hence got the name Pitapushpi. It is an important medicine in Ayurvedic formulations.
Dr.Gupta’s IAFA has been consistently working on Bala for discovering more medicinal properties of the plant. Our experts found out that the plant can act as anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, antibacterial and anti microbial agent. The water extracts of the leaves possess analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities. It has a depressive effect on central nervous system. The phytoconstituents found in the plant are ephedrine, vasicinol, hypaphorine, asicinone, choline, betaine, phytosterol, N-methyl tryptophan etc.
Action of Bala –Sida cordifolia in Allergies
IAFA has been conducting various studies on Bala found out the antiallergic and anti-inflammatory actions of the plant. The various chemical constituents present in this plant shows anti-inflammatory activity. Bala is very useful in skin diseases by its anti-inflammatory and anti-histamine activity.
Vernacular names and Classification
| Botanical Name | Sida cordifolia |
| Family | Malvaceae |
| Native Names | |
| Sanskrit Name | Bala |
| Hindi Name | Kharainti |
| English Name | Country mallow |
| Malayalam Name | Kurunthotti |
| Kannada Name | Kallam kadhle |
| Tamil Name | Nilathuththi |
Ayurveda reference of Bala– Sida cordifolia
Morphology of Bala – Sida cordifolia
- Perennial herb
- Stem – woody and round ,soft hairs are present
- Leaves –Cordate, Acute or shorty acuminate
- Root – strong and stout
- Flowers – Yellow coloured
- Seed – Solitary pendulous
Geographical distribution of Bala –Sida cordifolia
It is distributed in the hotter parts of India. Also found in tropical Africa and America.
Phytoconstituents of Bala–Sida cordifolia
The phytoconstituents found in the plant are ephedrine, vasicinol, hypaphorine, asicinone, choline, betaine, phytosterol, N-methyl tryptophan etc.
Parts used of Bala –Sida cordifolia
- Root
- Leaves
Dosage of Bala– Sida cordifolia
- Root powder (churna) – 6 gm
- Decoction (kwatha)- 30 – 60 ml
Medicinal Properties of Bala –Sida cordifolia
- Tridoshahara – balances Vata, Pitta and Kapha dosha
- Rasayana – rejuvinative
- Vrushya – aphrodisiac
- Samgrahi – absorbent
- Rakthapitta samaka – allieviates bleeding disorders
- Mutrala – increases the production of urine
- Jvaraghna – relieves fever
- Balya – improves strength
- Hrudya – good to heart
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– Dr. Sahil Gupta (B.A.M.S., M.H.A.)
Ayurvedic Allergy Specialist
CEO & Founder of IAFA®
Home remedies of Bala – Sida cordifolia
Ayurveda is an Indian System of treatment which is purely based on naturally available herbs for treatment purposes. Bala is a readily available non toxic herb and can be used to treat diseases like,
- Bleeding disorders (Raktapitta) – 50gm of root is taken, boiled with 100 ml of water and 50ml of milk, reduced to 50 ml and take orally for 3 days.
- Wound (Vruna) – 50 gm of root is added with 200 ml of water, boiled and reduced to 100ml. this decoction is filtered and used to wash the wound.
- Conjunctivitis (Netrabhishanga) – paste made with leaves of bala covered with a cloth and bandaged over eyes for 20 minutes.
- Heart disease (Hrudroga) – decoction prepared from the root of bala is given for 5 days.
- Joint pain (Sandhi sula) – paste made with the leaves of bala is applied over the affected area and remove after 30 minutes with hot water.
- Infertility (Anapathyatha) – milk decoction made with the roots of bala is taken internally for 7 days.
- Hair fall – juice made from the leaves of bala is applied over head and wash out with water.
- Sciatica (Grudrasi ) – 50 gm of roots are added with 60 ml of water and 60 ml of milk, boiled and reduced to 60 ml. this milk decoction is taken internally for 7 days.
Article Written By: Dr. Sahil Gupta, Ayurvedic Allergist
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