Bala (Sida Cordifolia) Sida cordifolia is a perennial herb that reaches a height of thirty meters. Bala leaves have 6-7 veins and are oblong or oval, measuring 2.5-7 cm in length and 2.5-5 cm in width. The leaves of bala are heart-shaped, truncate, and serrated. Plant produces tiny, axillary, solitary flowers that are either yellow or white in color. Bala has robust, sturdy stems and roots. Bala Roots have a bitter flavor, are colorless, and have a grayish yellow hue.
Typically, tap roots of Bala (Sida Cordifolia) have branching at the tip. The bala fruit’s velvety, disc-shaped, moong-sized upper half measures 6 to 8 mm in diameter. Bala seeds are smooth and seem grayish black; in Ayurveda, they are referred to as bajibanda.
Description
The Ayurvedic medical system makes use of the Bala (Sida Cordifolia) plant to make medications. Ayurveda suggests using it mostly for vata dosha, although it can also be used to regulate physiological energy associated with pitta, kapha, and vata. Due to its reputation for having shukrala properties, bala is used to elevate the shukra dhatu.
Botanical Name:
Sida Cordifolia
Family:
Malvaceae
Leaves:
The hair-covered, oblong-ovate, yellow-green leaves are 3.5 to 7.5 cm in length and 2.5 to 6 cm in width.
Flowers:
Bala flowers have a hairy calyx and five yellow or white petals. They are tiny blooms. In the axils, they bloom individually or in groups.
Roots:
The Bala plant’s roots are said to have the greatest therapeutic value. Their exterior has a grayish-yellow color, and they are robust and sturdy.
Stems:
Bala’s yellow-green, hairy stems can grow up to 2 meters in height, making them rather long and slender.
Habitat:
Native to India, Sida cordifolia, also referred to as bala, is a common weed that grows by roadsides and wastelands. Bala grows across all of Sri Lanka’s and India’s tropical and subtropical climates. In Africa, Australia, Hawaii, the Southern United States, and New Guinea, it is regarded as an invasive weed.
Parts Used:
- Flowers
- Bark
- Leaves
- Roots
- Seeds
Dosage:
- Decoction – 50-100ml
- Powder – 3-6gms
- Juice extract – 10-20ml
Chemical Constituents
Bala’s rich chemical makeup is responsible for its medicinal effects. Alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, and essential oils are all present in the plant. Of all its parts, Bala’s roots and seeds are the most powerful and contain an abundance of health-promoting chemicals. Among them are substances like ephedrine, vasicine, and vasicinone. Bala is an essential herb in Ayurvedic formulations because of its therapeutic benefits, which are attributed to its bioactive elements.
Sanskrit Synonyms
Khareti, Manepundu, Nilatutti, Chiribenda, Antisa, Sida cordifolia, Badiananla, Kisangi, Chittuharalu, Baladana,Barila, Bariyar, Balu, Heartleaf sida, White burr, Beej band,Khereihati, Simak, Kharent, Chikana, Khiranti, Kattutam.
Common name
Heart-leaf sida, Country mallow
Other Language Names of Bala (Sida Cordifolia)
Oriya name – Bajromuli, Bisiripi
Marathi name – Chikana, Karaiti
Sanskrit name – Badiyalaka, Bala, Baladaya
Russian name – Sida Kordifolia, Sida Serdtselistania
Spanish name – Escoba Negra, Escobilla, Llima
Thai name – Ya khat bai pom
Bengali name – Berela
Gujarati name – Jangli methi
French name – Herbe de douze heyres
Japanese name – Maruba kingojika
Assamese name – Bor sonborial
Hindi name – Kharinta, Barial
Kannada name – Chittuharalu, Hettuti-gida
Malayalam name – Katturam
Tamil name – Chittamuttie
Telugu name – Chirubenda, Mailmanikkam
Marathi name – Bala, Chikana, Tupkaria
Nepalese name – Balu
Scientific Classification
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Order | Malvales |
| Family | Malvaceae |
Ayurvedic Properties
Hindi/Sanskrit
- Rasa -Madhura
- Guna -Laghu,Snigdha,Pichila
- Virya -Sheets
- Vipaka -Madhurs
English
- Taste -Sweet
- Physical Property-Light, Unctuousness,Sticky
- Potency- Cold
- Metabolic Property (After Digestion)-Sweet
Bala (Sida Cordifolia) Uses
- Aids in the intestinal absorption of nutrients and water and is highly effective in regulating the motility of the colon. Owing to these characteristics, this plant works wonders for grahani, or irritable bowel syndrome.
- Infertility in both men and women is treated using bala. It is used to improve sperm motility and count in males. This herb is known as vrishya, or an aphrodisiac, in Ayurveda. It is used to treat early ejaculation and male erectile dysfunction.
- Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, bala is used to lessen eye and wound inflammation. It is applied externally to relieve joint stiffness and pain associated with arthritis.
- Sida cordifolia root infusion is highly beneficial for problems of the neurological and urinary systems. Disorders of the blood and bile are also treated with it.
Bala (Sida Cordifolia) Benefits
Remedies Urinary Problems:
Bala, a herb that naturally increases urine production and treats many kidney ailments, is a powerful diuretic. It is mostly used in conjunction with other natural herbs to strengthen kidney function and combat urinary tract infections. This strong herbal remedy heals urine incontinence and strengthens the urinary system.
Skin problems:
Bala has a wealth of vital minerals and antioxidants that support the maintenance and healing of healthy skin. Due to its extremely powerful results, it has been regarded as beautifying since ancient times. This plant can be applied topically or topically to treat skin conditions. It repairs the skin from the inside out and gives it nourishment.
Supporting Immune Function:
Bala is an important plant for preserving health and avoiding disease because of its immune-stimulating qualities. It has been demonstrated to strengthen the body’s defense mechanisms, increasing its resistance to illnesses and infections. The immune system is strengthened and regulated by Bala’s immunomodulatory properties, which guarantee appropriate immune system function.
Fatigue:
Bala aids in the management of weariness brought on by the hectic pace of today. According to Ayurveda, weariness is referred to as klama and is brought on by an imbalance in the kapha dosha. Because of the balya karma, regular use strengthens the body and balances the three doshas.
Aiding in Weight Management:
Bala is a helpful herb for managing weight because of its capacity to increase metabolism and encourage fat reduction. It facilitates the achievement and maintenance of a healthy weight by enhancing digestion, raising metabolic rate, and reducing body fat. Further supporting regular physical activity and aiding in weight management are the stimulating qualities of bala.
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Bala (Sida Cordifolia) Side Effects
Excessive Consumption:
Excessive consumption of Bala can cause negative effects resembling those of the stimulant ephedrine. These include restless nights, nervousness, worry, elevated blood pressure, and possibly stroke or memory loss.
Interaction with Medications:
Bala may interact with some drugs, including blood pressure meds and stimulants. Before taking Bala, it’s crucial to speak with a healthcare provider if you take any drugs.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding:
Because bala contains ephedrine, it is probably dangerous for women who are expecting or nursing.
Conclusion
Sida Cordifolia, often known as bala, naturally strengthens the body and boosts immunity. In addition, it benefits the skin, lungs, hair, and other body organs. However, the primary cause of high blood pressure, anxiety, stroke, memory loss, etc. is overdosing on it. While it should be used cautiously when pregnant, it can be used during lactation.
FAQS
What is Sida Cordifolia used for?
Ayurvedic medicine uses Sida cordifolia, Family Malvaceae, also called Bala, to treat bronchial asthma, colds, flu, chills, lack of sweating, headaches, nasal congestion, aching joints and bones, coughing and wheezing, and edema.
What are the Ayurvedic benefits of Bala?
Bala aids in managing respiratory system symptoms including cold and cough. This is because it aids in clearing the lungs of mucous and balancing Kapha. Because of its Rasayana (rejuvenating) qualities, it also aids in boosting immunity.
Does bala nourish the skin?
Rich in essential nutrients and antioxidants, bala herb promotes, maintains, and improves the health of skin and hair. It has long been known as an herb that enhances beauty.