Ayurvedic Medicinal Properties of Bala (Sida Cordifolia)

Ayurvedic Medicinal Properties of Bala (Sida Cordifolia)

Sida Cordifolia is an upright, hairy plant that grows up to 180 cm tall. It grows as a weed in tropical and subtropical regions of India and Sri Lanka. Sida Cordifolia belongs to the Malvaceae family. It has heart-shaped leaves (hence the name Cordifolia) and a yellow colored flower. Seeds are black or gray in color.

Ayurveda Acharyas have grouped this plant under Balya (herbs for strengthening the body), Brimhaniya (herbs for increasing body mass), Prajasthapana (herbs for curing infertility), Madhura Skanda (herbs with sweet taste) and Vatasamshamana (herbs that normalize Vata Dosha).

According to Ayurvedic principles, the Bala plant is easy to digest and increases tissue moisture. It is sweet in taste and acts as a body coolant.

Medicinal Properties of Bala (Sida Cordifolia)

This plant normalizes Vata and Pitta. Therefore, it is used for diseases caused by the vitiation of Vata and Pitta.

Bala has anti-inflammatory properties. Its preparations are used externally for swelling of wounds and inflammation of the eyes. Oils made with this herb are very useful for arthritis and other diseases affecting the joints. These oils relieve pain and inflammation.

Bala normalizes Vata and calms agitated nerves. For this reason, the oil prepared with this herb is used to massage patients suffering from paralysis, cervical spondylosis, facial paralysis, etc.

Sida Cordifolia controls colon motility. It helps absorb water and nutrients from the intestines. Therefore, its preparations are widely used for Grahani or Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).

This herb is a very good cardiac tonic and reduces petechial bleeding. Ayurvedic Acharyas recommend the use of this plant in these conditions.

Bala is known for its “Shukrala” properties. Shukrala means to increase Shukra Dhatu. Due to this property, Bala is used in Ayurvedic preparations that increase sperm count and sperm motility. It helps to increase the quality and quantity of semen. This herb is mainly used for male and female infertility. Ayurvedic texts praise the herb Bala as Vrishya (aphrodisiac). Therefore, this herb is used for conditions such as erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation.

The herbal preparations used for female infertility contain this herb as the main ingredient as it acts as a very good uterine tonic.

The diuretic properties of this herb help with bladder infections and rejuvenate the urinary system.

Bala is a very good Rasayana herb. Therefore, it is often used in the recovery of patients as it provides important nutrients. It helps in building a healthy body and strengthens the immune system of the body.

This herb is used in African folk medicine to treat various diseases such as bronchitis, asthma, nasal congestion, stomatitis, etc.