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Medicinal Properties Of Bala (Sida Cordifolia)

By Dr Hakim Rafi

According to Ayurvedic principles, the plant Bala is light to digest and increases moistness of the tissues. It is sweet to taste and acts as a body coolant.

This plant normalises "Vata" and "Pitta". Hence, it is used in diseases that are caused by vitiation of vata and pitta. Bala has anti-inflammatory properties.

Its preparations are used as external applications to treat swelling of wounds and inflammation of the eyes.

Also Read: Effective Ways To Treat Gallbladder Stone With Ayurveda

Oils prepared using this herb are very useful in treating arthritis pain and other diseases that affect joints. These oils help to reduce pain and inflammation.

Bala normalises vata and soothes the excited nerves. For this reason, the oil prepared using this herb is used to massage for the patients who suffer from paralysis, cervical spondylosis, facial paralysis, etc.

medicinal properties of sida cordifolia

Sida Cordifolia controls motility of the large intestine. It helps to absorb water and nutrients from the intestines. Hence, its preparations are widely used in Grahani or Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).

This herb is a very good cardiac tonic and reduces petechial haemorrhage. Ayurveda acharyas recommend the use of this plant in these conditions.

Bala is known for its "shukrala" properties. Shukrala means increasing shukra dhatu. Because of this property, Bala is used in Ayurvedic preparations and thereby helps in increasing sperm count and motility.

It helps to increase quality and quantity of semen. This herb is mainly used for the treatment of male and female infertility. Texts of Ayurveda praise the herb Bala as Vrishya (aphrodisiac). Hence, this herb is used in conditions like "Erectile Dysfunction & Premature Ejaculation.

The herbal preparations that are used in the treatment of 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 in cystitis and it rejuvenates the urinary system.

'Bala' is a very good 'Rasayana' herb. Hence, it is widely used in convalescent patients, as it supplies essential nutrients. It helps to build a healthy body and strengthens the body's immune system.

It has a long history of use by Ayurveda and rural areas, particularly for its medicinal properties. It is in use as a folk medicine in India since time immemorial.

According to Ayurveda, the plant can be taken in the form of a tonic, astringent, emollient, aphrodisiac and is useful for the treatment of respiratory system-related troubles. Bark is considered as a cooling agent.

Sida Cordifolia oils are used topically to treat the sore muscles and joints in rheumatism and arthritis, with the crushed leaves that can be carried out as a cataplasm to alleviate local pains because of its astringent value for the cure of external wounds or imperfections of the skin.

The bronchodilator value of the vasicinone, vasicine and vasicinol are used to elaborate preparations for the treatment of the bronchial affections, especially in what refers to the cough, asthma, bronchitis, nasal congestion, flu, pain in the chest, etc.

  • Decoction of the root of bala and ginger is given in intermittent fever attended with cold shivering fits.
  • Root juice is also used to promote healing of wounds. Powder of the root and bark together is given with milk and sugar for frequent micturition.
  • Oil prepared from the decoction of root bark mixed with milk and sesame oil finds application in diseases of the nervous system, and is very efficacious in curing facial paralysis and sciatica.

According to Ayurveda, 'Bala' balances all the 3 doshas - vata, pitta, kapha. It has more effect on vata dosha. Leaves are cooked and eaten in cases of bleeding piles. Juice of the whole plant is pounded with a little water and is given in doses of ¼th seers for the treatment of spermatorrohoea, rheumatism, etc.

Read more about: ayurveda medicine vata infertility