Ayurveda Medicinal properties of Bala (Sida Cordifolia):

Sida Cordifolia is an erect hairy plant which grows up to 180 cm. It grows as a weed
throughout tropical and subtropical regions.. It has heart shaped leaves (hence name
Cordifolia) and yellow coloured flower. Seeds are black or grey coloured.
Ayurveda acharyas have grouped this plant under Balya (body strengthening herbs),
Brimhaniya ( body bulk increasing herbs), Prajasthapana ( herbs used to cure infertility),
Madhura skanda (herbs with sweet taste) and Vatasamshamana (Herbs which normalize
vata dosha).
According to ayurveda principles the plant Bala is light to digest and increases moistness of
tissues. It is sweet to taste and acts as body coolant.
Medicinal properties of Bala (Sida Cordifolia):
This plant normalizes Vata and pitta. Hence it is used in diseases which are caused due to
vitiation of vata and pitta.
Bala has anti inflammatory properties. Its preparations are used as external applications in
swelling of wounds and inflammation of eyes. Oils prepared using this herb are very useful in
arthritis and other diseases which affect joints. These oils help to reduce pain and
inflammation.
Bala normalizes vata and sooths excited nerves. For this reason the oil prepared using this
herb is used to massage patients who suffer from paralysis, cervical spondylosis, facial
paralysis etc.
Sida Cordifolia controls motility of large intestine. It helps to absorb water and nutrients from
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 hemorrhage. Ayurveda
acharyas recommend 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 which increase sperm count
and sperm motility. It helps to increase quality and quantity of semen. This herb is mainly
used in male and female infertility. Texts of ayurveda praise the herb Bala as Vrishya
(aphrodisiac). Hence this herb is used in conditions like erectile dysfunction and premature
ejaculation.
The herbal preparations which are used in Female infertility contain this herb as main
ingredient as it acts as a very good uterine tonic.
The diuretic properties of this herb help in cystitis and it rejuvenates urinary system.
Bala is a very good rasayana herb. Hence it is widely used in convalescing patients as it
supplies essential nutrients. It helps to build a healthy body and strengthens body immune
system.
This herb is used in African folk medicine to treat various conditions like bronchitis, asthma,
nasal congestion, stomatitis etc.