Bala / Sida cordifolia Herbal Information

NAME
Bala


LATIN NAME
Sida Cordifolia

ALSO KNOWN AS
Country mallow

ORIGIN
India and Sri lanka

PARTS USED
Stem and roots


TRADITIONAL HERBAL USES AND MEDICINAL PROPERTIES OF BALA / SIDA CORDIFLOIA
Bala is one of the most valued and well used Ayurvedic herbs. It is used for weight loss, and boosting physical endurance and strength, often used by athletes and bodybuilders. It is also known as an Aphrodisiac.

In India it has been used for 2000 years for conditions such as :
Asthma
Colds and flu
Chills
Headache
Nasal congestion
Aching joints and bones
Coughs and wheezing
Edema
It is diaphoretic, diuretic, stimulating to the central nervous system and anti-asthmatic. So it would seem to have a stimulating, strengthening, energising effect.
The stem of the plant generally contains essential oils and 1-2 % alkaloids composed mainly of stimulants, which are known to be excellent for weight loss.

FOLKLORE AND HISTORY OF BALA / SIDA CORDIFLOIA
The Bala plant is associated with the ancient Hindu Goddess of beauty and grace Parvathi. The herb is part of the 'magical trio combination' associated with women in Indian herbal folk medicine "Tripura Sundari" in common language - meaning "thrice beautiful". The other herbs recommended for beautifying women are: Ashoka and Shatavari.


CONSTITUENTS
Contain 3.23% fatty oils, phytosterol, resin, resin acids, mucin and potassium nitrate.


TYPICAL PREPARATIONS AND DOSAGE OF BALA / SIDA CORDIFLOIA
Suggested Dosage:
Bala fair trade Powder -
Take 1/2 to 2 grams per day, use mixed with milk or fruit juice.( can be split up over day)

Bala / Sida cordifolia Fair trade Tincture -
Extraction Ratio 1:3
Alcohol vol. 25%

5-10ml daily (can be split up into 2-3 doses per day)
or as directed by an herbal practitioner.

PRECAUTIONS
Caution: Do not take in excess if congested.This herb contain ephedrine, an ingredient found in ephedra. Although no reported safety risk exists for this herb, ephedra has been found to be dangerous and can cause death if not used properly.