Bala
Bala (Sida cordifolia)
Treasures of Nature (Prakriti Ka Khazana) – Bala
Sida cordifolia is known as country mallow in English and Bala in Ayurveda. Bala means strength. The herb is used largely to increase the strength of the body. Bala happens to be an ancient Ayurvedic herb; it is used widely in a range of Ayurvedic medicines & oils to enhance the strength of bones, joints and muscles. It grows as an erect hairy plant. You can see it as a weed across the tropical and subtropical regions in India and Sri Lanka. As per the principles of Ayurveda, Bala is light to digest & increases the moistness of tissues. Moreover, it acts as a body coolant.
Medicinal uses of Bala
Bala has excellent anti inflammatory properties and hence it is used to treat wounds as well as inflammation. Oils that are prepared using Bala are very useful in treating arthritis and various other diseases that affect joints. The oil is also used to massage the patients who suffer from cervical spondylosis, paralysis, facial paralysis and so on. The oil made by using Bala has shown proven results as far as arthritis and other joint pains are concerned.
The herb controls motility of the large intestine. It aids in absorbing water and nutrients from the intestines. So, its preparations are used widely in case of Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Herbal preparations used in female infertility also contain this herb as the main ingredient because it serves as a good uterine tonic.
Bala possesses strong diuretic properties; hence, it helps in cystitis and rejuvenates the urinary system. The herb helps build a healthy body as well as strengthens the immune system of the body.
The essential oil of bala has rejuvenating properties that help in case of nervine disorders & mental debility. The plant is known to induce the sexual organs, thereby enhancing male libido.