iBala ~ Sida cordifolia

Bala

Latin name: Sida cordifolia (Ayurvedic name means “strength”)

Family: Malveraceae

Part used: seeds, leaves, roots

Habitat: native to tropical Asia; considered an invasive herb

Main constituents: alkaloids (ephedrine, pseudoephedrine- debated- alkaloids are related to ephedrine), essential oils, steroids, phytosterol, resin

Energetics: cooling, sweet

Main herbal actions: aphrodisiac, amoebicidal, astringent, cardiotonic and heart stimulant, demulcent, tonic, bronchodilatory

Minor herbal actions: laxative, stomachic, diuretic, diaphoretic

Main medicinal uses: rejuvenative (rasayana) for vata, heart tonic, asthma, bilious conditions, colic, cough, cystitis, dysentery, dysuria, elephantitis, fever, gonorrhea, hematuria, hemaplegia, inflammation, ophthalmia, paralysis, piles, rheumatism, sciatica, sores, strangury, tenesmus, tumors of the abdomen, ulcers and urogenital conditions. It is also applied to bruises and swellings

Minor medicinal uses: external wounds

Preparations: internal powder: 5 grams; external: poultice

Contraindications: pregnancy, prolonged use

Toxicity: symptoms of ephedrine overdose: hypertension, arrhythmia, headache, insomnia, tachycardia, tremors

Sources: http://earthnotes.tripod.com/bala.htm; www.botanical-online.com/alcaloidessidacordifoliaangles.htm

From Lecture  Bale o’ Bala (circulatory system slide 49)

Bale o’ Bala is an Ayurvedic root is a classic herb for the cardiovascular system. It has a very small amount of a chemical similar to ephedra so it’s a little bit energizing.  Some people use it as a stimulant.  Some find it so stimulating that they find that they can’t take very much of it.