Bala
Bala is an ancient Ayurveda herb, used widely in a variety of Ayurveda medicines. Bala as the name denotes “strength “in English, it is used to improve strength of bones, muscles and joints. It’s botanical name is Sida cordifolia which belongs to Malvaceae family. It is known as Country mallow in English.
It is an erect perennial herb that grows to 30 metres height. The whole plant is covered with soft white hair. Roots are strong with yellowish green stem. The plant has serrated margin leaves of heart shape. Flowers are yellow in color and solitary. Fruits are moon shaped. Seeds are smooth and greyish black in color.
Bala is a native plant to India that grows along wastelands and roadsides. It is widely found throughout tropical and sub-tropical regions of India and Sri Lanka.
Chemical constituents –
It contains Ephedrine, hypaphorine, vasicinone, choline, betaine, phytosterol etc.
The roots are a very well known source of Beta sitosterols which gives Immuno-modulatory effects to the plant.
Properties –
• Aphrodisiac
• Absorbent
• Antidiarrhoeal
• Antihaemorrhagic
• Immunomodulator
• Strength Promote
• Anti-inflammatory
• Analgesic
• Antioxidant
• Bronchodilator
• Hepatoprotective
• Healing property
Part used –
Root of the Bala plant is used for medicinal purposes.
Dosage–
• Juice extract – 10 – 20 ml, in divided dose per day.
• Powder – 3 – 6 grams in divided dose per day.
• Decoction – Kashaya – 50 -100 ml in divided doses per day.
• Capsule – 1-2 capsules twice day.
Ayurvedic Formulations –
• Bala taila
• Bala rasayan
• Kshirabala taila
• Balaguduchyadi taila
• Balalakshadi taila
Benefits –
• Paralysis
Oil prepared with Bala helps to reduce the symptoms of paralysis.
According to Ayurveda, paralysis is due to imbalance of the Vata dosha which is responsible for the motor and sensory functions. A massage with Bala oil gives strength to the affected area, because of its Vata balancing and Balya (strength provider) properties.
• Arthritis
Application of Bala powder or oil helps in treating joint pain specially rheumatism due to Bala plant’s Tridosha especially Vata balancing property.
• Headache
Bala helps to manage headache especially if it starts in your temples and spreads to the central part of your head.
It helps to remove Pitta aggravating factors due to its cold potency.
• Fatigue
Bala is effective in managing fatigue caused by a hectic lifestyle. As per Ayurveda, fatigue is referred to as klama and Kapha dosha is the main dosha that is imbalanced. It helps to ease the symptoms of fatigue due to its Balya (strength providing nature) and Tridosha balancing action.
• Erectile Dysfunction
Bala contains ephedrine which acts as a mood altering and stimulating drug. It might increase the duration of erection and thus controls ejaculation during sexual act.
• Respiratory Health
The phytochemicals present in Bala plant acts as bronchodilators, help to clear the airways, ease breathing difficulties and prevent wheezing.
It can also be used as a nasal decongestant and to support the overall health of the lungs and upper airways.
• Urinary Urgency
It helps to strengthen the urinary system and helps with “urinary urgency” or incontinence.
• Beauty – Skin and Hair
As Bala is loaded with antioxidants and many other nutrients which promotes shiny hair and glowing skin, it can be used as a beautifying herb. Whether applied directly to the skin or taking it internally, it provides the nourishment needed for a flawless complexion.
Side Effects –
Bala contains ephedrine and overuse of this herb may exhibit the side effects such as Insomnia, anxiety, nervousness, high blood pressure, memory loss, stroke. Due to these side effects always prefer to use this herb in your Ayurvedic physician supervision.
It is safe to use for lactating mothers and in children. For pregnant women supervision of doctor is mandatory to use this herb.
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