# Bala

> Bala (Sida cordifolia) is classified in Ayurveda as Balya (Strength-promoting), Brimhana (Nourishing), from the Malvaceae family. Parts used: root, seed, whole plant. One of the most important Vatahara (anti-Vata) drugs.

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Sida cordifolia
- **Family:** Malvaceae
- **Ayurvedic category:** Balya (Strength-promoting), Brimhana (Nourishing)

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Bala |
| Common Names | Country Mallow, Bala |
| Hindi | Bala, Bariyara |
| Sanskrit | Bala, Vatyalika |
| Latin/Botanical | *Sida cordifolia* |

## Parts Used

- Root
- Seed
- Whole plant

## Ayurvedic pharmacology (Dravyaguna)

| Property | Value | Description |
|----------|-------|-------------|
| **Rasa** (Taste) | Madhura | Primary taste |
| **Guna** (Quality) | Snigdha, Guru | Physical quality |
| **Virya** (Potency) | Sheeta | Heating/Cooling effect |
| **Vipaka** (Post-digestive) | Madhura | Post-digestive effect |

## Dosha Effects

| Dosha | Effect |
|-------|--------|
| **Vata** | Decreases |
| **Pitta** | Decreases |
| **Kapha** | May Increase |

## Key Phytochemical Constituents

- [Ephedrine](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#ephedrine)
- [Pseudoephedrine](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#pseudoephedrine)
- [Vasicinol](/glossary/compounds-t-z/#vasicinol)
- [Phytosterols](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#phytosterols)
- [Mucilage](/glossary/compounds-l-o/#mucilage)

## Therapeutic Actions (Karma)

- Nervine tonic
- Anti-inflammatory
- [Analgesic](/reference/analgesic/)
- Adaptogen
- Strength promoter
- [Diuretic](/reference/diuretic/)

## How is it used traditionally?

Name means 'strength'. One of the most important Vatahara (anti-Vata) drugs. Used for Vatavyadhi (neurological disorders), Balakshaya (loss of strength), and in Basti (enema) formulations. Bala Taila is widely used in Panchakarma.

## Where is it described in the classical texts?

- Charaka Samhita (Balya group)
- Sushruta Samhita
- Ashtanga Hridaya

## Recommended Dosage

Root powder: 3-6g/day; Oil (Bala Taila): external use

## Safety, contraindications and cautions

- Hypertension (ephedrine content)
- Heart conditions
- Pregnancy
- Banned/restricted in some countries due to ephedrine

## What is it made of?

**Part(s) Analyzed:** Root, Seed, Whole plant


## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Churna (powder), Taila (oil), Kashayam (decoction), Capsule, Tablet, [Ghrita](/herb/ghrita/) (ghee preparation), Swarasa (fresh juice)

**Standard Dosage:** 3-6g powder twice daily; 15-30ml decoction; Bala Taila for external use; 500mg standardized extract capsule

**Bioavailability:** Ephedrine [alkaloids](/glossary/compounds-1-a/#alkaloids) show good oral bioavailability (>75%). Mucilaginous [polysaccharides](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#polysaccharides) may reduce absorption rate but extend duration. Fat-soluble constituents (phytosterols) benefit from lipid-based delivery (ghrita/taila). [Piperine](/reference/piperine/) co-administration increases alkaloid bioavailability by 25-30%.

**Optimal Timing:** Before meals with warm water or milk for strength-building; Taila applied warm in the morning for Vata disorders

**Standardized Extract:** Root extract standardized to NLT 0.1% total alkaloids (as ephedrine); NLT 1.5% beta-[sitosterol](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#sitosterol); aqueous extract 10:1 ratio

**Shelf Life:** 2 years (powder/capsule); 3 years (tablet); 5 years (Taila, properly prepared)

**Storage:** Cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Oil preparations in amber glass bottles. Powder in airtight containers to prevent moisture absorption due to mucilage.

**Marker Compounds:** Ephedrine, Pseudoephedrine, Beta-sitosterol, [Stigmasterol](/reference/stigmasterol/), Palmitic acid, Linoleic acid, Mucilage polysaccharides

### Extraction Methods

- Hydroalcoholic extraction (70:30 ethanol:water)
- Aqueous decoction for Kashayam
- Cold-pressed oil infusion (Taila method: 1:4:16 kalka:taila:kwath)
- Supercritical CO2 for alkaloid-rich fractions
- Soxhlet extraction with methanol for research-grade extracts

### Synergistic Combinations

- With [Ashwagandha](/herb/ashwagandha/) for muscle strength and [Rasayana](/reference/rasayana/) (rejuvenation)
- With [Dashamoola](/herb/dashamoola/) for musculoskeletal disorders
- With Narayana Taila ingredients for pain management
- With [Guduchi](/herb/guduchi/) for immune modulation
- With [Shatavari](/herb/shatavari/) for female reproductive health

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Canonical version of this page: https://nighantu.ageayurveda.com/herb/bala/

## Sources

- Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database (700+ herbs, CC-BY-4.0)
- Classical Ayurvedic texts (Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, Bhavaprakasha Nighantu, Ashtanga Hridaya)
- Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India

Published by Age Ayurveda in the Nighantu. Educational reference only, not medical advice.
Incorporates material from the Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database under CC BY 4.0.