Bala
Sida cordifolia · बला
Herbs & Roots. Ayurveda.
Also called Country mallow, Heartleaf sida, Flannel weed
Sanskrit: बला (Bala)
Possible ephedrine-like stimulantBala, or country mallow, is an Indian shrub used in Ayurveda for strength and nerves, and it contains alkaloids that need care.
Did you know? Sida cordifolia belongs to the mallow family, the same family as cotton and hibiscus.
What it may help, and how strong the proof is
- Nerve health. Traditional nerve tonic. No good human trials have tested it.Traditional proof
- Pain & headaches. Used for joint pain in tradition. Little human research is available.Traditional proof
Parts of the body
Traditional use
Ayurveda uses bala as a classic strength herb and a nerve tonic. Its name means 'strength,' and it is used for joint discomfort in some traditions.
How it is classified
How people take it
The traditional form is a decoction of the root, or about 1 to 3 grams of powder a day. Modern doses are not set.
Decoction, powder and capsule.
Where to get it
A shrub found in India, Africa and other tropical regions, and it is often a roadside weed. Sold as root powder, tablets and in multi-herb blends.
Be careful
Some sources say it contains ephedrine-like alkaloids, but reports disagree about how much is present. These alkaloids can raise heart rate or blood pressure, so avoid it with heart disease, high blood pressure, or stimulants. It is not well studied in pregnancy.
Avoid if: pregnancy; heart disease; high blood pressure.
Mixing with other things
- Works well together
Both are used in Ayurvedic strength and vitality blends.
- Don't mixAntidepressants (Zoloft, Prozac, Lexapro and others)
Stimulant-like alkaloids combined with MAO inhibitor antidepressants can raise blood pressure dangerously.
- Use cautionBlood pressure medicine (lisinopril, amlodipine, losartan)
May raise blood pressure, which can work against blood pressure medicines.
The honest take
Bala is a classic strength herb in Ayurveda, but human research is almost nonexistent. Its alkaloids are disputed, but the concern is enough that people with heart or blood pressure problems should avoid it. Do not combine it with stimulants or MAO inhibitor drugs.