BALA: Powerhouse Herb of Ayurveda
Bala is arguably one of the most underappreciated of the herbs I prescribe. Recognizing the Sanskrit word ‘Bala’, meaning ‘strength’, I would have to agree with that translation. Its botanical name is Sida cordifolia, which is a member of the Malvaceae family (the country mallow). It can be found growing natively in the tropical and subtropical areas of India and Sri Lanka.
Bala appears to be an erect, hairy shrub, and all parts of the plants are used commercially. The roots, bark, leaves, flowers and seeds of Sida cordifolia are used in a range of formulations that can be in the form of kashaya (decoction), arista (fermented liquids), choorna (powder), vatika (tablet), or taila (medicated oil). There are a number of commercially available products in Ayurveda that include Bala such as Balajeerarakadi Kashaya, Balarishta, Bala Taila and Ksheera Bala Taila.
Ayurvedic Properties of Bala
From a traditional Ayurvedic perspective, Bala can be defined as the following:
- Taste (rasa): sweet (madhura)
- Quality (guna): heavy (guru), unctuous (snigdha), slimy (pichila)
- Potency (virya): cold (sheeta)
- Post digestive effect (vipaka): sweet (madhura)
Bala is a very important herb and is one of the very few herbs that is known to balance all three doshas. Its effect on vata dosha is particularly known (and appreciated), and that is part of the reason it is widely used for nervous system and musculo-skeletal vata disorders.
Bala’s Benefits for Muscles and Joints
This is where Bala’s reputation is earned most. As a herbal analgesic and anti-inflammatory, Bala is one the best rejuvenative rasayana herbs for vata disorders. Bala oil is something I use regularly for joint stiffness, arthritic pain, and spondylitis. I have also used it to support cases of facial paralysis and palsy where both strength and inflammation are concerns.
Bala functions as a blood purifier and helps support inflammation of the eyes and wounds. Bala also supports the treatment of arthritic conditions, rheumatism, and piles that have a connection with vata, as Bala is a vata herb.
Bala’s Benefits for Muscles and Joints
Bala also impacts the digestive tract. Bala helps with the irregular motility of the large intestine and is therefore helpful for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome, a vata condition I frequently see, along with other vata concerns.
Bala is also a cardiac tonic, and has a role in treating gout, as well as support for other metabolic disorders, off which it has blood sugar and blood pressure lowering effects, along with the primary condition.
Supporting Fertility and Reproductive Health
Bala can also be recognized for its importance in reproductive health. Since it is shukrala, it helps develop and strengthens reproductive tissue. Bala is a natural aphrodisiac. I’ve come across a few cases dealing with both male and female infertility, premature ejaculation, erectile dysfunction, and Bala is a very supportive uterine tonic. It can also nourish a developing fetus during pregnancy if used in a healthy way.
Immunity, Skin, and Overall Health
Bala is very helpful in combatting low strength, low weight, and low vitality. It also boosts the immune system. Bala in particular has been shown to improve skin quality with consistent use and Bala is often included in a healthy treatment plan for a patient who may not have a specific complaint.
Respiratory and Urinary Benefits
Bala also has a diuretic effect that can help in the treatment of cystitis. It also helps speed the healing of wounds and ulcers. Bala is also useful for bronchitis and asthma and is also used for sinus infections and fevers. These are just a few examples of how broad and useful Bala is in the Ayurvedic pharmacy.
A Practical Note on Using Bala
Bala has such a widespread effect upon multiple systems within the body (musculoskeletal, digestive, reproductive, etc.) that it could be assumed to be beneficial to the larger population. However, the appropriate preparation, dosage, and duration with Bala highly depends on the individual’s specific condition and constitution. This is precisely why one must NOT self-prescribe Bala. Only an Ayurvedic professional is able to provide Bala in the appropriate combination and form as per one’s unique requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Bala is utilized for strength of the muscles and joints, various Vata disorders, numerous digestive disorders including IBS, reproductive concerns, and multiple respiratory disorders including asthma and bronchitis, as well as for the enhancement of immunity and as a tonic.
Yes, Bala and Sida cordifolia (Country Mallow) are one and the same.
Bala has shukrala (reproductive tissue nourishing) properties and thus is used for fertility, as well as for aiding in the treatment of Erectile Dysfunction and as a uterine tonic in the course of pregnancy.
Bala is safe for the most part. As is true with nearly all Ayurvedic herbs, the correct preparation and dosage should be recommended in the context of proper assessment of the individual’s specific condition and constitution.
It’s rare for an herb to span as many therapeutic systems as Bala does. Bala supports systems and structures for muscles and joints, digestion, reproduction, immunity, and respiration. At Kottakkal Ayurveda, we use Bala when it fits a client’s treatment plan best. We do not apply Bala as a routine remedy for all patients.
About the Author
Dr. Nasreen Thacham Poyil, at the Kottakkal Ayurvedic Treatment Centre in Ajman, is an Ayurvedic physician. She is a graduate of VPSV Ayurveda College, Kottakkal. She has a wide scope of practice based on the multiple subjects she is able to treat including the musculoskeletal, dermatological, gastrointestinal, gynecological, and neurological realms.
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