Mahabala

Botanical Name : Sida rhombifolia L.

Family : Malvaceae

Identification No.: SDACH/HG/89

Introduction :

Its properties and usage similar to Sida cordifolia Linn.

Industry in Kerala used this plant as ‘bala’ very much.

Names in Different Indian Languages :

Hindi : Jangali Methi

Malayalam : kuruthotti

Sanskrit : Balla (variety )

Tamil : kuruthotti

Synonyms

महाबला बृहत्येव स्थूलबीजा स्थूलमूलिका।

गुरुः स्निग्धा बलकरी वाजीकरणमुत्तमा॥

वातपित्तप्रशमनी शुक्रला पुष्टिकर्यपि।

तद्वत् क्षयापस्मारश्वासकासविनाशिनी॥

Varieties & adulterants – (CV – controversy, AD – adulterants) :

Bala – CV

Morphology :

It is a  hairy herb, frequently procumbent and sometimes rooting at nodes.

Leaves- simple, alternate, cordate-ovate, sparingly hispid.

Flowers- axillary, solitary, or borne in pairs or in small cymes, yellow.

Seeds- brown. (Flowers and fruits throughout the year)

Distribution & Habitat :

All over India

Amayika Prayoga / Therapeutic Uses

External:

Taila prepared with Mahabala used for massage in muscular dystrophy, paralysis, arthritis

Paste used in inflammatory swellings and vata-kapha swellings

Internal:

Kwatha and churna useful in general debility, infertility, neurological disorders, respiratory disorders, and tissue wasting

Part Used: Root, stem, whole plant

Dose:

Churna: 3–6 g

Kwatha: 20–40 ml

Taila (external): as directed

Yoga / Formulations:

Mahabala Taila

Ashwagandhadi Churna

Mahabala Ghrita

Rasayana yogas for chronic vata disorders

IUCN Status: Not Evaluated (NE)

Research Updates (Past 5 Years):

1. 2021 – Muscle strengthening effects of Mahabala Taila validated in osteoarthritis and muscular atrophy.

2. 2022 – Neuroprotective and anti-fatigue effects demonstrated in chronic fatigue models.

3. 2023 – Immunomodulatory and aphrodisiac activity supported in animal reproductive studies.

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