Botanical Name: Sida cordifolia

Common Name:

English: Indian country mellow
Sanskrit: Bala,Bariyar, Khareti
Also, known as: Khireti, Nilatutti, Bariyaara, Vaatyaalikaa, Vatyalika, Bhadrabalaa,Bhadrabala, Flannel weed, Balini, Sumanganaa,Sumangana, Kharayashtika, Bhadraudani,Kunayi, Khirhati, Balaa, Khahethi

Origin: India

Harvested: Wild

Parts Used: Above the ground part

General Information:

Bala (Sida cordifolia) is native to tropical regions of India and Sri Lanka and is a revered and most valuable herb in Ayurveda - the ancient traditional medical system of India.

Sida cordifolia is an erect perennial plant reaches up to 200 cm in height, with the entire plant covered with soft white felt-like hair that is responsible for one of its common names, "flannel weed". The stems are thin, long, hairy and greenish yellow. The yellow-green leaves are oblong-ovate, covered with hairs, and 3-8 cm long by 2-6 cm wide. The flowers are dark yellow, sometimes with a darker orange center, with a hairy 5-lobed calyx and 5-lobed corolla.

Bala is said to contain five of the six tastes, a rare property, indicating that it provides nourishment from the five elements (earth, water, fire, air, and space) also,balance all the dosa (vatta, pitta, kapha).

Bala is associated with Parvathi, the ancient Hindu goddess of beauty and grace.

How to use:

Hot Infusion:

The basic method for dried herbs and flower is, take 2-3 tablespoons of dried herb in a cup or teapot. Pour hot water over it and cover it with lid for 10-30 minutes. Hot water is needed to draw out the antioxidants, enzymes, vitamins, flavonoids and volatile oils from the botanicals. Strain and squeeze out as much as liquid as possible and enjoy!

Tips:

You can sweeten your herbal tea with bit of honey, natural fruit juice, stevia leaves powder and or licorice root powder.
You can make ice cubes or pops by freezing tea in ice tray or pop molds.

Precautions:

You should consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using any herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.

All information on this website is for educational purpose ONLY

This information has not been evaluated by Health Canada.

This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Bala Herb Cut (Country Mallow)