Botanical Overview
Sida cordifolia is a flowering plant in the Malvaceae family, commonly known as Bala, Country Mallow, or Flannel Weed. Its native regions include India, tropical Asia, South America, and Africa. The root, leaves, and whole plant are used medicinally.
Energetics
The plant exhibits a warming temperature and drying moisture quality with bitter, pungent, and sweet tastes. It is considered tonifying and supports qi and blood in herbal energetics.
Primary Actions
- Analgesic
- Anti-inflammatory
- Adrenergic stimulant
- Expectorant
- Nervine
Indications
Western
- Pain
- Inflammation
- Fatigue
- Asthma
- Cough
- Rheumatism
- Bronchitis
Syndromes
- Musculoskeletal pain
- Respiratory congestion
- Nervous system fatigue
TCM
No well-established traditional Chinese medicine uses documented.
Ayurveda
- Body pain
- Weakness
- Cough
- Cold
- Asthma
Syndromes
- Vata disorders
- Rheumatism
- Bronchial asthma
- Nervine debility
Unani
- General debility
- Respiratory ailments
- Joint pain
Syndromes
- Musculoskeletal weakness
- Respiratory inflammation
Constituents & Mechanisms
Contains alkaloids such as ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, and vasicine, along with flavonoids, tannins, and steroids. These confer stimulant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and expectorant properties.
Dosage & Preparations
- Decoction: 3-6 grams daily
- Powder: 1-3 grams one to two times daily
- Tincture (1:5, 50% ethanol): 2-5 mL two to three times daily
Safety & Contraindications
Should be used cautiously due to ephedrine content; contraindicated in pregnancy, lactation, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease. May interact with sympathomimetic drugs and antihypertensives. High doses can cause nervousness, palpitations, or toxicity.
Astrological Correspondences
No reliably sourced planetary or elemental rulers identified.
Selected References
- Medicinal Plants of India (Kokate CK, Purohit AP, Gokhale SB, 2010)
- Pharmacological and clinical aspects of Sida cordifolia (Kumar S, Malhotra R, 2004)
- Sida cordifolia – Useful Tropical Plants Database (PFAF)