Herb · Asia
Country mallow
Sida cordifolia
Traditionally attributed effects: cooling, astringent, stomachic, tonic, fever-reducing, soothing, diuretic; contains an ephedrine-like substance.
Safety notes
Serious illnesses such as infections, cancer or hepatitis need a doctor: there is no evidence that this remedy cures them. Traditional use is no proof of effectiveness; if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult a doctor or pharmacist.
Cautions by tradition (1)
- Ayurvedic materia medica: Serious illnesses such as infections, cancer or hepatitis need a doctor: there is no evidence that this remedy cures them.
Preparation
Root tea 2–20 ml; powder 1–3 g; juice of the plant; root paste with palm sap externally.
Use in traditions
Described in the Ayurvedic materia medica. Sanskrit name: Bala. Bala means 'strength': in Ayurveda the root is a tonic for the nerves and muscles and the basis of bala oil for massage. The plant contains ephedrine; in the US supplements with ephedrine are banned.
Applications
Use by tradition
How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.
Ayurvedic materia medica
Attributed effects
Cooling, astringent, stomachic, tonic, fever-reducing, soothing, diuretic; contains an ephedrine-like substance; for rheumatism, gonorrhoea, seminal loss, fever, bleeding haemorrhoids, blood in the urine, cystitis, leucorrhoea, chronic dysentery, nervous diseases, facial paralysis, asthma, elephantiasis.
Preparation and amount
Root tea 2–20 ml; powder 1–3 g; juice of the plant; root paste with palm sap externally.
Caution: Serious illnesses such as infections, cancer or hepatitis need a doctor: there is no evidence that this remedy cures them.
- Ways to prepare herbs
- Tea (infusion)Compress, poultice and pastePowder and kitchen