Alpine Herb Bala Seed Whole (Country Mallow)

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 and cultivated

Parts Used: Seed

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:

Decoctions are suitable for roots, barks, large seeds & berries, and other dense material. The simple way to make decoction is, in a saucepan, add 1 tablespoon of dried herbs to 1 cup of water. Bring the water to boil, reduce heat and simmer for 30-60 minutes. Strain and squeeze out as much as liquid as possible and enjoy!

Tips:

• You can sweeten your herbal decoctions with bit of honey, natural fruit juice, stevia leaves powder and or licorice root powder.

Precautions:

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

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This information has not been evaluated by Health Canada.

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