Bala (Sida cordifolia L.)
- Local name: Khareeti (Hindi)
- Habitat: Found throughout the tropical and sub-tropical plains of India
- Part used: Whole plant, especially root
- General description: Bala is an erect perennial plant that grows 50 to 200 cm tall. The stems are yellow-green, hairy, long, and slender. The yellow-green leaves are oblong-ovate, covered with hairs, and measure 3.5 to 7.5 cm (1.4 to 3.0 in) in length and 2.5 to 6 cm (0.98 to 2.36 in) in width. The flowers are dark yellow, sometimes with a darker orange center, and have a hairy 5-lobed calyx and a 5-lobed corolla.
Uses of Bala:
- Neurological / degenerative problems: A decoction of the whole Bala plant is recommended for internal use, and oil made from it is advised for local application. Bala oil can be prepared by boiling the plant paste in sesame oil. This oil is used for massage, internal use, and therapeutic enema as well.