Sida cordifolia
Malayalam: Kurumthotty
Common: Bala, Indian Ephedra, Mallow plant
Sida cordifolia, commonly known as bala, is a plant in the family Malvaceae. It is used in Ayurvedic medicine. It has been investigated as an anti-inflammatory, for treating cancer, and for encouraging liver re-growth. It acts as a stimulant within the central nervous system. It is also used as a fat-burning supplement.
The whole plant contains large quantities of active alkaloids (alkaloidephedrine) and hence has been used as a rejuvenating herb, an aphrodisiac, a wonderful and efficacious in curing those diseases when they are due to inflammation of the nerves.
It grows well through the plains of India, especially, in damp climates.
