In Ayurveda, Sida cordifolia has various medicinal uses and has traditionally been used for more than 2000 years. According to Ayurveda, Sida cordifolia helps in balancing all the doshas — vata, pitta and kapha. It is a herb which helps in nerve rejuvenation.
The herb contains ephedrine and pseudo-ephedrine which can stimulate CNS and cardio vascular system. Sida cordifolia is known by various other names like Indian Ephedra, Janglimedhi, Mallow plant, Bala, Kharethi, Bariyar and Vatya.
Sida cordifola herb is extremely bitter but also madhura, hence beneficial in disturbed pitta. The whole plant is used for medicinal purposes. The herb is used to treat several diseases such as cold and flu, bronchial asthma, nasal congestion, headache and aching joints etc. Its various health benefits are discussed in this article.
Sida cordifolia Benefits
The herb has the following medicinal uses –
- Rheumatism — The herb is used for rheumatism cure.
- Heart problems — Herb extract is used as a cardiac tonic.
- Elephantiasis — Roots are pounded and applied to get relief from pain in elephantiasis.
- Fever and cold — The herb is mixed with ginger to relieve fever and cold.
- Hemiplegia — The roots of the herb are processed with milk and used both externally and internally to get relief from hemiplegia, facial paralysis, nervous system disorders, stiff neck, and diseases related to ear, nose, mouth and head.
- Obesity — Herbal tea of Sida is used to treat obesity and obesity related disorders.
- Sexual weakness — The milk extract of the herb is advised for low sperm count and sperm mobility.
The herb is also beneficial for several other diseases such as:
- Nervous and urinary diseases
- Hematuria
- Bleeding piles
- Cystitis
- Gonorrhea
- Leucorrhea
- Insanity
- Chronic dysentery
- Blood disorders
- Liver disorders
Ayurvedic view of Sida cordifolia
According to Ayurveda, Sida has the following Ayurvedic properties –
- Tonic
- Astringent
- Aphrodisiac
- Emollient
- Cooling
Sida cordifolia herb can cause ephedrine related side-effects such as anxiety, insomnia, nervousness, memory loss, increase in blood pressure and even stroke.
