What are the benefits of Bala churna
Bala churna is well known for its benefits in providing strength to bone, muscles and joints in the body. It is very powerful herb that is used in variety of Ayurvedic medicine. In addition to strength this herb can be used for many other health problems. In this article we will dive deep into unlocking the numerous benefits of Bala churna.
Latin Name: Sida cardifolia
Vernacular Names:
- Hindi: Khirainti, Bariyara
- Bengali: Barila, Bala
- Tamil: Manepundu,Nilatutti
- Telugu: Chiribenda, Antisa
- Kannada: Kisangi, chittuharalu
- Malayalam: Katturam
- Marathi: Chikana,Khiranti
- Gujarati: Baldana, khareti
- Punjabi: Khrayati, Simak
- English : Country mellow
Sanskrit Name:
Vatya, Vatyalika, Vatyapushpi, Vatyayni, Vati, Bhadraudani, Samanga, Kharayashtika, Audanika, Mahasamanga, Balbhadra, Nilya,
Bala churna benefits & Ayurvedic Description
Bala is a perennial herb that grows to 30 meters in height. The leaves are oblong and heart shaped having small, solitary, axillary and white coloured florals. The roots and stem of this herb is very strong. Bala is native plant to India and it grows in waste land and road side.
It is Vata-Pitta- Kapha balancing herb. Especially Vata
Ras ( Taste)
- Madhur ( Sweet)
Veerya ( Potency)
- Sheet (Cold)
Vipaak ( Post-digestive effect)
- Madhur (Sweet)
Guna ( Qualities)
- Guru (Heavy)
- Snigdha(Oilyness)
- Picchil ( Sticky)
Classical Categorization
In Ayurveda Charak acharya has classified Bala in group of herbs that help to give strength to body (Bruhniya).
Madhurskand : Groups of sweet tasting herbs
Bhavprakash nighantu – Guduchyadi varga ( group)
Shusrut Samhita – Vatashaman ( group of herbs to balance vata dosha)
Benefits of Bala churna
Helps to relieve Fatigue
Fatigue is common problems in this hectic lifestyle. Bala churna benefits in fatigue. Bala churna has a tridosha balancing quality and it is Balya means strength providing in nature. As a result of this it is very useful in combating fatigue.
Good for respiratory health
Bala posses phytochemical like ephedrine, vasicione, vasicine and vasicinol which acts as bronchodilator and helps in clearing the airway. As a result of this Bala churna benefits is respiratory problems like asthma and tuberclosis. In addition to this it provide nourishment and strength to respiratory tract. It also helps in building a robust immune system.
Aids in Urinary problems
Being a natural diuretic herb, Bala works effectively to increase urine output and treat several kidney disorders. It is mostly used in combination with other natural herbs to fight urinary tract infections and improve kidney functions. This potent herbal plant helps to strengthen the urinary system and cures urinary incontinence.
To Relieve Arthritis
Bala is a very good Vata shamak herb, means it balances the vata dosha effectively. I use Bala churna in my practice for degenerative arthritis of Knee, back or hip. It provides very good relief from pain and stiffness. Also Bala ashwgandhadi oil is used in Basti treatment to manage Vata dosha.
Helps in recovery from Paralysis
Paralysis in known as Pakshaghat in Ayurveda. According to ayurveda, paralysis is caused due to imbalance of the Vata dosha that governs the motor and sensory functions. Oils prepared with Bala is used for massage in person suffering from paralysis. It provides strength to the affected area.
Bala churna benefits in Headche
Bala helps to manage headache especially if it starts in your temples and spreads to the central part of your head. This is due to pitta-related imbalances in the stomach and intestines like indigestion, hyperacidity, heartburn along with anger or irritation. According to Ayurveda this is known Pitta headache. Bala helps to remove Pitta aggravating factors and reduces headache. This is due to its Sita (cold) potency.
Advantages of Bala churna in Ayurveda
Svadu : It is sweet in taste.
Vrushya: natural aphrodisiac.
Balya: Improves strength and acts as tonic
Tridoshnut : Helps to balance tri dosha Vata, Pitta, Kapha
Rakthpittahar : relieves bleeding disorders .
Kshayahar : Useful in relieving emaciation.
Ojavardhak : Improves immunity
Grahi: Absorbent
Kantivardhak : Improves skin texture and glow
Vatasrahara : Helps relieves Vata disorders like gout
Chemical composition
It contains ephedrine, hypaphorine, vasicinone, choline, betain, phytosterol and others.
The roots are a very well known source of betasitosterols and well known for its immuno modulatory effects.
How to use Bala
Bala can be consumed in various forms, including:
- Bala churna: They can be taken directly in powder form. 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of bala churna with lukewarm milk or water two times after meals.
- Decoction form: This is prepared by boiling the bala mool (roots) in water, useful for pain relief and respiratory issues. 15 to 20 ml two times a day
- Bala oil : It is used for external application to reduce pain and stiffness in joints. It also provides strength to muscles and joints.
- Part Used : Roots
Home Remedies of Bala churna
For Improving strength : Take 1 teaspoon of bala churna add 1/2 teaspoon of sugar and mix it well. Now take this mixture with a glass of milk. This simple home remedy will help improve strength and immunity.
To relieve arthritis : Appyling oil prepared with Bala and ashwagandha helps in relieving the degenerative arthritis and also ease the pain and stiffness
To Relieve Cough ( Bronchitis) : Take 1 teaspoon of Bala churna and add 1 teaspoon of honey them mix it. Take this mixture two to three times helps relieve cough and inflammation of airway.
Can Bala churna help in rheumatism
Yes Bala oil is helpful to manage rheumatism. Rheumatism or pain in the joints occurs due to an imbalance of vata dosha in the body in the body. it can be applied to the affected area that helps to reduce joint pain because of its tridosha especially Vata especially property.
Is Bala churna helpful in piles
Yes, Bala helps to manage piles that occur due to an imbalance of Pitta dosha and leads to pain, burning, irritation or sometimes bleeding in the anal region. The Pitta balancing, Ropan (healing) and Kashay (astringent) properties help in the quick healing of piles. It also provides a cooling effect on the affected area because of its Sita (cold) property.
Can Bala churna help in tuberclosis
Yes, Bala helps to manage piles that occur due to an imbalance of Pitta dosha and leads to pain, burning, irritation or sometimes bleeding in the anal region. The Pitta balancing, Ropan (healing) and Kashay (astringent) properties help in the quick healing of piles. It also provides a cooling effect on the affected area because of its Sita (cold) property.
Cautions & Contraindication of Bala churna
While bala churna has many benefits and is generally safe, however people with following health conditions should take it after medical advice only
- Anxiety: Certain compound present in it may stimulate the nervous system and worsen anxiety. So it is generally advisable to consult your doctor before taking Bala or Bala supplements if you suffer from anxiety.
- Thyroid problems: Avoid consuming bala churna if you are having problem with thyroid gland as bala may worsen the problem.
- Kidney stone: When One should avoid taking bala churna if there is stone in kidney or have previous history of kidney stone.
- Pregnant & Lactating women: Avoid taking Bala or consult a doctor before starting consuming Bala churna.
What are the side effect of Bala churna
While bala churna has many benefits and is generally safe, however excess consumption may cause following symptoms
Restlessness, Irritability, Insomnia, Lack of appetite, Nausea, Vomiting.
Also Bala churna contains Ephedrine 0.8 to 1.2 % and long term use of Ephedrine can cause health hazards like trouble in sleeping, fast heart beat, nervousness and tremors.
Also ephedrine increases the risk of heart attack and stroke if taken in excess amount.
Frequently asked question
1.Can this herb be used while taking homeopathic medicine ?
Yes. This herb does not react with homeopathic medicine.
2.Can this herb/medicine be continued while taking supplements like multivitamin, omega 3, spirulina ?
Yes .Generally this herb goes well with most dietary supplement. However if you are taking more than one product per day please consult your doctor for opinion.
3. With western/modern medicine
Seek your doctors advice if you are taking this product along with other western (allopathic/modern) medicine. Some ayurvedic herbs can interact with modern medicine.
When taking ayurvedic medicine or herb with modern medicine it is best to keep one hour gap in between both the medicine.
4. How long does Bala churna take to start showing benefits ?
It depend on any existing disease, overall health, your prakriti ( genetic make up) all these factors plays a role in how quickly Bala churna shows benefits.
5.Can Bala churna be used in people with diabetes?
Yes. But always keep watch on your sugar levels. This herb can lower your blood sugar levels. Do not stop your diabetes medicine once you start taking this herb/medicine. Keep in touch with your ayurvedic doctor. They will guide you in this respect.
6.Are there any diet restriction( Pathya) while taking this churna ?
No .There are no such restriction while taking this product. However if you have been advised with any specific diet based on disease, you should continue to follow it.
Ayurvedic medicine that contains Bala
Bala is main ingredient in following medicines
Balaristh : It is one of the ayurvedic formulation used in variety of health problems like weakness, joint pain and as a tonic.
Bala Ashwagandhadi oil: Useful in external application to improve strength of muscles and bones.
Ksheer bala tailam: This oil is used in various neurological condition. It can be used internally and externally.
Conclusion
Widely advocated as a very potent herb to improve strength, Bala churna effectively treats and cures a wide range of ailments such as weakness, fatigue, bronchitis, arthritis and pain. However if taken in excess quantity it may lead to discomforts like anxiety, thyroid issues, kidney stone problems . As this medicine does not have any reported adverse effects in normal dosage, you can consume this and reap its benefits with a proper doctor’s consultation.
Please consult your doctor before taking this medicine.
This Article is written by Dr. Ashutosh Tiwari B.A.M.S, PGDCR Director of Risha’s Health And Ayurvedaa Solutions.He is having more than 20 years of experience in field of Ayurvedic medicine.
.
Disclaimer :The content provided here is for informational purpose only. This blog is not intended to substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek medical advice of a qualified healthcare provider for any questions or concern you may have regarding a medical conditions.
.
