The Materia Medica of the Hindus, compiled from Sanskrit Medical Works c5.s6.t1.2

c5.s6.t1.2

FOUR varietes of *balá* are mentioned by Sanskrit writers, namely, *Bátyálaka*, (*Sida cordifolia*). *Mahábalá*, (*Sida rhomboidea*)∗ *Atibalá*, (*Sida rhombifolia*). *Nágabalá*, (*Sida alba*). The roots of all these species, are regarded as cooling, astringent, tonic and useful in nervous diseases, urinary diseases and disorders of the blood and bile. In intermittent fever, a decoction of the root of *Sida cordifolia* and ginger is given.¹ It is said to be useful in fevers with cold shivering fits, followed by strong heat of body. The powder of the root-bark is given with milk aud sugar, for the relief of frequent micturition and leucorrhoea.²