Bala (Sida cordifolia)

Anticonvulsant and antipyretic activities of the plant have been observed Studies done on rats suggest S. cordifolia has antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral activity. Antiprotozoal activity against E histelytica and anti-heimintic activity against H. nana and A. galli has also been demonstrated. Anticancer activity was seen against human nasopharyngeal carcinoma (in tissue culture) and lymphoid leukaemia.
A decoction of the root with ginger is given by ayurvedic physicians in intermittent fever. It is also administered in fever accompanied by rigour. The powdered root bark is administered with milk and sugar as treatment for urinary urgency and leucorrhoea. The seeds are used to treat urinary infections. They are also believed to be aphrodisiac.