Nagabala, Snake Mallow (Sida Veronicaefolia)- Ayurvedic Medicines, Uses, Benefits & More

ABSTRACT

Nagbala, scientifically known as sida veronicaefolia , looks like the movement of snakes on land thus it is named as nagabala (Snake Mallow). It is a distinguished herb in Ayurveda known for its amazing therapeutic benefits. Its traditional use as a potent Rasayana aids in balancing the Vata and Pitta doshas, enhancing overall health and longevity. Each part of this plant from its roots and fruits to the leaves plays a crucial role in its wide-ranging therapeutic applications. It is traditionally used to cure respiratory problems, support reproductive health, manage bleeding conditions, and treat various skin disorders. Beyond these uses, Nagbala acts as a nervine and brain tonic, enhancing mental clarity and vitality. Its potent anti-inflammatory and rejuvenative qualities and dosha-balancing properties all promote overall holistic wellness.

INTRODUCTION

Nagbala (Sida veronicaefolia), a treasured herb in Ayurveda, is renowned for its remarkable ability to rejuvenate vitality, strengthen the body, and manage overall well-being. Deeply rooted in traditional healing wisdom and supported by modern scientific insights, this Malvaceae family plant continues to be a trusted natural remedy for addressing a wide array of health concerns.

There are many herbs used for this herb like Grewia populifolia, Sida spinosa, Urena lobata, Grewia hirsuta. But overall it is known that - nagbala is sida veronicaefolia and gangeruki is Grewia hirsuta.

SCIENTIFIC CLASSIFICATION

• Kingdom: Plantae
• Phylum: Tracheophyta
• Class: Magnoliopsida
• Order: Malvales
• Family: Malvaceae
• Genus: Grewia
• Species: Grewia hirsuta
• Botanical name: sida veronicaefolia

SYNONYMS

• Gangeruki
• Jhasha
• Hrasvagavedhuka
• Vishvadeva
• Kharagandhika
• Khanda
• Arishta
• Mahashakha
• Gaurakshatandula
• Khargandha
• Chatupala
• Madam
• Mahapatra
• Mahafala
• Mahagandha

OTHER VERNACULAR NAMES

• Family name : Malvaceae
• English : Country mellow
• Sanskrit : Bala , vatyalika.
• Hindi : Jungli Maithi , Bariyar , khrainti
• Gujarati : Bal , Bala
• Marathi : Chikaran

HABITAT

Sub-himalayan tract from the indus to nepal up to 1,500 m, also in hills of Bihar, Orissa and Tamil Nadu and in Rajasthan, Koknakadi.

MORPHOLOGY

Nagbala is a shrub with coarse gray or brown hairy branches. The leaves are lance-shaped or heart-shaped (cordate), black-brown when dried, usually 6-14 cm long and 2-3.5 cm wide, with 4-5 pairs of lateral veins. Flowers are white, small, axillary in cymes, changing color from white to yellow then brown. Fruits are small, globose, yellow on ripening. The roots are brown and cylindrical. Ayurvedically, it has Madhura (sweet) and Kasaya (astringent) tastes, Guru (heavy), Snigdha (unctuous), and Picchila (sticky) qualities, a cool potency (Sheet Virya), and sweet metabolic effect (Vipaka). It is used to balance Vata and Pitta doshas with Rasayana (rejuvenative) properties.

CLASSICAL CATEGORISATION

• As per Dhanwantri Nighantu : Guduchyadi varga.
• As per kaiyadeva Nighantu : Aushadi varga.
• As per Bhavprakasha Nighantu : Guduchyadi varga.
• As per Raj Nighantu: Shatavahadi varga .
• As per Madanpala Nighantu: Abhayadi varga.

SHLOKAS

Shloka No. 1

बलाऽऽ चाऽतिबला चैव महाबलबलाऽ बलाऽ।
अन्या राजबला चेति बलायाः पञ्चकं मतम् ॥ २७९ ॥ (Dhanvantri nighantu,Guduchyadivarga shloka no.271)

In Shloka's interpretation - Bala , atibala, nagbala, mahabala and rajbala - they constitute bala panchak.When two bala -bala or atibala get mix with nagbala they called Balatraya and when these three bala get mix with mahabala then they called balachatushtay .If rajbala also get with them then called panchbala.These are the five varieties of Bala.Together, these five herbs form a potent combination which used to enhance physical health , immunity, and overall well-being. Each variety of bala plays a vital role in our overall health. Let's discuss them.

Bala (Sida cordifolia Linn)is  used to strengthen muscles, bones, and joints, acting as a rejuvenative and tonic.

Atibala (Abutilon indicum Linn) is used for its strong anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving, wound-healing properties and  also for supporting kidney and liver health.

Mahabala (Sida rhombifolia Linn) is also called the "Great strength" that boosts overall physical strength.

Nagbala (Grewia hirsuta Vahl) enhances immunity and promotes a vital role in giving strength and protection to the body.

Rajbala (Sida veronifolia Linn) also called ‘’Royal Bala’’ is used to nourish the blood and improve general body strength.

Shloka No. 2

तप्तपित्तवातजिद्‌ ग्राही बल्यं वृष्यं च कृच्छ्रजित् ।
स्निग्धं मधुरमायुष्यं दाहासृदरनाशनम् ॥ २८० ॥ (Dhanvantri nighantu Guduchyadivarga shloka no.280)

Shloka’s interpretation - It describes the action and functions of bala panchak . Pacifies pitta and vata, styptic,tonic,spermopiotic,cures dysuria, burning sensation and vaginal bleeding , snigdha, sweet and anti-aging.

PHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES

• Rasa (Taste): Madhura (Sweet) and Kasaya (Astringent)
• Guna (Qualities): Guru (Heavy), Snigdha (Unctuous), Pichhila (Sticky)
• Virya (Potency): Sheeta (Cold)
• Vipaka (Post-digestive effect): Madhura (Sweet)
• Effects on Doshas: Balances Vata and Pitta doshas.

THERAPEUTIC INDICATION

• It is Vatapittshamak (pacifies Vata and Pitta doshas).
• Stops bleeding (Raktstambhan), alleviates pain (Vednasthapan), and promotes wound healing (Varanropan).
• Acts as a nervine tonic (Nadibalya) and brain tonic (Medhya).
• Acts as a lubricant (Snehan), relieves acidity (Amlanashak), and promotes downward movement of digestive fire (Anuloman).
• Pacifies blood and Pitta disorders (Raktpitshamak)
• Removes excess Kapha (Kaph Nisarak).
• Acts as an aphrodisiac (Vrishya) and supports fetal protection and maintenance (Garbhasthapan).
• Acts as a diuretic (Mutral).
• Relieves burning sensations (Dahprashaman) and fever (Jvaraghan).
• Acts as a rejuvenator (Rasayana).

SYSTEMIC ACTIONS

• Nervous system : helps in strengthening the nervous system.
• Circulatory system : Nutritional and antioxidant properties help in general weakness, oxidative stress-related conditions, and tissue rejuvenation.
• Cardiovascular system : helps by lowering bad cholesterol and improving blood circulation, which can reduce risks of heart diseases.
• Digestive system  helps with condition like gastritis, indigestion, and constipation
• Respiratory system : It helps with  treatment for chronic cough, bronchitis, and tuberculosis.
• Urinary and reproductive system : Health uses make it relevant for various urinary tract disorders and female reproductive system health issues.

CHEMICAL COMPOSITION AND ACTION

• Alkaloids such as ephedrine, vasicine, and vasicinone, which are notable for their bronchodilatory, expectorant, anti-inflammatory, and cough-suppressing effects.
• Flavonoids include kaempferol, quercetin, and rutin, compounds renowned for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial capabilities.
• Tannins : these are polyphenolic  compounds with strong astringent properties that contribute to its antimicrobial, antioxidant, and wound-healing potential.
• Sterols such as β-sitosterol and stigmasterol offer further anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory benefits.
• Other than these Nagbala comprises other biologically active substances like quinazoline, gossypol, sterculic acid, linoleic acid, various fatty acids, phenethylamines and mucin.

PRACTICAL USES AND BENEFITS

• Consume 3 to 5 grams of its root powder with warm milk and a spoonful of honey or ghee regularly to improve physical health , longevity, and nervous system health.
• Prepare a decoction or juice of Nagbala root mixed with Arjuna bark and drink it with milk. To Treat Respiratory disorders like bronchitis, chronic cough , asthma and also for Lungs and Heart health.
• Take fresh Nagbala leaves crushed into a paste and use it for pain management. It gives relief from joint inflammation, arthritis pain, and sciatica by reducing swelling and soothing nerves.
• Use of decoction of its leaves combined with black salt, helps strengthen digestion and nutrient absorption. It helps to treat diarrhoea and poor appetite .
• Use as a natural aphrodisiac, Its seeds or root powder take with milk to enhance sperm quality and sexual vigor. Also used for urinary tract infections, cystitis, leucorrhea and the bleeding associated with piles, often taken with honey or sugar for soothing effects.
• For boosting immunity its root is combined with herbs like amla and ashwagandha boiled in milk with jaggery and drink it.

PART USED

• Whole plant: Commonly used for various medicinal preparations.
• Root (Mula): Used in powdered form or decoctions to promote strength and treat respiratory and cardiac disorders.
• Leaves: Used for digestive issues, anti-inflammatory purposes, and wound healing.
• Fruit (Phala): Used for various therapeutic applications.
• Flowers (Puspa): Employed in some formulations for their medicinal properties.
• Stem and branches: Sometimes used along with other parts in herbal mixtures.

DOSAGE

1. Mula churan (Root powder)  - 5- 10 gm
2. Kwatha (Decoction) -  40-80 ml
3. Phala (Fruit) - 3-6 gm
4. Pushpa (flower) - 3-6 gm
5. Panchang churan (five parts churan)- 3-6gm

AYURVEDIC MEDICINE

Classical Medicines

• Lakshadi Guggul
• Manasamitra Vatakam
• Baladya Ghrita
• Nagabala- Arjunadi yoga
• Dhanvantri Tailam
• Nagabala Rasayana
• Maha vishagarbh Taila
• Bala Taila
• Ksheerbala taila
• Mahanarayana taila 

Planet Ayurveda Products

• Nagbala Powder
• Lakshadi Guggul
• Dhanwantharam Tailam

CONCLUSION

Nagbala (Sida cordifolia) is a vital Ayurvedic herb known for its ability to balance body doshas vata and pitta. It is traditionally used as a rejuvenator to enhance strength, nerve health, and respiratory function. The herb’s anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties make it effective for treating joint pain, respiratory ailments, and promoting overall vitality. Nagbala is also valued as a natural aphrodisiac and immunity booster, with multiple applications in classical Ayurvedic remedies. Its versatile use in powders, decoctions, and oils embodies Ayurveda’s holistic healing approach, making Nagbala an essential herb for maintaining health and resilience naturally.