A small, downy, erect shrub, with long branches, sometimes rooting at the nodes. The leaves are ovate, or ovate-oblong, very downy on both surfaces; the flowers are tawny-yellow or white; the fruit shows a pair of awns on each carpel.

Aphrodisiac (seed); alleviates spasms, contraceptive, diuretic, antiprotozoal and cholinergic (plant); reduces fever (root).

Herbal Monograph
Sida cordifolia
Khareti or Bala
PIER
Herb Information

Alkaloids (including ephedrine and gamma-ephedrine)

Spermatorrhea, polyuria and leucorrhea (plant); aphrodisiac (seed); reducing fever (root); sciatica, in paralysis and other nervous disorders (root bark); used to detoxify the body (in fever and rheumatism), in asthma, bronchitis, obesity, aching joints and bones, edema, cough, cold and wheezing (plant extract).

Sida cordifolia can cause high blood pressure, racing of the heart, and confusion. This herb should not be used by people who are taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors, or suffering from high blood pressure, hyperthyroidism, glaucoma, or dehydration. Do not take during pregnancy or while breast feeding.

Chandel et al., Biodiversity in Medicinal and Aromatic Plants in India.