Bala

Also known as Country Mallow, this herb contains ephedrine, and is therefore used as a cardiac stimulant, diuretic, decongestant, anti-asthmatic, anti-depressant, and more. It is used traditionally in Ayurveda for a wide range of conditions, such as bleeding piles, facial paralysis, colic, tenesmus, heart disease, sexual debility, convalescence, sciatica, tinnitus, headache, chronic dyssentry, hematuria, cystitis, leucorrhea, elephantiasis, wounds, weakness, emaciation, hemiplegia, neuralgia, gonorrhea, insanity, frequent micturation, stiff neck, and external massage. It is classified as a cooling, astringent, stomachic, tonic, bitter, febrifuge, demulcent capable of helping several nerve conditions, including inflammation. In Ayurvedic terminology, Bala is "Vata Pacifying".

CAUTION: Use this herb with extreme caution or avoid altogether if you have high blood pressure, heart disease, thyroid disease, prostate disease, or diabetes. Do not use this herb with anti-depressants such as MAOI's or if you are pregnant. Avoid using this herb for more than seven days consecutively, it may be habit forming.