Bala for Arthritis: Does It Work?
Yes, Bala (Sida cordifolia) has a long classical record in the treatment of arthritis, particularly the dry, Vata-driven form Ayurveda calls Sandhivata, where joints crack, stiffen, lose their cushioning, and ache more in cold weather. The Charaka Samhita names Bala in its Vatavyadhi treatment chapter, the same chapter that frames most modern joint disease in classical terms.
Bala root, a premier Vatahara and Balya drug, is prescribed in Vata diseases, neuromuscular debility, and the wasting of joint tissue.
Charaka Samhita, Chikitsasthana 28 (Vatavyadhi Chikitsa)
Two properties make Bala unusually well-suited to arthritic joints. First, it is sweet (Madhura Rasa) with a cold potency (Sheeta Virya), an unusual combination that simultaneously calms aggravated Vata and rebuilds the depleted tissue underneath. Most Vata-pacifying herbs are warming and oily; Bala is one of the few that nourishes without overheating, useful when joint pain comes with redness or burning (mixed Vata-Pitta arthritis).
Second, Bala is Brimhana (anabolic, bulk-building). It works directly on the Mamsa Dhatu (muscle), Asthi Dhatu (bone), and Majja Dhatu (marrow and nerve), the three tissues whose deterioration produces arthritic pain in the classical model. This is why Bala features in Dashamoola, the ten-root decoction prescribed for deep-seated joint disorders, and why Bala-cooked sesame oil (Bala Taila) is the most widely prescribed massage oil for chronic joint stiffness across India.
One important boundary: Bala is best suited to Sandhivata (the cold, dry, degenerative pattern, similar to osteoarthritis) and the chronic, cold phase of Amavata (the toxin-driven, rheumatoid pattern). It is not appropriate during an acute, hot, swollen, inflammatory flare, classical texts insist on clearing the underlying Ama first with herbs like Ginger or Guduchi before introducing a tonic like Bala. Used at the right stage, however, Bala is one of the few herbs that both relieves pain and rebuilds the joint structure that produced it.
How Bala Helps with Arthritis
Ayurveda places arthritis squarely in the Vata family of disorders. As Vata accumulates in the joints, it dries the synovial fluid (Shleshaka Kapha), eats away at bone and cartilage (Asthi Dhatu Kshaya), and produces the cracking, stiffness, and morning pain that characterise Sandhivata. Bala works on this picture from three directions at once.
Pacifying Vata at the source
Bala is one of the strongest Vatahara drugs in the classical pharmacopoeia. Its sweet taste (Madhura Rasa) nourishes; its cold potency (Sheeta Virya) reduces the dry, rough quality of aggravated Vata; and its sweet post-digestive effect (Madhura Vipaka) is anabolic, the body builds tissue from it rather than burning through stores. The net effect is the opposite of what unbalanced Vata does to a joint: Vata dries, hardens, depletes; Bala moistens, softens, rebuilds.
Rebuilding bone, marrow, and muscle
The properties card lists Bala's tissue affinity as "all dhatus, especially marrow and nerve." In arthritic joints, where bone (Asthi), muscle (Mamsa), and the supporting nerve tissue (Majja) have all wasted, Bala rebuilds across the entire structural complex. This is the basis of its Brimhana classification, and it is why classical recovery protocols after orthopaedic injury, fracture, or joint surgery routinely include Bala milk decoction (Bala Ksheera Paka) for thirty to sixty days.
Local nerve and muscle action through Bala Taila
The most distinctive arthritic use of Bala is external, not internal. Bala Taila, sesame oil cooked with Bala root decoction and paste, penetrates the joint capsule when warmed and massaged in. Sesame oil is itself Vata-pacifying and a potent transdermal carrier; cooked with Bala, it delivers the herb's anabolic action directly to the affected joint without the systemic load of internal dosing. Both Charaka Samhita and Ashtanga Hridaya describe it as the standard Abhyanga oil for chronic Vata disorders, and most later medicated oils, including Mahanarayana Taila and Ksheerabala Taila, build on the same Bala base.
Why timing matters in Amavata
For the rheumatoid pattern (Amavata), where Vata is bound up with toxic Ama, classical texts are explicit that tonifying herbs come after Ama has been digested away. Used too early, Bala's anabolic, sweet character can deepen the toxic load. The correct sequence is Ama-clearing herbs first (Shunthi, Guduchi, Dashamoola), then Bala for tissue rebuilding once the joints are no longer hot or swollen. This is the classical principle of "first clear, then build", and it is what separates effective use of Bala from a flare.
How to Use Bala for Arthritis
For arthritis, Bala is most often used in two forms together: Bala Taila as an external oil massage on the affected joints, and an internal preparation (decoction, churna, or ghee) to rebuild the tissue from inside. The external form is the priority for most readers, it works locally, has the cleanest safety profile, and bypasses the cardiovascular concerns that come with concentrated internal alkaloids.
| Form | Dose | When to Use | Vehicle / Anupana |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bala Taila (medicated oil, external) | 30 to 60 ml per session, warmed | Daily massage on the painful joint, preferably before bath | Apply directly; follow with warm water bath, no soap on the joint |
| Bala root decoction (Kwatha) | 30 to 60 ml, twice daily | Chronic Sandhivata, post-flare recovery, after Ama is cleared | Warm, after meals |
| Bala root powder (Churna) | 3 to 6 grams daily | Tissue rebuilding, postural weakness alongside joint pain | Warm milk with a pinch of rock sugar |
| Bala Ghrita (medicated ghee) | 5 to 10 grams daily | Deep nerve and bone nourishment after long-standing arthritis | Before food, with warm water |
| Standardised extract (capsule) | 300 to 500 mg, twice daily | Modern preference; only with no cardiovascular risk factors | With meals |
The classical Bala Taila massage protocol
Warm three to four tablespoons of Bala Taila in a hot-water bath until comfortably warm to touch. Massage into the affected joint with slow, firm circular strokes for ten to fifteen minutes, working the oil into the surrounding muscles and tendons as well as the joint itself. Cover the joint with a soft cloth and let the oil soak in for twenty to thirty minutes. Then bathe with warm water; avoid soap directly on the oiled area for that day. Daily use for thirty to forty-five days is the classical course for chronic arthritis and back pain. For frozen shoulder, sciatica, or post-fracture stiffness, ninety days is closer to the texts.
Internal Bala for the rebuilding phase
Once the joint is no longer hot, swollen, or acutely painful, a thirty to sixty day course of internal Bala completes the protocol. The simplest version is three grams of Bala churna stirred into a cup of warm milk with a pinch of jaggery or rock sugar, taken once daily after dinner. For deeper tissue rebuilding, classical practice prefers Bala Ksheera Paka: simmer five grams of Bala root powder in 100 ml of milk and 100 ml of water until only the milk remains; drink warm.
What to combine Bala with for arthritis
- Cold, dry Sandhivata (osteoarthritis pattern): Bala Taila externally, plus Bala churna with Ashwagandha in warm milk internally
- After Ama is cleared in Amavata (rheumatoid pattern): Bala churna with Guduchi and dry ginger powder
- For deep, chronic joint pain: Bala combined with Dashamoola decoction
- For frozen or surgically repaired joints: Bala Taila externally, Bala Ghrita internally
How long until you notice change
External oil massage typically softens stiffness within seven to ten days, with measurable pain reduction by three to four weeks. Internal Bala for tissue rebuilding works on a slower timescale, expect six to eight weeks for noticeable structural change, and the classical course is ninety days minimum for chronic arthritis. The aim is not symptom suppression but tissue restoration, which takes time the joint cells need.
Important safety note
Bala root contains small amounts of ephedrine alkaloids. Internal use is contraindicated in hypertension, heart arrhythmia, hyperthyroidism, glaucoma, pregnancy (concentrated extracts), and competitive sport (WADA banned). External Bala Taila has minimal systemic absorption and is the safer choice when these conditions apply. Discuss with your physician before adding Bala to a regimen that includes blood pressure medication, beta-blockers, MAO inhibitors, or any prescription stimulant.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does Bala take to work for arthritis?
External Bala Taila massage typically reduces stiffness within seven to ten days, with clear pain reduction by three to four weeks of daily use. Internal Bala for tissue rebuilding works on a slower clock, plan on six to eight weeks for noticeable structural improvement, and ninety days is the classical course for chronic arthritis. Faster results almost always mean symptom suppression rather than the deeper rebuilding the herb is actually doing.
Can I take Bala with my arthritis medication?
Discuss with your physician. Bala root contains ephedrine alkaloids, so it can interact with blood pressure medication, beta-blockers, MAO inhibitors, decongestants, and prescription stimulants. It is generally compatible with topical anti-inflammatory creams and standard NSAIDs at occasional doses, but a long course of NSAIDs plus internal Bala can stress the gastric mucosa, take Bala with milk and after food in that case. External Bala Taila oil massage has minimal systemic absorption and is the safer choice when you are on multiple medications.
Bala or Guggulu, which is better for arthritis?
Different roles. Guggulu is a scraping, pungent, warming resin that breaks up Ama and reduces inflammation, the right choice for the active, swollen, toxin-driven phase, especially Amavata (rheumatoid pattern). Bala is a sweet, cold, anabolic tonic for the dry, cold, degenerative phase, especially Sandhivata (osteoarthritis pattern) and the rebuilding window after a flare has settled. Classical protocols often use them sequentially: Guggulu (or a Guggulu formula like Yogaraj Guggulu) during the active phase, Bala for the recovery and rebuilding phase.
Bala or Eranda (Castor), which should I choose?
Both are Vatahara, but they work differently. Eranda (Castor) is the classical purgative for Amavata, used internally as a small medicinal dose to clear the underlying Ama and externally as warm castor-oil packs on the joint. Bala is for tissue rebuilding once Ama is gone. The classical sequence is Eranda first to clear, then Bala to rebuild. For straightforward osteoarthritis without active swelling, you can skip Eranda and go straight to Bala Taila massage.
Will external Bala Taila absorb enough to fail a drug test?
Probably not, but it has not been formally studied. Ephedrine in Bala is tightly bound in the root matrix; sesame oil extraction during Bala Taila preparation pulls some alkaloids into the oil, but transdermal absorption is far lower than oral. If you are tested in competition (any WADA-tested sport), the cleanest answer is to avoid Bala in all forms. For everyone else, external Bala Taila is the safest way to use this herb.
Can I use Bala Taila on knee replacement or post-surgical joints?
Yes, once the surgical incision has fully healed, typically six to eight weeks post-op. Wait until your surgeon clears soft-tissue work on the joint. Bala Taila is widely used in classical post-fracture and post-orthopaedic recovery, the warming oil massage softens stiffness in the surrounding muscles and tendons that almost always tighten during immobilisation. Avoid massaging directly on a surgical scar in the first three months; work the muscles and joint capsule around it instead.
Recommended: Start Bala for Arthritis
If you want to start using Bala for arthritis today, here is the simplest, safest starting point: Bala Taila as a warm oil massage on the affected joint, three to four times per week.
External Bala Taila is where the herb is at its strongest and its safety profile is at its cleanest. You bypass the systemic ephedrine concerns that come with internal use, and you put the active oil exactly where the joint pain lives. For most readers with osteoarthritis-pattern stiffness (Sandhivata), knee or back pain, or post-fracture recovery, this is the right starting protocol.
Three-step starter
- Warm 3 to 4 tablespoons of Bala Taila in a hot-water bath until comfortably warm.
- Massage into the affected joint with slow circular strokes for ten to fifteen minutes, then cover and let it soak in for twenty to thirty minutes.
- Bathe with warm water, no soap directly on the oiled area that day. Repeat 3-4 times a week for at least 30 days.
Dosha pairing
- Vata-type joint pain (cold, dry, cracking, worse in winter): Bala Taila daily; add internal Bala churna 3g in warm milk after the joint is no longer flaring.
- Vata-Kapha pattern (stiff, heavy, slightly swollen, worse in damp weather): Use Bala Taila externally; clear Ama first internally with dry ginger tea before adding Bala.
Find Bala Taila on Amazon ↗ Mahanarayan Oil (Bala-based) ↗
Safety: Internal Bala contains ephedrine alkaloids and is contraindicated in hypertension, arrhythmia, hyperthyroidism, glaucoma, and competitive sport (WADA banned). External Bala Taila has minimal systemic absorption and is the safer choice. Stop and consult an Ayurvedic practitioner if joint pain worsens, becomes hot or swollen, or comes with fever, those signs suggest active Ama and need clearing before tonifying.
Safety & Precautions
Bala has a strong classical safety record when used in traditional preparations at traditional doses. Classical texts have used it for over two thousand years, including in paediatrics and postpartum care. However, Bala is not a casual daily tonic like Turmeric or Amla, it contains ephedrine (roughly 0.085% of the root by weight) and related alkaloids that make informed sourcing and dosing essential.
The Ephedrine Issue (Critical for US Readers)
In 2004 the US FDA banned ephedra (Ephedra sinica) as a dietary ingredient after deaths linked to high-dose weight-loss supplements. Bala is a different plant, but it contains the same alkaloid family at much lower concentrations. Bala products sold as dietary supplements in the US therefore occupy a grey area, some companies sell it, others have reformulated without it.
Bala remains legal and widely used in India, the UK, Europe, and most other countries. The risk profile at classical doses (3-6 g churna or 30-60 ml decoction) is low, but stacked with other stimulants it rises sharply.
WADA-Banned for Competitive Athletes
Ephedrine is on the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) prohibited list in competition. If you compete in any tested sport, Olympic, NCAA, professional, or amateur with drug testing, do not use Bala. Even small doses can produce a positive test for ephedrine.
Cardiovascular Cautions
Do not use Bala if you have:
- Hypertension, Bala can raise blood pressure
- Heart arrhythmia, ephedrine is arrhythmogenic
- Known coronary artery disease or prior heart attack
- Hyperthyroidism, additive sympathomimetic effect
- Glaucoma, alkaloids can raise intraocular pressure
Drug Interactions
- MAO inhibitors (phenelzine, tranylcypromine): Risk of hypertensive crisis. Absolute contraindication.
- Decongestants (pseudoephedrine, phenylephrine): Additive stimulant effect, arrhythmia risk.
- Stimulants (caffeine in large amounts, amphetamines, Adderall): Avoid stacking.
- Beta-blockers: Bala's sympathomimetic effect opposes beta-blocker action.
- Corticosteroids: Altered clearance reported with long-term combination.
Other Contraindications
Classical texts note that Bala is not appropriate when there is high Ama (undigested toxins, thick white tongue coating, heaviness, loss of appetite) or high Kapha in the chest (thick phlegm, wet cough). In these states, its anabolic nature adds to the problem. Clear the Kapha first, then tonify.
Pregnancy and Concentrated Extracts
Classical Ayurveda uses Bala during pregnancy (to support foetal growth) and postpartum (for maternal strength). However, these are traditional decoctions and medicated ghee, not concentrated ephedrine-standardised extracts. Modern Bala extracts should be avoided during pregnancy; use traditional preparations only and under qualified supervision.
Signs of Over-Dose
Jitteriness, palpitations, elevated pulse, insomnia, or a rise in blood pressure mean the dose is too high. Stop, hydrate, and do not resume without a practitioner. These signs almost never appear at classical doses but can appear with concentrated extracts or when stacked with stimulants.
Other Herbs for Arthritis
See all herbs for arthritis on the Arthritis page.
▶ Classical Text References (5 sources)
Kaya Chikitsa – General medicine Bala Chikitsa – Paediatrics Graha Chikitsa – Psychiatry Urdhvanga Chikitsa – Diseases and treatment of Ear, Nose, Throat, Eyes and Head (neck and above region) Shalya Chikitsa – Surgery Damshrta Chikitsa – Toxicology Jara Chikitsa – Geriatrics Vrushya Chikitsa – Aphrodisiac therapy These are the eight branches of Ayurveda.
— Astanga Hridaya, Chapter 1: Ayushkameeya Adhyaya
Variation in strength as per season शीते अ यं, व ृि त घम अ पं बलं , म यं तु शेषयो: । śīte agryaṃ, vṛṣti gharme alpaṃ balaṃ, madhyaṃ tu śeṣayo: | Winter – Hemantha and Shishira – mid November – mid March – Highest strength Summer and rainy seasons – mid May – mid September – Lowest strength Spring and Autumn – Medium strength.
— Astanga Hridaya, Chapter 3: Ritucharya adhyaya Seasonal
(Provided cow is perfectly healthy without any infection) Dadhi (curds benefits/soured milk/coagulated milk) अ लपाकरसं ा ह गु णं द ध वातिजत ् २९ मेदः शु बल ले म प तर ताि नशोफकृत ् रो च णु श तम चौ शीतके वषम वरे ३० पीनसे मू कृ े च, ं तु हणीगदे नैवा याि न श नैवो णं वस तो ण शर सु न ३१ नामु गसूपं ना ौ ं त नाघ ृत सतोपलम ् न चानामलकं ना प न यं णो म थम यथा ३२ वरास ृि प तवीसपकु ठपा डु म दम ् Curd has Amla rasa – sour taste Amla paka – undergoes sour taste conversion after digestion Grahi - abs
— Astanga Hridaya, Chapter 5: Drava Vigyaniya Drinkables
Navanita (Butter):नवनीतं नवं व ृ यं शीतं वणबलाि नकृत ् ३५ स ा ह वाता पतास ृ ीरो वं तु स याश दतकासिजत ् ा ह र त प ता रोगिजत ् ३६ Fresh Navanita (butter) is Vrushya – aphrodisiac, Sheeta – coolant Varna, bala, agnikrut – improves skin complexion, strength and digestion strength.
— Astanga Hridaya, Chapter 5: Drava Vigyaniya Drinkables
126 जा भवं गु स व टि भ शीतलं भ ृशवातलम ् ा ह मू शकृ तोरक यं कफ प तिजत ् Jambava (Jamun fruit) is not easily digestible, stays long inside the stomach, cold in potency, causes aggravation of vata especially, absorbs moisture from urine and faeces, bad for throat and mitigates kapha and pitta 127 वात प ता कृ बालं , ब ाि थकफ प तकृत ् गुवा ं वातिज प वं वा व लं कफशु कृत ् Bala amra (tender unripe mango) increases Vata, Rakta (blood) and pitta; when its seed is fully formed, it increases Kaph
— Astanga Hridaya, Chapter 6: Annaswaroopa Food
The above two – laghu and mahat panchamoola constitute Dashamoola बलापन ु नवैर डशप ू पण वयेन तु म यमं कफवात नं ना त प तकरं सरम ् Bala, punarnava, eranda, surpaparni dvaya (masaparni and mundgaparni) together from the madhyama pancamula.
— Astanga Hridaya, Chapter 6: Annaswaroopa Food
Madhura Gana – group of sweet substances: घ ृत हे म गुडा ोडमोचचोचप षकम ् अभी वीरा पनस राजादनबला यम ् मेदे चत ः प ण योजीव ती जीवक ऋषभौ मधूकं मधुकं ब बी वदार ीर शु ला त ग ु ा ीर ीरे ुगो ुर ौ ावणीयुगम ् ी र यौ का मर सहे ा ा दमधुरो गणः Ghrita (ghee, butter fat), Hema (gold), Guda (molasses), Akshoda, Mocha, Chocha, Parushaka, Abhiru, Vira, Panasa, Rajadana, the three Bala (Bala, Atibala and Nagabala), The two Medas – Meda and Mahameda, The four Parni – Shalaparni, Prishnaparni, Mudgaparni, Ma
— Astanga Hridaya, Chapter 10: Rasabhediyam Tastes, Their
Kashaya Varga (Gana) – group of astringents: वगःकषायः प या ं शर षः ख दरो मधु कद बोद ु बरं मु ता वाला जनगै रकम ् बालं क प थं खजूरं वसप ो पला द च Group of astringents consists of Pathya – Chebuic Myrobalan (fruit rind) – Terminalia chebula, Aksha – Terminalia bellirica, Shireesa, Khadira – Black catechu (heart wood extract) – Acacia catechu, Madhu (honey), Kadamba, Udumbara, Mukta (Pearls), Pravala (Coral), Anjana – Aqueous extract of Berberis aristata (antimony), Gairika – Purified Red Ochre, B
— Astanga Hridaya, Chapter 10: Rasabhediyam Tastes, Their
Effects of increased Doshas – Vriddha Dosha Karma:Effects of increased Vata – वृ तु कु ते अ नलः का यका बल न े ि यउ नका म वक पाना शकृ हान ् य ंश लाप मद नताः Vata, when increased produces Karshya – emaciation, Karshnya – black discoloration, Ushnakamitva – desire for hot things, Kampa – tremors Anaha – bloating, fullness, distention of the abdomen, Shakrut Graha – constipation, Bala bhramsha – loss of strength, Nidra bhramsha – loss of sleep Indriya bhramsha – loss of sensory functions, Pral
— Astanga Hridaya, Chapter 11: Tridosha - Knowledge
4 Udana Vata – उरः वा थानमद ु ान य नासाना भगलां चरे त ् व ृि त य नोजाबलवण म ृ त यः The chest is the seat of Udana, it moves in the nose, umbilicus and throat; its functions are initiation of speech (vak), effort (Prayatna), enthusiasm (Urja), strength (bala) , color, complexion (varna) and memory (smruti) 5 Vyana Vata – यानो दि थतः कृ नदे हचार महाजवः ग यप ेपणो ेप नमेषो मे णा दकाः ायः सवाः या ति मन ् तब ाः शर रणाम ् Vyana is located in the heart, moves all over the body in great sp
— Astanga Hridaya, Chapter 12: Doshabhediya Dosha Types,
65-66 Factors to observe in patient द ू यं दे शं बलं कालं अनलं स वं सा कृ त ं वयः यं तथा आहारं अव था च प ृथि वधाः ६७ सू म सू माः समी यैषां दोष औषध न पणे यो वतते च क सायां न स खल त जातु चत ् ६८ The physician should minutely examine and determine, Dushya – the Dhatus and Malas involved in a diseases Desha – the area of the body where disease is manifested, the living place of the patient Bala – strength of the patient Kala- season, how old is the disease, age of the person etc.
— Astanga Hridaya, Chapter 12: Doshabhediya Dosha Types,
Garbhini – pregnant Sutika –the women who has delivered, Bala – children, Vruddha – the aged and Greeshme – in the month of summer, even the other people, who are not indicated above should be given Nourishing therapy.
— Astanga Hridaya, Chapter 14: Dvividha Upakramaneeya
Snehyah – persons suitable for oleation :वे य संशो यम य ी यायामास त च तकाः व ृ बाला बलकृशा ाः ीणा रे तसः ५ वातात य द त मरदा ण तबो धनः ने याः People who require Snehana therapy are Svedya, Samshodhya – Those who are to be administered sudation and purification therapies, Madya Stree, Vyayama asakta – who indulge more in wine, women and exercise; Chintaka – who think too much, Vruddha – the aged, Bala – the children, Abala – the debilitated, Krusha – the emaciated, fatigue; Ruksha – who are
— Astanga Hridaya, Chapter 16: Snehavidhi oleation therapy
शीलनीयः सदा च सा बालव ृ ा वभार ी यायामास त च तकैः वातभ नाबला पाि ननप ृ े वरसुखा म भः दोष नो न पर हारो ब यः ु टमलः सुखः It should be used always for Bala – children, Vriddha – the aged, Adhva, Bhara, Stri, Vyayama – who are habituated to long walking, carrying heavy weight, sexual activity and exercise Chinta – who think too much, who are suffering from- diseases of vata, fractures, debility, poor who are digestive activity, for kings, wealthy persons and persons who live happily.
— Astanga Hridaya, Chapter 19: Vasti Vidhi Enema
Similar is the case of Anuvasana – fat enema and Matra basti – fat enema with very little oil 34-36 Anu taila जीव तीजलदे वदा जलद व से यगोपी हमं दाव व मधुक लवागु वर पु ा व ब वो पलम ् धाव यौ सरु भं ि थरे कृ महरं प ं ु ट रे णक ु ां कि ज कं कमला वलां शतगुणे द ये अ भ स वाथयेत ् ३७ तैला सं दशगण ु ं प रशो य तेन तैलं पचेत ् स ललेन दशैव वारान ् पाके पे चदशमे सममाजद ु धं न यं महागुणमुश यणुतैलमेतत ् ३८ Jivanti, Jala, Devadaru, Jalada, Twak, Sevya, Gopi (sariva), Hima, Darvi twak, Madhuka, Plava, A
— Astanga Hridaya, Chapter 20: Nasya Vidhi Nasal
Source: Astanga Hridaya, Ch. 1, Ch. 3, Ch. 5, Ch. 5, Ch. 6, Ch. 6, Ch. 10, Ch. 10, Ch. 11, Ch. 12, Ch. 12, Ch. 14, Ch. 16, Ch. 19, Ch. 20
Kaya Chikitsa – General medicine Bala Chikitsa – Paediatrics Graha Chikitsa – Psychiatry Urdhvanga Chikitsa – Diseases and treatment of Ear, Nose, Throat, Eyes and Head (neck and above region) Shalya Chikitsa – Surgery Damshrta Chikitsa – Toxicology Jara Chikitsa – Geriatrics Vrushya Chikitsa – Aphrodisiac therapy These are the eight branches of Ayurveda.
— Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan, Ayushkameeya Adhyaya
Variation in strength as per season शीते अ यं, व ृि त घम अ पं बलं , म यं तु शेषयो: । śīte agryaṃ, vṛṣti gharme alpaṃ balaṃ, madhyaṃ tu śeṣayo: | Winter – Hemantha and Shishira – mid November – mid March – Highest strength Summer and rainy seasons – mid May – mid September – Lowest strength Spring and Autumn – Medium strength.
— Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan, Ritucharya adhyaya Seasonal
(Provided cow is perfectly healthy without any infection) Dadhi (curds benefits/soured milk/coagulated milk) अ लपाकरसं ा ह गु णं द ध वातिजत ् २९ मेदः शु बल ले म प तर ताि नशोफकृत ् रो च णु श तम चौ शीतके वषम वरे ३० पीनसे मू कृ े च, ं तु हणीगदे नैवा याि न श नैवो णं वस तो ण शर सु न ३१ नामु गसूपं ना ौ ं त नाघ ृत सतोपलम ् न चानामलकं ना प न यं णो म थम यथा ३२ वरास ृि प तवीसपकु ठपा डु म दम ् Curd has Amla rasa – sour taste Amla paka – undergoes sour taste conversion after digestion Grahi - abs
— Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan, Drava Vigyaniya Drinkables
Navanita (Butter):नवनीतं नवं व ृ यं शीतं वणबलाि नकृत ् ३५ स ा ह वाता पतास ृ ीरो वं तु स याश दतकासिजत ् ा ह र त प ता रोगिजत ् ३६ Fresh Navanita (butter) is Vrushya – aphrodisiac, Sheeta – coolant Varna, bala, agnikrut – improves skin complexion, strength and digestion strength.
— Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan, Drava Vigyaniya Drinkables
126 जा भवं गु स व टि भ शीतलं भ ृशवातलम ् ा ह मू शकृ तोरक यं कफ प तिजत ् Jambava (Jamun fruit) is not easily digestible, stays long inside the stomach, cold in potency, causes aggravation of vata especially, absorbs moisture from urine and faeces, bad for throat and mitigates kapha and pitta 127 वात प ता कृ बालं , ब ाि थकफ प तकृत ् गुवा ं वातिज प वं वा व लं कफशु कृत ् Bala amra (tender unripe mango) increases Vata, Rakta (blood) and pitta;
— Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan, Annaswaroopa Food
Source: Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan, Ayushkameeya Adhyaya; Ritucharya adhyaya Seasonal; Drava Vigyaniya Drinkables; Annaswaroopa Food
Food quantity depends on digestive strength (agni bala).
— Charaka Samhita, Sutra Sthana — Fundamental Principles, Chapter 5: Proper Food Quantity & Daily Regimen (Matrashiteeya Adhyaya / मात्राशितीय अध्याय)
Preventive principle — mental strength (sattva bala) as disease immunity.
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 9: Insanity and Psychosis Treatment (Unmada Chikitsa / उन्मादचिकित्सा)
One pala of each of shvadamshtra, ushira, manjishtha, bala, kashmarya, katrna, the root of darbha, prithak parni, palasha, rishabhaka, and sthira should be made to decoction.
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 11: Chest Injury and Emaciation Treatment (Kshatakshina Chikitsa / क्षतक्षीणचिकित्सा)
Bala, vidari, hrasva panchamula (shalaparni, prsniparni, brihati, kantakari and gokshura), punarnava, and the sungas (terminal buds) of five kshirivrikshas (nyagrodha, udumbara, asvattha, madhuka and plaksha)- one pala of each of these drugs should be made to a decoction.
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 11: Chest Injury and Emaciation Treatment (Kshatakshina Chikitsa / क्षतक्षीणचिकित्सा)
Oil is prepared successively with each of the kshara of agnimantha (Clerodendrum phlomidis), shyonaka (Oroxylum indicum), palasha (Butea monosperma), stalk of tila (Sesamum indicum), bala (Sida cordifolia), kadali (Musa paradisiaca) and apamarga (Achyranthes aspera).
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 13: Abdominal Diseases Treatment (Udara Chikitsa / उदरचिकित्सा)
Source: Charaka Samhita, Sutra Sthana — Fundamental Principles, Chapter 5: Proper Food Quantity & Daily Regimen (Matrashiteeya Adhyaya / मात्राशितीय अध्याय); Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 9: Insanity and Psychosis Treatment (Unmada Chikitsa / उन्मादचिकित्सा); Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 11: Chest Injury and Emaciation Treatment (Kshatakshina Chikitsa / क्षतक्षीणचिकित्सा); Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 13: Abdominal Diseases Treatment (Udara Chikitsa / उदरचिकित्सा)
The dose should be determined after considering the season (Kala), digestive fire (Agni), age (Vaya), strength (Bala), constitution (Prakriti), Doshas, and region (Desha).
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Purva Khanda, Chapter 1: Paribhashakathana (Definitions)
That which is born is called a Bala (child).
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Purva Khanda, Chapter 6: Aharadigatikathanam (Description of Food Processes etc.)
Bala-roga (pediatric diseases) number twenty-two.
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Purva Khanda, Chapter 7: Rogagananam (Enumeration of Diseases)
Bala-graha (spirit-seizures of children) are described as twelve by the great sages: Skanda-graha, Vishakha, Shvagraha (dog-spirit), and Pitrugraha (ancestral spirit).
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Purva Khanda, Chapter 7: Rogagananam (Enumeration of Diseases)
However, the dose should be adjusted after assessing the strength (Bala) of the patient.
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 7: Vatakakalpana (Tablet Preparations)
Source: Sharangadhara Samhita, Purva Khanda, Chapter 1: Paribhashakathana (Definitions); Purva Khanda, Chapter 6: Aharadigatikathanam (Description of Food Processes etc.); Purva Khanda, Chapter 7: Rogagananam (Enumeration of Diseases); Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 7: Vatakakalpana (Tablet Preparations)
Strength (bala), complexion (varna), and vital essence (ojas) depend on the six tastes (rasa).
— Sushruta Samhita, Sutra Sthana, Chapter 1: Vedotpatti Adhyaya - Origin of Ayurveda
A physician should accept as a student one who is from the Brahmana, Kshatriya, or Vaishya lineage, of good ancestry, possessing good character (shila), cleanliness (shaucha), proper conduct (achara), humility (vinaya), strength (shakti), vigor (bala), intellect (medha), steadfastness (dhriti), memory (smriti), understanding (mati), and practical wisdom (pratipatti).
— Sushruta Samhita, Sutra Sthana, Chapter 2: Shishyopanayaniya Adhyaya - Initiation of the Student
When consumed, they promote life (prana), longevity (ayus), strength (bala), virility (virya), and vital essence (ojas).
— Sushruta Samhita, Sutra Sthana, Chapter 6: Ritucharya Adhyaya - Seasonal Regimen
Accessory instruments (upa-yantra) include: ropes (rajju), braided cords (venika), bandage cloths (patta), leather (charma), bark (valkala), creepers (lata), cloth wraps (vastra), stones (ashma), hands (pani), feet (pada), fingers (anguli), tongue (jihva), teeth (danta), nails (nakha), mouth (mukha), hair (bala), horse-tail hair, branches (shakha), suction devices, magnets (ayaskanta), caustics (kshara), fire (agni), and medicines (bheshaja) (15).
— Sushruta Samhita, Sutra Sthana, Chapter 7: Yantra Vidhi Adhyaya - Blunt Instruments
Nagara (ginger) kept in ghee with saindhava (rock salt) for a month — this is used as ashchyotana (eye drops) and anjana, combined with bala (Sida).
— Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra, Chapter 12: Raktabhishyanda Pratishedha Adhyaya (Chapter on Treatment of Blood-type Conjunctivitis)
Source: Sushruta Samhita, Sutra Sthana, Chapter 1: Vedotpatti Adhyaya - Origin of Ayurveda; Sutra Sthana, Chapter 2: Shishyopanayaniya Adhyaya - Initiation of the Student; Sutra Sthana, Chapter 6: Ritucharya Adhyaya - Seasonal Regimen; Sutra Sthana, Chapter 7: Yantra Vidhi Adhyaya - Blunt Instruments; Uttara Tantra, Chapter 12: Raktabhishyanda Pratishedha Adhyaya (Chapter on Treatment of Blood-type Conjunctivitis)
Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Ayurvedic treatments should be pursued under the guidance of a qualified practitioner (BAMS/MD Ayurveda). Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment. Content is sourced from classical Ayurvedic texts and may not reflect the latest medical research.