Bala for Epilepsy: Does It Work?
Does Bala (Country Mallow / Sida cordifolia) actually help with Epilepsy (Apasmara)? Yes, in a specific supportive role. Classical Ayurveda treats Bala as the premier Vatahara (Vata-pacifying) and Balya (strength-giving) herb, the foundation drug for nervous debility, depleted nerve tissue, and the chronic weakness that follows long-standing Vata disorders. The Charaka Samhita Chikitsasthana names Bala in formulary alongside Shankhapushpi and the Medhya Rasayana group; the Astanga Hridaya places Bala in the Madhura Gana (group of sweet substances) and the Madhyama Panchamoola used for Kapha-Vata disorders; the Sharangadhara Samhita Avalehakalpana places Bala in confection formulas with Shankhapushpi and Mucuna for nervous-system support.
Bala's name means "strength-giving", and its property profile is built for chronic depletion. Its rasa is sweet (Madhura), its potency cooling (Sheeta Virya), its post-digestive effect sweet (Madhura Vipaka), and its dosha effect balances all three doshas (VPK=). Its tropism is recorded for marrow and nerve tissue, and for the circulatory, nervous, reproductive, urinary, and respiratory systems. Classical actions: Balya (strengthening), Vatahara (alleviates Vata), Ojovardhaka (increases Ojas), Hridya (cardiotonic), and Rasayana (rejuvenative).
The honest framing: Bala is not a primary anti-Apasmara herb in the way Brahmi or Vacha are. It is the foundational Vatahara that rebuilds nerve-tissue strength in patients who have grown weak, thin, or chronically fatigued from years of seizures. Used as part of a wider protocol with Medhya Rasayanas, never as a substitute for anti-epileptic medication.
How Bala Helps with Epilepsy
Classical Ayurveda treats Apasmara (epilepsy) as a Vata-dominant disorder of consciousness, in which aggravated Vata blocks the channels carrying Prana and disturbs the seat of the mind. Bala addresses this picture through three connected pathways focused on the substrate rather than the seizure event.
1. Vatahara action and rebuilding nerve tissue
Bala is classified as the premier Vatahara and Balya drug in the Bhavaprakash, the foundational Vata-pacifying herb of Ayurveda. Its sweet-cooling-sweet axis (Madhura Rasa, Sheeta Virya, Madhura Vipaka) is the classical anti-Vata signature, and its primary tissue affinity is "all especially marrow/nerves". For Apasmara, this matters because the disorder is Vata-driven at its core and recurring seizures thin Majja Dhatu, the nerve-tissue substrate, over years. Bala rebuilds the substrate the way no Medhya alone can: it provides the sweet-cooling nourishment that depleted nerve tissue actually needs.
2. Ojovardhaka action and post-ictal recovery
The Bhavaprakash classifies Bala as Ojovardhaka (increases Ojas), the classical action of building the deep tissue essence that gives strength, immunity, and resilience. Apasmara depletes Ojas over time, the patient becomes weak, thin, easily fatigued, slow to recover from each episode. Bala addresses this directly. The Astanga Hridaya places Bala in the Madhura Gana (sweet substances) alongside ghee, honey, and Shatavari, the group of substances classical texts prescribe for the depleted, the elderly, the post-illness, and those needing nourishment (Snehana).
3. Pairing with Medhya Rasayanas in the Apasmara formulary
Charaka's Chikitsasthana groups Bala with Shankhapushpi, Shatavari, and the broader Medhya formulary. Sharangadhara's Avalehakalpana chapter places Bala in confection formulas alongside Shankhapushpi, Kapikacchu (Mucuna), Bharangi, and Pushkaramoola for nervous-system support. The logic: Bala provides the sweet-nourishing Vata-pacifying foundation; the Medhyas provide the intellect-promoting layer above it. This is the classical template for chronic Vata-dominant Apasmara with depletion.
Bala does not abort seizures and is not an anticonvulsant. Its mechanism is purely Vata-pacifying, Ojas-building, and substrate-rebuilding, working on the chronic depletion that long-standing epilepsy produces rather than on the seizure itself.
How to Use Bala for Epilepsy
For epilepsy, Bala is used as a foundational Vatahara and tissue-building support, not as a primary Medhya. The classical forms are root decoction (Kashaya), root powder, and Bala Taila, the medicated sesame oil used externally for neuromuscular weakness. The Bhavaprakash dose is 1 to 2 masha (around 1 to 2 g) of root powder; 1 to 2 tola (around 12 to 24 ml) of decoction.
Forms and dosing
| Use | Form | Dose | Anupana |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vata-dominant Apasmara with chronic weakness | Bala root decoction (Kashaya) | 1 to 2 tola (12 to 24 ml), once or twice daily | Warm milk, or plain |
| Daily Vatahara and Ojas support | Bala root powder (churna) | 3 to 6 g daily, split morning and night | Warm milk with a teaspoon of old ghee |
| Neuromuscular weakness, post-ictal stiffness | Bala Taila (medicated sesame oil) | External application, daily massage (Abhyanga) | Warmed oil applied to body, head, joints |
| Combined Medhya plus Balya support | Bala in confection with Shankhapushpi and Brahmi | 1 teaspoon twice daily | Warm milk |
How to use it inside a real epilepsy protocol
The classical pattern: Bala provides the Vatahara-Balya foundation, the Medhyas do the intellect-promoting work. A standard household template: morning Brahmi in warm milk for cognitive protection, evening Bala decoction or powder for nerve-tissue rebuilding and Ojas support. For patients with chronic neuromuscular weakness or post-ictal stiffness, daily Abhyanga with Bala Taila is the classical external complement. The dietary frame from Sharangadhara's Apasmara Pathyapathyam, old ghee, green gram, wheat, red rice, warm milk, applies alongside.
Cautions, this is critical
Bala root contains small amounts of ephedrine, the sympathomimetic alkaloid. Patients with high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, hyperthyroidism, anxiety disorder, or those on stimulants or MAO inhibitors must avoid Bala or use it only under qualified supervision. Disclose Bala use to your physician before any surgery, since ephedrine interacts with anaesthesia. Skip during pregnancy and lactation. Anti-epileptic medication must never be stopped or reduced without explicit instruction from a neurologist. Bala is an adjunct, not a replacement. Consult both an Ayurvedic vaidya and a neurologist before starting; disclose every medication. Track seizure frequency in writing; report any change to the treating neurologist immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Bala replace my anti-epileptic medication?
No. Anti-epileptic medication must never be stopped or reduced without explicit instruction from a neurologist. Bala is the classical Vatahara and Balya foundation, used for chronic depletion and nerve-tissue weakness rather than for active seizure control. It does not abort seizures and is not a pharmacological anticonvulsant. Use it only as an adjunct, alongside the Medhya Rasayanas, under joint Ayurvedic and neurological supervision.
Bala vs Brahmi for epilepsy, which is better?
They do different jobs in the Apasmara protocol. Brahmi is the Medhya Rasayana, the cognitive-protective and substrate-rebuilding nerve tonic named directly in Sharangadhara as "especially beneficial for Apasmara". Bala is the Vatahara-Balya foundation, the herb that rebuilds general strength, Ojas, and nervous-system resilience after years of seizures have depleted the body. Use them together: Brahmi in the morning for cognition, Bala in the evening for tissue rebuilding. This is the template Charaka's Chikitsasthana implies by listing Bala alongside Shankhapushpi and the Medhya group.
I have high blood pressure, can I take Bala for epilepsy?
No, or only under close medical supervision. Bala root contains small amounts of ephedrine, a sympathomimetic alkaloid that can raise heart rate and blood pressure. Patients with hypertension, cardiovascular disease, hyperthyroidism, anxiety disorder, or those on stimulants or MAO inhibitors must avoid Bala unless explicitly cleared by their cardiologist or treating physician. If cleared, the dose is the very low end of the range, with regular blood-pressure monitoring.
Is Bala Taila massage useful for the epilepsy patient?
Yes, often. Bala Taila is the classical medicated sesame oil prepared with Bala root and used externally for neuromuscular weakness, stiffness, tremor, and Vata disorders of the limbs. For the chronic epilepsy patient with post-ictal stiffness, muscle fatigue, or general Vata-driven body weakness, daily Abhyanga (oil massage) with Bala Taila is the standard external complement. It does not enter the bloodstream significantly so does not raise the ephedrine concern that internal use does, but as always, discuss with your vaidya before starting.
Recommended: Start Bala for Epilepsy
If you have decided, with your neurologist and an Ayurvedic vaidya, to add Bala to an epilepsy protocol, the classical case is grounded in Charaka's Chikitsasthana and Sharangadhara's Avalehakalpana, both of which place Bala alongside the Medhya Rasayana group for chronic nervous-system depletion. Bala is the Vatahara-Balya foundation, the herb that rebuilds Ojas and nerve-tissue strength after years of seizures have weakened the body.
Best form: Bala root powder (churna), 3 to 6 g daily, split morning and night, in warm milk with a teaspoon of old ghee. For deeper depletion or chronic neuromuscular weakness, Bala root decoction 1 to 2 tola (12 to 24 ml) in the evening. External daily Abhyanga with Bala Taila is the classical complement for post-ictal stiffness or chronic Vata-driven weakness.
Kitchen version: The simplest household preparation is Bala root powder in warm milk before bed. Pair it with morning Brahmi for the full Medhya-plus-Balya protocol. The dietary frame from Sharangadhara's Apasmara Pathyapathyam, old ghee, green gram, wheat, red rice, warm milk, Brahmi leaves, supports the herb's action.
Dosha fork: For Vata-dominant Apasmara (chronic weakness, dryness, anxiety, irregular seizures, post-ictal stiffness), Bala is most directly indicated, use the upper end of the dose range with warm milk and old ghee. For Pitta-dominant Apasmara (heat, irritability), Bala is gentle enough thanks to its cooling potency, pair with cooling Brahmi. For Kapha-dominant Apasmara (heavy, drowsy, mucus), Bala's sweet quality may worsen the picture; use only the lower end of the dose and pair with Vacha for penetrating action.
Find Bala on Amazon ↗ Bala Taila (Massage Oil) ↗
Safety, this is non-negotiable. Epilepsy is a serious neurological condition. Anti-epileptic medication must NOT be stopped or reduced without explicit instruction from a neurologist. Bala root contains small amounts of ephedrine; patients with high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, hyperthyroidism, anxiety disorder, or on stimulants or MAO inhibitors must avoid Bala unless explicitly cleared. Disclose Bala use before any surgery (ephedrine interacts with anaesthesia). Skip during pregnancy and lactation. Use only under joint supervision of a qualified Ayurvedic vaidya and your treating neurologist, with full disclosure of every medication. Keep a written seizure log; report every change to your neurologist immediately.
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 Epilepsy
See all herbs for epilepsy on the Epilepsy 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.