Ayurvedic Properties
- Taste (Rasa)
- Sweet (Madhura)
- Quality (Guna)
- Heavy (Guru), Unctuous (Snigdha)
- Potency (Virya)
- Cold (Sheeta)
- Post-digestive (Vipaka)
- Sweet (Madhura)
- Also Known As
- English: Hairy Grewia
Sanskrit: नागबला, गुलसकरी, गांगेरुकी
Hindi: नागबला, गुलसकरी
What is Nagbala?
Ayurveda has a trio of "strength" herbs, the three Balas, and Nagbala is the one scholars still argue about. Which plant is the true Nagbala has been debated for a long time, and the answer shapes what ends up in the bottle.
This page covers Nagbala as Grewia hirsuta Vanb., known in English as Hairy Grewia and in Sanskrit and Hindi as Nagabala, Gulsakari and Gangeruki. The Bhavaprakash Nighantu describes it as a shrub growing 11 to 12 feet tall, with hairy leaves 5 to 6 inches long and a fibrous, mucilaginous stem bark. Some authorities regard it as the true Nagabala.
The same text also records a Nagabala from the Sida genus (Sida veronicaefolia or Sida humilis), with properties between Bala and Atibala and used interchangeably with them. The Ashtanga Hridaya names "the three Bala" (Bala, Atibala and Nagabala) together in its group of sweet substances.
Benefits of Nagbala
Strength and Recovery
Nagbala's first action is strengthening (Balya), and it is linked on this site to weakness and debility. Its sweet taste (Madhura), heavy (Guru) and unctuous (Snigdha) qualities, cooling potency and sweet post-digestive effect are the profile of a nourishing tonic.
The Charaka Samhita uses it in the chapter on chest injury and emaciation (Kshatakshina): half a karsha of root bark boiled in milk on the first day, increased by half a karsha each day.
Half karsha of the root (bark) of nagabala should be boiled with milk and given to the patient on the first day.
Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana 11
Calming Vata
It is listed as alleviating Vata (Vatahara). Heavy, oily and sweet qualities directly oppose Vata's light, dry and rough nature.
Sexual Vitality
The Sharangadhara Samhita defines an aphrodisiac (Vajikarana) as a substance that arouses desire, naming Nagabala and the seed of Kapikacchu as examples. The Bhavaprakash Nighantu also lists it as Vrishya.
Rejuvenation
Charaka's chapter on Rasayana names Nagabala among its key herbs, alongside Amla, Haritaki and others.
Binding Loose Stools and Topical Use
It is described as absorbent (Grahi), meaning it helps firm loose stools. Externally, Charaka includes Nagabala in a paste (Pralepa) with Bala and Haritaki applied to glandular swellings (Granthi).
How to Use Nagbala
The bark and roots are the parts used. The Bhavaprakash Nighantu gives doses in classical units of weight.
| Form | Dose | Best For | When to Take |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bark decoction (Kashaya) | 1 to 2 tola | Strength, Vata conditions | As advised by a practitioner |
| Root powder (Churna) | 2 to 4 masha | Strength, sexual vitality | As advised by a practitioner |
| Root bark boiled in milk (Charaka) | Half karsha, rising by half karsha daily | Emaciation and chest injury recovery | Under a physician's supervision |
| Paste (Pralepa) | Applied externally | Glandular swellings, with Bala and Haritaki | As prescribed |
Milk is the classical vehicle (Anupana) in Charaka's strengthening regimen, adding to the herb's own nourishing quality.
Safety & Side Effects
Our sources record no specific contraindications or drug interactions for Nagbala. Its properties still suggest who should go carefully.
- Heavy and oily: its heavy and unctuous qualities can burden a weak digestion or add to Kapha congestion.
- Absorbent: as a Grahi herb that firms the stool, it may not suit someone prone to constipation.
- Identity: both Grewia and Sida species are sold as Nagabala. Check the botanical name on the label.
- Pregnancy, nursing and medication: no data is recorded here, so consult your doctor first.
Charaka's escalating milk regimen is a supervised therapy, not something to run on your own.
Recommended: Start Here
The simplest classical way to start with Nagbala is the root powder at the low end of its range (2 masha), boiled briefly in a cup of milk and taken once a day. This follows the pattern in the Charaka Samhita, where Nagabala root bark is boiled with milk for strength.
Products are scarce and often labelled with a Sida species instead, so check the label. If you cannot find Nagbala, its better-known sibling Bala serves a similar strengthening role.
Find Nagbala Powder on Amazon ↗ Bala Powder ↗
Safety: Nagbala is heavy and binding, so go gently if your digestion is weak or you tend toward constipation, and check with your doctor if pregnant or on medication.
Nagbala vs Other Herbs & Supplements
| Comparison | Nagbala | Alternative | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nagbala vs Bala | One of the three Balas; strengthening, Vata-calming, aphrodisiac, absorbent | Bala (Sida cordifolia), the best known of the three | Similar strengthening role; Bala is easier to find |
| Nagbala (Grewia) vs Nagabala (Sida) | Grewia hirsuta, called the true Nagabala by some | Sida veronicaefolia or Sida humilis, used interchangeably with other Sidas | Both are used; the identity debate is unresolved |
| Nagbala vs Kapikacchu | Aphrodisiac (Vajikarana) in the Sharangadhara Samhita | Kapikacchu seed, named in the same definition | Both are classical examples of Vajikarana herbs |
| Nagbala vs Ashwagandha | Sweet, cooling strength tonic | Ashwagandha, a widely used strength tonic | Nagbala's cooling potency may suit people who run hot |
Nagbala for Specific Populations
Pregnancy & Nursing
No safety data is recorded for Nagbala in pregnancy or breastfeeding. Avoid it unless your doctor approves.
Children
No child dose is recorded in our sources. Keep any use for children under a practitioner's guidance.
Elderly
Strengthening, Vata-calming and named among Charaka's rejuvenative herbs, Nagbala fits the weakness and dryness of age well. Start low if digestion is slow, since it is heavy.
Athletes
As a Balya herb, Nagbala supports strength and recovery. Charaka's use of it in emaciation shows its role in rebuilding a depleted body rather than giving quick energy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the three Balas?
Bala, Atibala and Nagabala. The Ashtanga Hridaya names them together in its group of sweet substances, and all three are strength herbs.
Is Nagbala a Sida or a Grewia?
Both are used. The Bhavaprakash Nighantu records a Sida Nagabala and notes that some identify Grewia hirsuta as the true Nagabala, discussing the debate between them.
Is Nagbala an aphrodisiac?
In the classical view, yes. The Sharangadhara Samhita names it as an example of a Vajikarana substance, and it is also listed as Vrishya.
Does Nagbala help with diarrhoea?
It is described as absorbent (Grahi), a quality that firms loose stools. For persistent diarrhoea, see a doctor.
How to Use Nagbala by Condition
Explore how Nagbala is used for specific health concerns — with dosage, preparation methods, and classical references for each.
▶ Classical Text References (5 sources)
References in Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan
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 Sutrasthan, Rasabhediyam Tastes, Their
Source: Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan, Rasabhediyam Tastes, Their
References in Charaka Samhita
Half karsha of the root (bark) of nagabala should be boiled with milk and given to the patient on the first day.
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 11: Chest Injury and Emaciation Treatment (Kshatakshina Chikitsa / क्षतक्षीणचिकित्सा)
Thereafter, the powder of nagabala root (bark) should be increased by half karsha every day, and given by boiling with milk.
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 11: Chest Injury and Emaciation Treatment (Kshatakshina Chikitsa / क्षतक्षीणचिकित्सा)
Bala (Sida cordifolia Linn), nagabala (Grewia hirsuta), pathya (Terminalia chebula), bhurjagranthi (betula bhojpatra), bibhitaka (Terminalia bellirica), vamsha leaves (bambusa vulgaris) and agnimantha (Premna mucronata) should be applied as pralepa on granthi.
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 21: Erysipelas Treatment (Visarpa Chikitsa / विसर्पचिकित्सा)
Key herbs include amalaki, haritaki, bhallataka, nagabala, pippali, and vidanga.
— Charaka Samhita, Rejuvenation Therapy (Rasayana Chikitsa / रसायन चिकित्सा)
Source: Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 11: Chest Injury and Emaciation Treatment (Kshatakshina Chikitsa / क्षतक्षीणचिकित्सा); Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 21: Erysipelas Treatment (Visarpa Chikitsa / विसर्पचिकित्सा); Rejuvenation Therapy (Rasayana Chikitsa / रसायन चिकित्सा)
References in Charaka Samhita
Bala (Sida cordifolia Linn), nagabala (Grewia hirsuta), pathya (Terminalia chebula), bhurjagranthi (betula bhojpatra), bibhitaka (Terminalia bellirica), vamsha leaves (bambusa vulgaris) and agnimantha (Premna mucronata) should be applied as pralepa on granthi.
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 21: Erysipelas Treatment (Visarpa Chikitsa / विसर्पचिकित्सा)
Decoction of trayamana, tamalaki (Phyllinthus niruri), kakoli, kshirkakoli, shatavari and kasheru (Scirpus kysoor) is to be prepared by using paste of same drugs and decoction of all to be taken with juice of parushaka (Grewia asciatica), draksha (Vitis vinifera), kashmarya (Gmelina arboria), ikshu (Saccharum officinarium) and vidarikanda (Pueraria tuberose) are to be taken in equal quantity.
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 29: Gout Treatment (Vatarakta Chikitsa / वातरक्तचिकित्सा)
For purgation, decoction of kashmarya, trivrita, draksha and parushaka (Grewia asiatica) added with salt and honey should be given.
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 29: Gout Treatment (Vatarakta Chikitsa / वातरक्तचिकित्सा)
Source: Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 21: Erysipelas Treatment (Visarpa Chikitsa / विसर्पचिकित्सा); Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 29: Gout Treatment (Vatarakta Chikitsa / वातरक्तचिकित्सा)
References in Sharangadhara Samhita
That substance from which sexual desire toward women is aroused is called Vajikarana (aphrodisiac), like Nagabala (Grewia hirsuta) and the seed of Kapikacchu (Mucuna pruriens).
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Purva Khanda, Chapter 4: Dipana-Pachana Adikathanam (Digestive Actions etc.)
Source: Sharangadhara Samhita, Purva Khanda, Chapter 4: Dipana-Pachana Adikathanam (Digestive Actions etc.)
References in Sharangadhara Samhita
That substance from which sexual desire toward women is aroused is called Vajikarana (aphrodisiac), like Nagabala (Grewia hirsuta) and the seed of Kapikacchu (Mucuna pruriens).
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Purva Khanda, Chapter 4: Dipana-Pachana Adikathanam (Digestive Actions etc.)
A wound caused by a sword or similar weapon, when immediately filled with the root juice of Gangeruki (Grewia tenax), becomes free from pain.
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 1: Svarasadikalpana (Svarasa, Kalka, Kvatha, etc.)
Using Dracha, Asita (black variety), honey, and Parushaka (Grewia asiatica).
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Parishishtam, Chapter 2: Diseases of the Heart (Hridroga Adhikara)
Parushaka (Grewia asiatica/Phalsa) is a cooling, cardiac-friendly fruit.
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Parishishtam, Chapter 2: Diseases of the Heart (Hridroga Adhikara)
Grapes (Vitis vinifera), Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), varied pleasant foods, wine (in moderation), Parushaka (Grewia asiatica), and soup made from quail, partridge, rabbit, goat, etc.
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Parishishtam, Chapter 29: Diet for Burning Sensation (Daha Pathyapathyam)
Source: Sharangadhara Samhita, Purva Khanda, Chapter 4: Dipana-Pachana Adikathanam (Digestive Actions etc.); Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 1: Svarasadikalpana (Svarasa, Kalka, Kvatha, etc.); Parishishtam, Chapter 2: Diseases of the Heart (Hridroga Adhikara); Parishishtam, Chapter 29: Diet for Burning Sensation (Daha Pathyapathyam)
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.