Arrowleaf Sida

Scientific name: Sida rhombifolia.

Name in different languages:-

English: Broom bush, Rhombus-leaved sida

Sanscrit: Hastibala, Mahasamanga, Vadhyala, Athibala

Hindi: Barela

Malayalam: Anakurunthotty-ആനക്കുറുന്തോട്ടി

Plant description:

Arrowleaf sida is a small, long-lived shrub or woody herb, with erect stems usually growing up to 120 centimeters tall, usually found in roadsides and rocky areas as a weed. Its stems are slender, rather woody, with a tough stringy bark. The leaves are often diamond-shaped with toothed margins, long up to 1.5 inches, and arranged oppositely. Flowers are five petals, which are approximate 4 to 7 mm long, creamy or orange-yellow in color. It is small fruit separate into 8-12 one-seeded segments when mature.

Useful plant parts:

Whole plant.

Medicinal uses:

It is an important herb used in Ayurveda, especially in the treatment of Vata disorders (Rheumatic complaints) Root of the plant is the useful part used to prepare medicines and used in the treatment of   Vata, pitta, pain, asthma, bronchitis and urinary problem.

Leaf Arrangement

Shape-Linear	Margin-Toothed	Venation-Pinnate

How to prepare medicines:

Used as an ingredient in almost all Vatha kashaya.

Well pressed leaf can use as shampoo for hair wash,  it gives coolness in head.

Decoction of Arrowleafsida root can use for Vata disorders and cardiac problems

Used as an ingredient to prepare the Ayurvedic medicines

Maha Vishagarbha Tailam

Rasnadi Choornam

Karirumbady kashyam

Aravindasavam

Karkadaka Kanji