DIGITAL GARDEN

DEPARTMENT OF BOTANY
MEDICINAL PLANTS

Sida rhombifolia L.

Common Name: Bala, Atibala,
Family: Malvaceae
Genus: Sida
Species: rhombifolia
Malayalam Name: Vankurunthotti, Kurumthotti
Tamil Name: Chittamutti, Chitha Mutti, Karisalanganni, Karunguruthankanni
Description:
Plant is an under shrub with woody stem. Leaves are dark green, diamond-shaped, and arranged alternately along the stem. They are 4–8 centimeters long, with petioles that are less than a third of the length of the leaves. The leaves are paler below, with short, grayish hairs.
Flowers Yellow to pale orange in color. Fruit is small, globular capsule.
USES
Whole plant paste: Mixed with milk and consumed during the last trimester of pregnancy to help with normal delivery
Root: Used to treat arthritis, rheumatism, uterine disorders, and diabetes
Decoction of root: Promotes strength and beauty
Skin conditions: Sida rhombifolia is used to treat skin diseases, ulcers, boils, swellings, broken bones, cuts, herpes, and styles.
Fever: The roots and stems are used to treat fevers.
Heart disease: The roots and stems are used to treat heart disease, pulmonary catarrh, and ovarian diseases.
Digestive issues: Sida rhombifolia is used to treat stomach disorders, digestion problems, flatulence, irritable bowel syndrome, gastritis, enteritis, and hemorrhoids.
Inflammation: It is used to treat inflammation.
Antimicrobial: Sida rhombifolia has antibacterial, antiviral, hepatoprotective and anti-inflammatory properties.