Bala in sanskrit is translated as strength and that is exactly what this Ayurvedic adaptogen is most well known for.  Bala is often used in Ayurvedic rejuvenation therapies due to its stimulating, anabolic (building) nature.  Its rejuvenative properties have a special affinity for the muscles and therefore is perfect for anyone looking to build muscle tone and increase strength.  As an adaptogen, Bala also can be used to reduce stress in the body and mind to create a state of balance and homeostasis.    

Although it is stimulating by nature, Bala is useful in Vata pacification as it act directly on the nervous system.  Therefore it can be used in many Vata disorders such as neuralgia, sciatica, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, neurosis, paralysis and overall nervous exhaustion.  For these issues of the nervous system, Bala should be taken internally as a medicated ghee, infusion or decoction; while simultaneously applied externally with a medicated oil such as Bala Siddha Taila. 

As a rejuvenative herb (aka Rasayana), Bala is naturally a powerful aphrodisiac increasing the sexual potency and treating a wide range of reproductive issues.  Bala is often used to treat a low libido (for both men and women), impotence, premature ejaculation and infertility (for both men and women).  Taking Bala with Shatavari for women, and Ashwagandha for men will only increase these qualities further.    

Health Benefits of Bala

• Treats Vata and Pitta disorders
• Rejuvenative (aka Rasayana), with affinity to the muscles
• Increases energy, Ojas and vitality
• Builds strength and muscle mass
• Reduces muscle cramping
• Adaptogenic, reduces stress on the body and mind
• Treats most nervous system disorders such as neuralgia, sciatica, MS and paralysis (should be taken both internally and applied externally infused in oil)
• Cardiac tonic
• Treats heart arrhythmia, palpitations, and tachycardia
• Anti-asthmatic, reduces wheezing and shortness of breath
• Anti-arthritic
• Anti-rheumatic
• Analgesic (reduces pain)
• Treats headaches 
• Promotes digestion and appetite
• Reduces gas and cramping
• Aphrodisiac
• Treats impotence, low libido and infertility
• Treats urinary disorders such as excessive urination (polyuria), UTI, urgency, leukorrhea and stones
• Reduces fever
• Beneficial in hemorrhoids (including bleeding piles)
• Demulcent
• Diuretic
• Treats debility and emaciation

How to Use Bala

1. For rejuvenation and increased energy:

Take 1 tsp of Rasayana Ghrita (ghee infused with Bala and other rejuvenation herbs) mixed with 1 tsp of honey.  Take this in the morning and again in the evening during times of low energy, low libido and rejuvenation therapy.Alternatively, boil 1/2 cup of whole milk and 1 cup of water.  Reduce the heat to a simmer and add 1/2 tsp of Bala, a pinch of ginger and 1/2 tsp of organic turbinado sugar.  Simmer uncovered until the liquid has boiled down to about 1 cup.  Drink this each morning upon awakening.  NOTE:  This is not recommended if there is excessive Kapha or toxins in the system.

2. For low libido in men: 

Boil 1/2 cup of whole milk and 1 cup of water.  Reduce the heat to a simmer and add 1/2 tsp of Bala, 1/2 tsp of Ashwagandha, 1/2 tsp of ghee and 1/2 tsp of organic turbinado sugar.  Simmer uncovered until the liquid has boiled down to about 1 cup.  Drink this each morning upon awakening.  NOTE:  This is not recommended if there is excessive Kapha or toxins in the system.

3. For low libido in women: 

Boil 1/2 cup of whole milk and 1 cup of water.  Reduce the heat to a simmer and add 1/2 tsp of Bala, 1/2 tsp of Shatavari, 1/2 tsp of ghee and 1/2 tsp of organic turbinado sugar.  Simmer uncovered until the liquid has boiled down to about 1 cup.  Drink this each morning upon awakening.  NOTE:  This is not recommended if there is excessive Kapha or toxins in the system.

4. For nervous system disorders:

Massage warm Bala Siddha Taila on the entire body each night before bed.  Leave on overnight and rinse off with water only in the morning (no soap, except on the “vital” areas).  For severe nervous system disorders, take an equal mixture of Ashwagandha, Bala, Shankapushpi and Jatamansi.  Take 1/2 tsp of this formula in 1/2 cup of warm water, three times daily after meals.

5. For headache:

Boil 2 cups of water.  Reduce the heat and add 1 tsp of Bala, 1 tsp of Shatavari and 1/2 tsp of dry ginger.  Simmer here until the liquid is boiled down to 1 cup.  Drink this to prevent or reduce headaches.  Simultaneously, take warm Bala Siddha Taila and massage the forehead, temples and scalp for 5 or more minutes during acute or severe headaches.  Afterwards lay down with the eyes covered for an additional 15 minutes.

6. For fever: 

Boil 2 cups of water.  Reduce the heat and add 1 tsp of Bala, 1 tsp of tulsi, 1/2 tsp of ginger and a pinch of black pepper.  Simmer here until the liquid has reduced to 1 cup, and drink 2-3 times daily during times of fever.

7. For asthma, wheezing or shortness of breath:  

Boil 2 cups of water.  Reduce the heat and add 1 tsp of Bala, 1/2 tsp of Vasa, 1/2 tsp of ginger and 5 pippali fruits (replace with black peppercorns if needed).  Simmer here until the liquid has reduced to 1 cup and drink 2-3 times daily to prevent or reduce asthmatic symptoms.