Sida cordifolia is the scientific name for a weed used in ayurvedic medicine, which is an alternative form of medicine that uses a combination of things such as herbs and oils to treat ailments. Sida cordifolia grows along roadsides and in open land in tropical climates in places such as India and Sri Lanka. Sida cordifolia has a multitude of other names such as heart leaf, country mallow, khareti and bala. It is used to treat serious ailments such as heart disease and more simple aches such as exhaustion. The main active ingredient in this herb is the stimulant ephedrine.
Applications
Nearly the entire sida cordifolia plant is useful to ayurvedic medicine, including the leaves, stem, seeds, and roots. Examples of ailments that are treated with sida cordifolia include chronic inflammation, asthma, lethargy following chemotherapy, arthritis, low blood pressure, heart disease, bronchitis and muscle cramps. Because sida cordifolia contains ephedrine, it is also used in weight loss pills. It can be administered as a pill, dissolved powder or as a topical medicated oil.
How It Works
Because the active ingredient in sido cordifolia is ephedrine, it causes similar responses in the body as the hormone called epinephrine, which is more commonly termed adrenaline. Ephedrine is a central nervous system stimulant that combines with the adrenergic receptor. When this reaction takes place, a signaling system in the body is stimulated and results in various responses, including increased blood pressure, increased heart rate and an opened respiratory system.
Warnings
Any herbs or medicines containing ephedrine should be taken with caution and under the supervision of a medical professional. Combining ephedrine with caffeine can pose major health concerns, including death. Side effects include sweating, chest pains, irregular heartbeat, shaking, vomiting, stomach pain, anxiety, dizziness, headache and nausea.
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