Atibala / Country mallow / Abutilon Indicum

The fundamental aim of Ayurveda is to reach the core cause of the ailment, help to cure that, and then heal the illness. Ayurveda is an old science that is comprehensive and holistic to human health. The three foundations of Ayurveda, known as tridoshas—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha—are maintained through a healthy diet and lifestyle routines. Ayurveda has a large selection of herbs that are useful in many formulations. Everybody's body has a different balance of these doshas. The secret to a healthy digestive and metabolic system, according to the Ayurvedic philosophy. It is directly related to digestive fire; if it is disturbed, our body begins to accumulate Ama Dosha, which is a form of toxin that accumulates in our body and results in illness development. As a result, Ayurveda aids in gaining control over the entire body through the use of natural resources such as herbs and their formulations.

General Information

The Malvaceae family includes Atibala, also known by the Latin name Abutilon Indicum. Country mallow is its name in English, and kanghi is its Hindi name. It is a type of perennial herb, standing three meters high. It typically grows in sub-Himalayan regions that are hotter than others, at elevations up to 1200 meters. This ubiquitous roadside plant has lovely golden-yellow blossoms and a number of therapeutic characteristics, including being anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and hepatoprotective. Usually found in roadsides and wastelands, this herb or weed. This herb contains tannins, and asparagusine, and its seeds have compounds called mucilage that are used to treat a number of common illnesses.

Special Note About This Plant

In Ayurveda, Siddha, and traditional Chinese medicine, Atibala is used to treat a wide range of illnesses, including piles, dysentery, fever, and numerous infections, including urinary tract infections. It is also used as a heart tonic and has hepatoprotective properties. Its flowers, leaves, roots, and bark are used to make medicinal mixtures. As it is separated into Ati, which means very, and Bala, which means power, its name demonstrates its magnificent property that is intended to provide the body power.

Systemic Classification

• Botanical Name - Abutilon Indicum
• Family - Malvaceae

Synonyms

• Rishyaprokta
• Balika
• Rishagadha
• Bhuribala

Other Alternative Names

• In Sanskrit - Kanktika
• In Hindi - Kanghi, Kakahi
• In Bengali - Petari, Jhanpi
• In Punjabi -Mudra
• In Gujarati -Khapat, dabli, Kansika
• In Telgu -Tutturabendha
• In Malayalam -Vellula
• In Madrassi - Makanne

Habitat

• This little shrub, which is a member of the Malvaceae family, is a potent plant with therapeutic properties. It is an erect perennial with a height range of one to two meters, and its tap roots are smooth and have a light brown color.
• The stem is cylindric in form and length.
• The leaves are plain, specific, and set in opposition.
• Floating capsules contain flowers.
• Fruits are green while unripe, and as they mature over time, they begin to turn black.
• Reni-form, tuberculate seeds have a hairy surface and are shaped like tubes.
• It is directly related to digestive fire; if it is disturbed, our body begins to accumulate Ama Dosha, which is a form of toxin that accumulates in our body and results in illness development. As a result, Ayurveda aids in gaining control over the entire body through the use of natural resources such as herbs and their formulations.

Classical Categorisation

• Acharya Charak has been categorized as this plant that is utilized to boost a patient's strength, either in Madhura Skanda (sweet rasa) or in Balya mahakashaya.
• This herb and Bala were described together, therefore they are referred to as Baladwaya.
• Balatraya is the collective name for Bala, Atibala, and Nagbala.
• If we combine all three and add mahabala, this category is a part of Bala Chatushka.
• This herb was categorized in Aushadhi Varga by Kaiyadeva nighantu.
• This herb was mentioned by Raj Nighantu in Shatahvadi Varga.
• This herb has also been mentioned by Bhavprakash and Dhanwantri Nighantu in their textbooks.

Ayurvedic Properties

Effects on Doshas

• The Vata and Pitta doshas are balanced.
• This herb has potent laxative, anti-diabetic, antipyretic, immunomodulatory, hepatoprotective, and analgesic activities in addition to its capacity to promote wound healing.

Practical Uses

• It promotes strength, balances the vata-pitta dosha, has an absorbent quality, and has a naturally aphrodisiac effect.
• The remaining elements function in a manner that is comparable to those of other variations including Bala, Mahabala, and Nagbala.
• The amount and quality of the sperm count can be maintained extremely well with the use of this herb.
• By strengthening the body and enhancing immunity, helps prevent recurring fever.
• It improves skin texture, makes the skin glow, and has a glossy quality.
• This herb helps to treat bleeding issues and is effective in accelerating the recovery from wounds and other types of injuries.
• A decoction of its green leaves is used as a mouthwash and for pooling in cases of toothaches and aching gums.
• In hepatoprotective, a decoction of leaves is combined with an onion mixture to cure various liver disorders such as jaundice, fatty liver, and so on.
• An infusion of the root is used to treat fever and hematuria, as well as to act as a cooling agent in the body.
• It also aids in the fight against free radicals, which are unstable and destructive atoms that can damage our numerous cells, tissues, and organs, resulting in a variety of negative outcomes.
• This herb treats both acute and chronic inflammations and aids in the regulation of blood sugar levels and weight.
• This herb is utilized to boost our immune system's response to numerous ailments.

Part used

Fruits, leaves, bark, and flowers

Dosage

• Leaf juice and decoction were used in doses of 10 to 20 ml.
• It is used in doses of 3 to 6 grams when it is in powder form.