Country Mallow (Bala)

Country mallow is a small, erect perennial undershrub of the mallow family with soft, velvety, heart-shaped toothed leaves and small yellow flowers. It grows as a common weed along roadsides and wasteland across India, including Kerala, and has spread to tropical regions worldwide.

The root is used. Ayurveda calls it Bala, meaning strength, and values it as a nourishing herb traditionally used for joint comfort and general wellness. It is the main ingredient of classical oils such as Ksheerabala and Balaswagandhadi thailam used in Kerala massage.