Sida cordifolia, commonly known as Bala in Ayurveda, has been traditionally used in Indian medicine for the management of sprains and similar musculoskeletal injuries. The plant is described in classical Ayurvedic texts such as the Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita as having properties that alleviate pain, reduce swelling, and promote healing of soft tissue injuries. Topical applications—such as pastes or decoctions prepared from the plant—are often recommended for external use in cases of sprains, bruises, and joint pain.

The traditional rationale for its use centers around its reputed anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, attributed to various active constituents including alkaloids (e.g., ephedrine), flavonoids, and sterols. While there are some laboratory studies indicating anti-inflammatory activity of Sida cordifolia extracts in animal models, direct clinical evidence in humans for the treatment of sprains is lacking. Most support for its use in sprains is therefore grounded in long-standing traditional practices rather than robust scientific trials. As such, the evidence level is rated as 2: supported by tradition and some preliminary pharmacological data, but lacking substantial clinical validation.