Photo: Dr.S.Soundarapandian / Wikimedia Commons, CC0
Sugandhabala सुगन्धबाला
Pavonia odorata · Malvaceae
Also known as: Hribera, Bala, Sugandhbala, Netrabala, Harivera
Part used: Root
Sugandhabala (Pavonia odorata) is a fragrant root used in Ayurveda as a cooling drug for fever, burning and thirst. Its name means "the fragrant Bala", and it is used similarly to Ushira — often interchangeably — across the classical Pitta-pacifying formulations.
| Rasa (taste) | Tikta (Bitter), Kashaya (Astringent) |
|---|---|
| Guna (qualities) | Laghu (Light), Ruksha (Dry) |
| Virya (potency) | Ushna (Hot) |
| Vipaka | Katu (Pungent) |
| Dosha | Balances Kapha & Vata |
| Prabhava | Classical systemic action |
Key takeaways
- Botanical name: Pavonia odorata
- Part used: Root
- Dosha action: Balances Kapha & Vata
- Typical dose: Root decoction/powder in cooling and fever formulas.
Sugandhabala in other languages
Introduction
Sugandhabala (Pavonia odorata) is a fragrant, cooling root used to relieve fever, thirst and burning. Sweet-bitter and cooling, it calms Pitta and soothes the digestive and urinary tracts.
Classification
Of the Malvaceae family, Sugandhabala is grouped among the cooling, Pitta-pacifying and Jwaraghna (antipyretic) dravyas. Its cooling potency and fragrant nature soothe heat and calm the system.
Uses & benefits
Sugandhabala is a cooling drug used in fever with burning and thirst, and in digestive complaints with heat. Aromatic and light, it is a common ingredient of the classical fever decoctions and of the cooling asavas, where it settles Pitta without weakening digestion.
Sugandhabala for fever
A classical Jwaraghna drug used in Pitta fevers with burning and restlessness.
Sugandhabala for burning sensation
Cooling and fragrant, used wherever heat dominates the picture.
Sugandhabala for excessive thirst
Named among the Trishnanigrahana drugs, taken as a cool infusion.
Sugandhabala for burning urination
Used in cystitis alongside Chandana, Ushira and Gokshura.
Sugandhabala for diarrhoea
Astringent, used in loose stool of Pitta origin.
Sugandhabala for bleeding disorders
Used in Raktapitta on its cooling astringent action.
Sugandhabala for skin complaints
Applied externally in burning and inflamed skin.
Sugandhabala as an aromatic
Its fragrance is used in cooling sherbets and in traditional perfumery.
Sugandhabala for vomiting
Used in nausea and vomiting of Pitta origin.
Sugandhabala in classical formulations
Present in Ushirasava, Chandanasava and most of the classical cooling compounds.
Dosage — how much to take
Root decoction/powder in cooling and fever formulas. Follow your Vaidya's advice.
Dosage varies with age, constitution and condition — confirm with a qualified Vaidya.
Traditional uses — questions answered from the classical texts
Answers are drawn from the citations and properties recorded for this drug. No chapter-and-verse reference appears that the record does not carry.
Which classical texts describe Sugandhabala?
The citations held for Sugandhabala in this catalogue are: Charaka Samhita (Jwara & Trishna context); Bhavaprakasha Nighantu (Karpuradi Varga).
What does the Charaka Samhita record about Sugandhabala?
Cited among cooling herbs for fever and thirst. Reference: Charaka Samhita — Jwara & Trishna context.
What does the Bhavaprakasha Nighantu record about Sugandhabala?
Described as cooling and antipyretic. Reference: Bhavaprakasha Nighantu — Karpuradi Varga.
What is Sugandhabala traditionally used for in Ayurveda?
Sugandhabala is a cooling drug used in fever with burning and thirst, and in digestive complaints with heat. Aromatic and light, it is a common ingredient of the classical fever decoctions and of the cooling asavas, where it settles Pitta without weakening digestion.
What are the Ayurvedic properties of Sugandhabala?
Rasa Tikta (Bitter), Kashaya (Astringent), Guna Laghu (Light), Ruksha (Dry), Virya Ushna (Hot), Vipaka Katu (Pungent). Dosha action: Balances Kapha & Vata. Prabhava: Classical systemic action.
Why is Sugandhabala classified the way it is?
In dravya-guna a drug's dosha action follows from its taste, qualities, potency and post-digestive effect. Sugandhabala carries Ushna (Hot) virya and Katu (Pungent) vipaka, which together give the recorded action: Balances Kapha & Vata.
Which part of Sugandhabala is used medicinally?
The part used is Root.
How much Sugandhabala is taken, and how?
Root decoction/powder in cooling and fever formulas. Follow your Vaidya's advice. Dosage varies with age, constitution and condition — confirm it with a qualified Vaidya.
When should Sugandhabala be avoided?
Very safe; a gentle cooling herb.
Where does Sugandhabala grow?
Sugandhabala is a fragrant herb of the plains across India, its aromatic root valued in cooling drinks and medicine.
Classical references
- Bhavaprakash Nighantu — Karpuradi Varga
Described as cooling and antipyretic. - Charaka Samhita — Jwara & Trishna context
Cited among cooling herbs for fever and thirst.
Modern research
-
Pavonia odorata: A Review
(see source). International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences Review and Research (2021)
A review of Pavonia odorata (Sugandhabala) documenting its traditional use for fever, inflammation, bleeding and urinary disorders and its bioactive constituents.
View study
Safety & precautions
Very safe; a gentle cooling herb.
Where it grows
Sugandhabala is a fragrant herb of the plains across India, its aromatic root valued in cooling drinks and medicine.
Frequently asked questions
What is Sugandhabala used for?
Fever with burning, excessive thirst, burning urination, diarrhoea and bleeding disorders of Pitta origin. It is a cooling fragrant root used across the classical Pitta-pacifying formulations.
What is the dose of Sugandhabala?
Root powder 3–6 g per day, or a cold infusion 40–80 ml. It is usually taken within a compound such as Ushirasava rather than alone.
Is Sugandhabala the same as Ushira?
No, but they are used interchangeably in many formulations. Ushira is Chrysopogon zizanioides (vetiver); Sugandhabala is Pavonia odorata. Both are cooling fragrant roots with overlapping indications, and substitution is common in trade.
What is Sugandhabala called in Hindi?
Sugandhbala or Bala. In English it is fragrant swamp mallow. Note the confusion with Bala (Sida cordifolia), which is a different drug entirely — check the botanical name.
Are there side effects of Sugandhabala?
Well tolerated at classical doses. Cooling and astringent, so it is less suited to cold Kapha conditions. Consult a physician in pregnancy.
Can Sugandhabala be used in summer drinks?
Yes — its fragrance and cooling action make it a traditional addition to summer sherbets, in the same way vetiver is used. This domestic use is the same property as the medicinal one.
Which part of the plant is used?
The root, dried and used as a powder or cold infusion. Cold infusion preserves the aromatic compounds better than boiling.
