Country mallow, or Sida cordifolia (linn) contains ephedrine and pseudoephedrine. It is known to be a tonic, astringent, emollient, and aphrodisiac. It can potentially increase pain tolerance, and has an anti-inflammatory as well as antioxidant effect. It can also relieve anxiety. Sida cordifolia oils can relieve sore muscles and sore joints when used topically. The plant also has antimicrobial activity and is an adaptogen. Medicated oil of Sida cordifolia can be massaged to relieve pain and swelling. It has a rejuvenating effect on muscle tissue.1 The plant contains mainly alkaloids, fatty oils, steroids, resin, resin acids, mucin and potassium nitrate.2 On account of its astringent value, it can be used for the cure of external wounds or imperfections of the skin.1 Sida cordifolia shows inhibitory activity against several microorganisms, showing the best performance against Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococus epidermidis, Candida guilliermondii and Trichosporon inkin.3 On account of its antimicrobial, analgesic and rejuvenating effects, it can be used as a component of massage oils to relieve pain, anxiety, and swelling.

References

1. Jain A, Choubey A, Singour PK, et al. Sida cordifolia (Linn) – An overview. Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Science 2011;1(2):23-31.
2. Vajha M. Investigation of inhibitory activity of Sida cordifolia on tyrosinase extracted from Solanum tuberosum. Int J Life Sciences 2017;5(4):692-696.
3. Nunes XP, de Azevedo Maia GL, da Silva Almeida JRG, et al. Antimicrobial activity of the essential oil of Sida cordifolia L. Rev Bras Farmacogn 2006;16.