Bala Thailam

BASIC INFO

 Bala Thailam 

Kerala Ayurveda Ltd.’s Bala Thailam is an effective combination of ingredients in the right proportion. Prepared in Tila thailam (Sesame oil), with the goodness of goat’s milk, Bala thailam is renowned for its beneficial effect in helping with the treatment of arthritis and neurological diseases. The blend of ingredients like Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), Rasna (Alpinia officinarum), Devadharu (Cedrus deodara), support the pain-relieving process, and also synergistically improves the therapeutic activity of the main ingredient ‘Bala’.

Benefits of Bala Thailam

Deal with Neurological Problems, The Natural Way 

Bala thailam is found to be helpful in the treatment of diseases affecting the nervous system such as hemiplegia, paraplegia and facial paralysis. In these mentioned conditions, where muscle wasting is predominant, the application of Bala thailam helps reduce the progress of the condition by strengthening the muscles and nerves.

Powerful Anti-Arthritic

 In joint-related ailments like Osteoarthritis and Gout, where pain and inflammation predominate, Bala thailam’s anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties can help in the treatment journey.

Added Benefits

 The oil is also known to be beneficial in helping with the treatment of epilepsy, chronic fever, respiratory ailments like cough and dyspnea, fainting and flatulence.

Ingredients

Bala (Sida cordifolia)

• Helps in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases

• Has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties

• Is helpful for Vata related ailments

• Rich in antioxidants

Rasna (Alpinia officinarum)

• It is beneficial in bone-related ailments.

• Is considered a powerful analgesic and checks inflammation

• Neuro-protective

• Possess anti-microbial property

Devadharu (Cedrus deodara)

• Pacifies Kapha and Vata

• Helps in relieving edema and acts as an anti-inflammatory agent

• Exhibits strong anti-convulsant activity

Disorders of the musculoskeletal system are prevalent globally and affect all age groups. They are broadly classified as inflammatory disorders (Gout and Rhematoid Arthritis) and non-inflammatory disorders (Osteoarthritis). 

Arthritis refers to inflammation of the joints, such as wrists, knees, fingers, or hips. The disease is characterized by the pain, stiffness, and swelling of the affected joint. Arthritis can also affect connective tissues and other organs of the body. The chances of having this condition increase with age as your joints get worn down over the years. 

Arthritis usually causes pain around your joints but can also manifest the following symptoms:

• Swollen joints

• Redness of the joints

• Tenderness

• Trouble moving

• Problems doing daily tasks

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease that develops as a result of strain on a specific joint. It is characterized by progressive loss of cartilage with the remodeling of subchondral bone and deformity of the joint involved. The friction at the joint causes pain and joint stiffness that can affect the quality of life. 

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that affects joints and tissues. Human body is equipped with a defense mechanism where the foreign invaders like bacteria and viruses are removed from the system. In some cases, the immune system attacks the healthy cells in the body including those in the joints. The exact reasons for this condition is still unknown. If the treatment is not initiated early it can lead to cartilage destruction, and in extreme cases, fusion of joints. 

Causes of arthritis:

Some of the common causes of arthritis are as follows:

• Obesity

• Elevated blood pressure

• Excessive alcohol intake

• Abnormal kidney function

• Certain medications

• Viruses

• Bacteria

• Fungi

• Genetics

• Environmental factors

• Smoking

• Underlying medical conditions such as Inflammatory Bowel Disease

An Ayurvedic Perspective of Arthritis

Arthritis is classified as two types, Sandhigat Vata (Osteoarthritis) and Ama Vat (Rheumatoid Arthritis). Sandhigat Vata is a condition caused by malnutrition aggravating the joints that are already injured by infections or a previous injury. It is a condition where there are pain and swelling in the big joints. As with many other diseases, the process of digestion is important to understand the root cause of the condition. Improper digestion results in the formation of toxins as by-products that accumulate in the digestive system. Vata collects in the colon and can be aggravated by the following:

• Consuming unhealthy foods of food that is excessively cold 

• Eating food at irregular times

• Excessive traveling

• Being extremely busy with rushing around

• Being in stressful jobs or situations

• Sleep deprivation

• Traumatic events

• Some Medications

Aggravated Vata along with Ama is transported into the joints. Together, Vata and Ama destroy the soft tissues in the joints and later damage the bones. The toxins can also clog the channels supplying nutrients thereby causing further damage. The effects on the joints result in the classic symptoms of osteoarthritis which include inflammation, stiffness, pain and swelling. 

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is caused by the accumulation of toxins and the malfunctioning of the defense mechanism. There is a drastic accumulation of toxins in the body along with an increase in heat (Pitta). The imbalance of these elements affects Ojas (Element of the body’s strength and immunity) initiating the disease cascade. 

Ama is carried by Vata and reaches sites predominant with Kapha (phlegm) like joints. The sticky toxin clogs micro-channels called ‘srotasa’ that nourish the body. This process not only depletes Ojas but also clogs the channels. The Ama (Toxin) that reaches joints is considered a foreign body resulting in an immune response. This is believed to be the cause of the autoimmune-disease. 

Pitta can be aggravated by the following:

• Consumption of unhealthy and overheated food

• Exposure to extreme hot climate

• Not eating food when hungry

• Living in stressful situations

• Extreme exercise regimen

• Taking too many hot showers

• Being angry or exposure to anger

Ayurveda follows a holistic approach with the focus on the health of the individual and alleviating the condition. Ayurvedic treatment can help in providing relief from the effects of arthritis or help in the prevention of getting it worse. If identified early, the disease can be managed appropriately. The treatment may focus on improving digestive fire and removing unhealthy elements from the body. Following a healthy diet will be central for improvement. Ayurvedic therapy can help in reducing inflammation, swelling and pain. In rheumatoid arthritis, Ayurveda emphasizes reducing the toxins along with herbs to reduce inflammation and nourish the body to enhance immunity. 

Prevention is the best medicine and following a lifestyle that supports strong Agni, reduced Ama and balanced Vata, Pitta, and Kapha is beneficial. 

FAQ's

1. Can we use it for massaging for kids?

Yes, you can. In fact, this oil massage is quite beneficial for the growth and development in kids. You must do a daily body massage for your baby, in the mornings, especially ear, head, and feet.

2. Do we need to warm the oil before applying?

Yes, it’s better that you warm the oil daily and leave it on for thirty minutes. The oil has great absorption properties and is highly recommended in muscular and neurological ailments.

3. How to apply this oil on the kid's body?

Since a child’s skin is quite delicate, it’s best that you use small quantities of the oil and keep the temperature as lukewarm so that you don’t irritate the skin. Massage with moderate pressure, along the back, shoulders, and the head. Do it daily, for thirty minutes and follow up with a wash with warm water.

4. Can Bala thailam be used in the Nasya procedure?

Bala Thailam is mostly used in Nasya procedure, which means it’s instilled through the nose, and it’s quite beneficial in treating diseases that affect the eyes, ears, nose, face, and head.

5. Is Bala Thaillam an internally consumable or only for external applications?

This oil can be used for internal or external purposes like Nasya, shirovasti and snehavasti. Its application depends on the severity and intensity of the disease. The oil is quite renowned for treating neurological diseases and arthritis.