Atibala
Atibala
Atibala or Indian mallow which means “Very Powerful” is also known as Indian mallow. It is a common roadside weed, which is grown in hotter parts of India as a weed. In traditional systems of medicine, various parts such as roots, leaves, flowers, bark, seeds, and stems are used. The plant possesses anti-inflammatory, antihyperlipidemic, diuretic, hepatoprotective, hypoglycemic, immunomodulatory, analgesic, antimicrobial, anti-malarial, wound healing, and anti-diarrheal properties. These properties help to manage diseases like boils and ulcers, fever, urethritis, syphilis, cataract, diarrhea, leg pains, uterus displacement, snakebite, piles, gonorrhea, cough, hemorrhagic septicemia, leprosy, dry cough and bronchitis[2-4].
What are the synonyms of Atibala?
Abutilon indicum, Kankatika, Rsyaprokta, Jayavandha, Jayapateri, Badela, Indian Mallow, Kansaki, Khapat, Kanghi, Shrimudrigida, Mudragida, Turube, Uram, Katuvan, Urubam, Urabam, Vankuruntott, Oorpam, Tutti, Chakrabhendi, Petari, Mudra, Pedipidika, Kangi, Kangibooti, Tutti, Thuthi, Tutturubenda[1].
What is the source of Atibala?
Plant Based
Benefits of Atibala
1. Wound healing
Atibala promotes quick healing of wounds, decreases swelling and brings back the normal texture of the skin. A paste of Atibala powder and coconut oil helps in quick healing and reduces inflammation due to its Ropan (healing) and Sita (cold) properties.
Tip to use Atibala to promote Wound healing-
a. Take ½ to 1 teaspoon (or as per your requirement) of Atibala powder.
b. Add some coconut oil and mix to make a paste.
c. Apply this paste on the affected area once a day for faster Wound healing.
2. Wrinkles
Wrinkles arise due to aging, dry skin and lack of moisture. According to Ayurveda, it is due to an aggravated Vata. Atibala helps in controlling Wrinkles and increases the moisture content of the skin because of its Snigdha (oily) nature. Atibala, when used with honey, gives you glowing skin.
Tip to use Atibala to get rid of Wrinkles-
a. Take ½ to 1 teaspoon (or as per your requirement) of Atibala powder.
b. Mix some coconut oil to it and make a paste.
Apply it on the affected area once a day to get rid of Wrinkles.
Toothache
Atibala helps reduce Toothache when its decoction is used for gargling. According to Ayurveda, mouth acts as the seat of Kapha dosha and an imbalance in Kapha dosha might lead to several dental problems like a Toothache. Atibala helps to manage a toothache due to its Kapha balancing nature.
Tip to use Atibala to get relief from Toothache-
a. Take 1/2- 1 teaspoon of Atibala powder.
b. 2 cups of water to it and bring to a boil.
c. Wait 5-10 minutes or till it reduces to 1/2 cup to form Atibala decoction.
d. Gargle once or twice a day to get rid of Toothache.
Atibala promotes quick healing of wounds, decreases swelling and brings back the normal texture of the skin. A paste of Atibala powder and coconut oil helps in quick healing and reduces inflammation due to its Ropan (healing) and Sita (cold) properties.
Tip to use Atibala to promote Wound healing-
a. Take ½ to 1 teaspoon (or as per your requirement) of Atibala powder.
b. Add some coconut oil and mix to make a paste.
c. Apply this paste on the affected area once a day for faster Wound healing.
2. Wrinkles
Wrinkles arise due to aging, dry skin and lack of moisture. According to Ayurveda, it is due to an aggravated Vata. Atibala helps in controlling Wrinkles and increases the moisture content of the skin because of its Snigdha (oily) nature. Atibala, when used with honey, gives you glowing skin.
Tip to use Atibala to get rid of Wrinkles-
a. Take ½ to 1 teaspoon (or as per your requirement) of Atibala powder.
b. Mix some coconut oil to it and make a paste.
Apply it on the affected area once a day to get rid of Wrinkles.
Toothache
Atibala helps reduce Toothache when its decoction is used for gargling. According to Ayurveda, mouth acts as the seat of Kapha dosha and an imbalance in Kapha dosha might lead to several dental problems like a Toothache. Atibala helps to manage a toothache due to its Kapha balancing nature.
Tip to use Atibala to get relief from Toothache-
a. Take 1/2- 1 teaspoon of Atibala powder.
b. 2 cups of water to it and bring to a boil.
c. Wait 5-10 minutes or till it reduces to 1/2 cup to form Atibala decoction.
d. Gargle once or twice a day to get rid of Toothache.
Precautions when using Atibala
Allergy

Modern Science View
Since enough scientific evidence is not available for allergies caused by Atibala, it is advisable to avoid or consult a physician before using it.
Recommended Dosage of Atibala
- Atibala Powder - ½ to 1 teaspoon a day or as per your requirement.
How to use Atibala
1. Atibala Powder
a. Take ½ to 1 teaspoon or as per your requirement of Atibala powder
b. Mix with coconut oil and make a paste
c. Apply it on the affected area once a day to promote healing of the wound
2. Atibala Decoction
a. Take 1/2- 1 teaspoon of Atibala powder
b. Add 2 cups of water and boiled it
c. Wait 5-10 minutes or till it reduce 1/2 cup
d. Now Atibala decoction is ready
e. Gargle once or twice a day to get rid of the toothache
a. Take ½ to 1 teaspoon or as per your requirement of Atibala powder
b. Mix with coconut oil and make a paste
c. Apply it on the affected area once a day to promote healing of the wound
2. Atibala Decoction
a. Take 1/2- 1 teaspoon of Atibala powder
b. Add 2 cups of water and boiled it
c. Wait 5-10 minutes or till it reduce 1/2 cup
d. Now Atibala decoction is ready
e. Gargle once or twice a day to get rid of the toothache
Frequently asked questions

Modern Science View
The fibres obtained from Atibala are used for making ropes cordages, jute dyes, drugs, rugs, wrapping cloth, tissue papers, making coarse cloth, cigarette paper, rubber, tyres, fabrics, shoe polishes etc[12].

Modern Science View
Majorly most of the parts of Atibala plant are of great medicinal properties. The decoction of the leaves can be used in toothache, tender gums and internally for inflammation of the bladder. The juice from the leaves of the plant can also be used to treat ulcers[17]. Along with that, Atibala leaves might work as an immunomodulator and help increase the production of antibodies in the blood[7].

Ayurvedic View
Atibala leaves have medicinal properties that help to reduce inflammation and promote quick healing of ulcers due to their Sita (Cold) and Ropan (healing) nature. Atilbala also has Rasayana (rejuvenating) nature that helps to improve immunity.

Modern Science View
The various parts of the Atibala plant (leaves, roots, seeds and seed oil) are widely used for many medicinal purposes. The leaves are used as astringent, a decoction of the leaves can help with toothaches and tender gums. The roots of the plant are demulcent (inflammation relieving property) and diuretic (urine flow increasing property) which may help in chest infection and urethritis (inflammation of the tube carrying urine from the bladder to the outside of the body). The seeds are used as laxative and expectorant for the treatment of piles[17].

Ayurvedic View
According to the Ayurveda textbook, the whole plant of Atibala has medicinal properties. Leaves of Atibala can be used for controlling bleeding because of its Kashaya (astringent) property, whereas the roots can be used to reduce the symptoms of UTI. The seeds of this plant or its oil help in quick healing due to its Ropan (healing) nature.
References
- The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia Of India.Part 1 Volume 1.
- Shekshavali T, Roshan S.A Review on Pharmacological Activities of Abutilon indicum (Atibala).Res. J. Pharmacology & Pharmacodynamics.2016;8(4):155-160.
- Mohite MS, Shelar PA, Raje VN,et al. Review on Pharmacological Properties of Abutilon indicum.2012;2(4):156-160.
Disclaimer
The content is purely informative and educational in nature and should not be construed as medical advice. Please use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified medical or healthcare professional.