Common Sida

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES
This is a weed very common in India and Sri Lanka in the dry country. A summer annual with yellow flowers and very small spines at the base of each leaf and branch. This plant most often occurs as a weed of peanuts, cotton, and soybeans. Leaves: Arranged alternately along the stem, approximately 3/4 to inches long, with petioles that are less than 1/3 the length of the leaves. Leaves are widest at or above the middle and taper toward the leaf bases (rhombic). The upper 1/2 of the leaves have toothed or serrated margins while the remainder of the leaves are untoothed. Flowers: Occur singly on flower stalks (peduncles) that arise from the area between the stems and leaf petioles. Flowers consist of 5 yellow petals that are 4 to 8 mm long. The seedlings with 2 heart-shaped cotyledons, the small spines that occur at the base of each leaf petiole, and the ‘rhombic’ leaves are all characteristics that help in the identification of jelly leaf.
The Root and Leaves of the Common sida used for fever, asthma, cough and joint pain. Leaves are used to relieve swelling and headache.