In Ayurveic texts, bala is from a group of four herbs, alacatustaya (See atibala). Maharsi Caraka has categorized bala as brmhaniya – a bulk promoting herb and as balya – tonic and prajasthapana – which promotes reproduction. (Caraka Samhita, Sutra, A-4), Acarya Vagbhata and Susruta have cited it as vata samsamana – pacifies the vata dosa., Caraka has also mentioned it as a rejuvenative (rasayana) to muscle tissue (mamsa dhatu) and muscular system (mamsavaha srotasa) (Caraka Samhita, Cikitsa, A 1-3). Bala is more effective as a heart tonic, whereas atibala is a stronger diuretic. Amongst four balas vix. Bala, atibala, mahabala and nagabala, the first two are commonly used. The Sanskrit word bala literally means the strength, hence, that wjocj bestpws stremgth is a tonic in general, and a rejuvenative for all kinds of vata disorders.