Sida cordifolia is in the Malvaceae family and the genus has approximately 150 species, 35 which are endemic to Australia. Pantropic in its distribution, Sida cordifolia is believed to be native to India, where it has been used for hundreds of years to treat bronchial asthma cold & flu, chills, lack of perspiration, nasal congestion, headache, aching joints and bones, coughing & wheezing, and edema.

The stem of Sida cordifolia contains a number of active compounds, including small amounts of an essential oil, and most important, 1-2% alkaloids composed mainly of ephedrine and pseudoephedrine, with ephedrine ranging from 30-90%, depending on the source. The whole plant has a high mucilage content which is useful in chest complaints.

Sida Cordifolia has been used in India for over 2,000 years to treat bronchial asthma cold & flu, chills, lack of perspiration, headache, nasal congestion, aching joints and bones, cough & wheezing, and edema.