Sida cordifolia

You’re probably looking at that word and thinking ‘How the fuck do I pronounce that?’ , you're not alone. From our research, it’s ‘s-eye-da cor-dee-fol-ee-a’. Pronunciation lesson aside, you need to know what it actually is. This plant really has range, it’s both ‘herbal ecstasy’ (when taken in the right doses) and mixed into your weight loss tea. Needless to say, this needs a bit of explaining and that’s exactly what we’re here for.

What is it?

Sida cordifolia is as a weed in various places, including Africa, Australia and North America. It has soft white hair and heart-shaped leaves, and produces dark yellow flowers, and that’s just the surface. Inside the plant, there are ephedrine alkaloids, which work on your central nervous system and your heart. It acts as a stimulant, an appetite suppressant and an anti-inflammatory. SC is regularly used as an ingredient in legal highs designed to mimic the effects of ecstasy or in teas to help you lose weight.

What are the effects?

Normally, the activity of Sida Cordifolia depends on who’s taking it, so we can’t tell you exactly what’s gonna happen. But here’s roughly what you can expect: 

• An increase in heart rate and blood pressure.
• Feeling more alert and focused.
• No appetite (it can be a weight loss aid).
• A dilation of the bronchioles in the lungs which makes breathing easier. It can also help clear up acute nasal congestion
• Potential aphrodisiac effect.

What are the risks?

• Mixing sida cordifolia with alcohol can be dangerous. For more information on mixing drugs, click here. 
• It can cause insomnia, hand tremors and a general feeling of anxiety.
• In extreme cases users can experience a pounding heart, severe headaches, and a shortness of breath.

Sida cordifolia and the law:

Sida cordifolia is not listed under the Misuse of Drugs Act, and is therefore legal to sell and possess. But there are many drugs which aren’t so straightforward. If you’re interested in drugs and the law, you can read our article here. 

If you are planning on taking it:

• Avoid taking it if you have a family history of heart disease or high blood pressure.
• Don’t mix it with alcohol or any caffeine products.
• Don’t use it if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• It’s important to note that if you are taking antidepressants that contain MAO inhibitors, then you should avoid products containing sida cordifolia.