The name is Tabasheer, also known as Banslochan, which is a hard, translucent white substance, extracted from the nodal joints of some species of bamboo. It is mainly composed of silica and water, but also contains traces of Na2O, K2O, CaO, and MgO. Opal-shaped, the herbaceous produce is a part of the pharmacology of India’s traditional Ayurvedic and Unani systems of medicine. Besides, it also useful to many traditional Chinese medicines as it’s highly valued for its countless medicinal purposes. By the way, Tabasheer having a blueish tint is considered superior.-Tabasheer Herb
The use of Tabasheer was first heard in the Adivasi aboriginal tribes of India. Most of the original medicinal herb originated here. For instance, for thousands of years, Tabasheer extensively sent outside from India. The exports were through Arab traders during the medieval period. In fact, in the 12th century CE, Thane (in Maharashtra) was the clearing center for tabasheer. Something for which the town is still famous. In ancient times, Tabasheer had the name as the “Poor man’s timber” and also as the “Green gold of forest” because of the multiple benefits it provided. Insoluble in water and partially soluble in alcohol, people call it as ‘sugar of bamboo’ as it has a sweet taste because of an organic residue. -Tabasheer Herb
Nomenclature
In Sanskrit,people know it as Tvaksheera, meaning bark milk. It has other Sanskrit names too. Like bamboo sugar (vans-sharkar), bamboo camphor (vans karpoor), and bamboo manna. In Mandarin, it is Tian Zhu Huang, which means “heavenly bamboo yellow.”
Since not every bamboo stem has tabasheer, the trick is to shake the stems hard to be able to spot the hidden content. The mineralized tabasheer, in case it’s inside, produces a rattling sound. Thereafter by splitting open the stem, extraction process continues. The gelatinous mass contains 1% organic matter, which makes it easier to separate it from the plant matter. FYI, only 33 species of bamboo containing Tabasheer are available in India.
Tabasheer Herb Benefits:
- Variously regarded as an antipyretic, antispasmodic, antiparalytic, restorative and aphrodisiac.
- Calms mind, clears away heat and cools the blood.
- It also helps in dealing with insomnia
- Beneficial for eyes and also aids in fighting childhood convulsive disease
- Used for coma and to treat stroke patients. It helps in their rehabilitation
- Regarded as an antidote to poisoning
- Helps in relieving cough and removing phlegm
- Considered as an anti-paralytic stimulant
