Bamboo
Bamboo
Bamboo, also known as Bans, belongs to the grass family. It is a long stick-like, non-wood plant found mostly in forests. All parts of this plant (seed, root, shoot, leaf) provide various health benefits.
Bamboo is considered to be beneficial in managing skin diseases. It helps maintain elasticity and provides strength to the skin due to the presence of certain minerals and essential amino acids. Bamboo helps in managing acne, skin eruptions and wounds due to its anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. In Ayurveda, Bamboo is referred to as Vanshalochana which is secreted from nodes of bamboo trees. It has Kapha-Pitta (balancing) property that helps in improving skin quality.
Bamboo is beneficial in lowering blood glucose levels due to the presence of antioxidants i.e., flavonoids when taken internally. It also helps manage respiratory problems such as asthma due to its expectorant property which promotes the secretion of sputum and helps ease breathing.
It is advisable not to consume bamboo shoots during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester as it might cause pregnancy-related problems which may even lead to abortion[2][7][11][12].
Bamboo is considered to be beneficial in managing skin diseases. It helps maintain elasticity and provides strength to the skin due to the presence of certain minerals and essential amino acids. Bamboo helps in managing acne, skin eruptions and wounds due to its anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. In Ayurveda, Bamboo is referred to as Vanshalochana which is secreted from nodes of bamboo trees. It has Kapha-Pitta (balancing) property that helps in improving skin quality.
Bamboo is beneficial in lowering blood glucose levels due to the presence of antioxidants i.e., flavonoids when taken internally. It also helps manage respiratory problems such as asthma due to its expectorant property which promotes the secretion of sputum and helps ease breathing.
It is advisable not to consume bamboo shoots during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester as it might cause pregnancy-related problems which may even lead to abortion[2][7][11][12].
What are the synonyms of Bamboo?
Bambusa arundinacea, Toncor, Wans, Vanskapur, Vas-nu-mitha, Banschlochan, Bamboo manna, Giant Thorny Bamboo, Banskapur, Vanoo, Banz, BansKapur, Baans, Baansh, Baroowa Bans, Tabashir, Bansa, Baambii, Bansamitha, Munga-luppa, Mullumangila, Mulmunkil, Mungil, Veduruppu, Mulkas Veduru, Mullu Veduru, Moleuppa, Bidaruppu, Tavakshira, Vanshalochana, Venulavanam[1].
What is the source of Bamboo?
Plant Based
Precautions when using Bamboo
Side Effects
Important
Modern Science View
Bamboo may cause cuts, abrasions, and wounds[10].
Recommended Dosage of Bamboo
- Bamboo Paste - ½ - 1 teaspoon or as recommended by a physician.
How to use Bamboo
1. Bamboo Root Paste
a. Take ½ - 1 teaspoon of Bamboo root paste.
b. Add honey to it.
c. Apply on the affected area to get rid of eczema and hyperpigmentation.
2. Bamboo Shoot Paste
a. Take ½ - 1 teaspoon of Bamboo shoot paste.
b. Add honey to it.
c. Apply on the affected area to get rid of ringworm and other skin infections.
a. Take ½ - 1 teaspoon of Bamboo root paste.
b. Add honey to it.
c. Apply on the affected area to get rid of eczema and hyperpigmentation.
2. Bamboo Shoot Paste
a. Take ½ - 1 teaspoon of Bamboo shoot paste.
b. Add honey to it.
c. Apply on the affected area to get rid of ringworm and other skin infections.
Frequently asked questions
Modern Science View
According to Chinese mythology, Bamboo is used to clean the air inside the house and this is the reason it is used as an indoor plant. Bamboo works by removing the toxins in the air and makes the in-house air fresh and pure.
Modern Science View
Bamboo shoots are the only part of the plant that can be consumed. However, there are few things that need to be considered while eating it. The shoots needs to be free from all the attachments and should be properly cooked. Improperly or partially cooked Bamboo shoots are harmful to eat.
Modern Science View
Bamboo shoots are mainly fibrous and they do contain very less amount of carbohydrates.
Modern Science View
Bamboo’s taste is very delicious and savory. It has a characteristic spicy taste. It is great for vegetarians as it add new flavours into their set of taste.
Modern Science View
Bamboo tea made from fresh Bamboo leaves has many health benefits. It contains silica which is useful for bone health. It also strengthens hair and nails. Bamboo leaf tea is low in calories and free from caffeine so it helps to improve metabolism of the body without any side effects[15].
Modern Science View
Bamboo shoots are safe to eat in cooked or processed form. However, Bamboo shoots contain a certain constituent (taxiphyllin) that might show cyanide like properties. Consuming raw or improperly cooked Bamboo shoots might lead to formation of toxins. So, it is advisable to use properly cooked or processed Bamboo shoots[4][16].
Modern Science View
Bad smell from Bamboo could be due to rotting, caused by overwatering or exposure to extreme temperatures.
Modern Science View
Bamboo is a fast-growing plant. In fact, it is one of the fastest-growing plants in the world. It can be invasive, so it needs to be contained or it will spread very fast and might take over nearby areas as well. You can do this by digging a trench and placing a barrier below the ground.
Bamboo shoots are harvested for food, usually no more than 2 weeks after they have emerged. You might need a sharp trowel or knife to cut them from the ground[17].
Bamboo shoots are harvested for food, usually no more than 2 weeks after they have emerged. You might need a sharp trowel or knife to cut them from the ground[17].
Modern Science View
You can store your fresh, unpeeled bamboo shoots in the crisper section of your fridge (drawer used to place vegetables and fruits). They can be kept for about 2 weeks. If you keep them longer, they may develop a bitter taste[17].
References
- Soni V, Jha AK , Dwivedi J. Traditional uses, phytochemistry and pharmacological profile of Bambusa arudinacea Retz. TANG.2013;3(3):e20.
- Rathaur JD, Pathak NL, Patel RG, et al. Phytopharmacological Properties of Bambusa arundinacea as a Potential Medicinal Tree: An Overview.Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Science.2011; 01(10):27-31.
- WebMD.Bamboo: Uses, Side effects, Doses, Interactions [Internet].Atlanta [last updated in 2016].
- Sang-A-Gad P, Guharat S, Wananukul W.A mass cyanide poisoning from pickling bamboo shoots.Clin Toxicol (Phila). 2011;49(9):834-9.
- Muniappan M, Sundararaj T.Antiinflammatory and antiulcer activities of Bambusa arundinacea. J Ethnopharmacol.2003;88(2-3):161-167.
- Shukla R, Sumit G, Sajal S, et al.Medicinal Importance of Bamboo.International journal of biopharm and phytochemical research.2012;1(1):9-15.
- Hossain MF, Islam A, Numan SM.Multipurpose uses of Bamboo plants: A review.International research journal of biological sciences.2015;4(12):57-60.
- Latti BR, Birajdar SB,Kalburge JV, et al.Bamboo salt- A review.International journal of innovation sciences and research.2015;4(12):556-560.
- Nongdam P, Tikendra L.The nutritional facts of bamboo shoots and their usage as important traditional foods of Northeast India.Hindawi publishing corporation.2014:1-17.
- Sasseville D. Phytodermatitis. Dermatitis [Internet]. 1999 Jun [cited 2025 Mar 28];10(2):91–102.
- Jhariya MK, Banerjee A, Meena RS et al. Sustainable Agriculture, Forest and Environmental Management. 2019.
- Philip TE. Thangam Philip’s Vegetarian Recipes for Healthy Living. 2011.
- Joshi RK, Patil PK, Mujawar MHK, et al. Hypoglycemic activity of Bambusa Arundinacea leaf aqueous extract in Euglycemic and hyperglycemic wistar rats. Pharmacologyonline.2009;3:789-795.
- Chandra AK, Ghosh D, Mukhopadhyaya S, et al. Effect of bamboo shoot, Bambusa arundinacea (Retz.) Willd. on thyroid status under conditions of varying iodine intake in rats.Indian journal of experimental biology.2004;42:781-786.
- Abdul Khalil HPS.Bamboo: Current and Future Prospects. BoD – Books on Demand. 2018.
- Ulbricht CE.Natural Standard:Herb and Supplement Guide, An Evidence Based Reference.Elsevier;2010.
- Victoria State Government. Bamboo shoots.
- Centre for Food Safety. Food contaminants.
- Kumar V, Manjunath K, Narayana, A. Formulations of sitopaladi churna granules and tablets by dry granulation technique for enhancing patient compliance. IJPRS. 2014
- Ranjan P, Singh R, Singh, AK. Pharmacognostical study of vanshlochan (Bamboo Manna). WJPPS.
- Chongtham N, Bisht MS, Haorongbam S. Nutritional Properties of Bamboo Shoots: Potential and Prospects for Utilization as a Health Food. Wiley. 2011.
Disclaimer
The content is purely informative and educational in nature and should not be construed as medical advice. Please use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified medical or healthcare professional.