Tabasheer is a natural substance harvested from bamboo plants. It is a translucent white substance found in the nodal joints of some bamboo species. Also known as bamboo silica, bamboo manna, or banslochan, it is referred to as “Tian Zhu Huang” in Mandarin, meaning “heavenly bamboo yellow,” and “Tvaksheera” in Sanskrit, which translates to “bark milk”.
Origin and Chemical Makeup
Tabasheer originates as a siliceous secretion that forms inside the hollow internodes of specific bamboo species, such as Bambusa arundinacea. This substance accumulates as a gel-like mucilage that eventually dries into a solid, brittle mass. The process is a natural part of the plant’s life cycle, where silica absorbed from the soil is deposited within the bamboo’s structure.
The appearance of tabasheer can vary, but it is typically a translucent, whitish, and sometimes opalescent material, resembling small pieces of opal or chalk. When harvested, it is carefully extracted from the bamboo culms, cleaned, and dried before it is ready for use.
Chemically, tabasheer is composed primarily of amorphous silica, which is a form of silicon dioxide. This main component makes up a significant portion of its dry weight. In addition to silica, it contains smaller amounts of other compounds, including water, lime (a source of calcium), and potash (a source of potassium).
Uses in Traditional Medicine
Tabasheer holds a place in several traditional medicinal systems, most notably in Ayurveda from India and Unani medicine. In these practices, it is valued as a therapeutic agent with a long history of use. It was considered a valuable commodity and was exported from India for thousands of years, with records of its trade dating back to medieval times.
Within these traditional frameworks, tabasheer was used to address a wide range of health issues. It was frequently employed for respiratory ailments, including asthma and coughs. It was also utilized as a remedy for fever, attributed with antipyretic properties that could help reduce body temperature.
Tabasheer was often prescribed as a restorative tonic to combat general weakness and debility. In Ayurvedic medicine, it is classified as a “rasayana,” a substance believed to promote longevity and rejuvenation. It was also considered to have effects on spasmodic disorders and was used to support overall vitality.
The Role of Silica in the Body
The primary component of tabasheer, silica, is a trace mineral that has several functions in the human body. Its presence is linked to the structural integrity and health of these tissues.
Silica is involved in the synthesis of collagen, a protein that forms the structural framework for skin, hair, and nails. Collagen provides elasticity to the skin and strength to hair and nails.
The mineral also contributes to the health of connective tissues throughout the body, including tendons and ligaments. Furthermore, silica plays a part in bone formation and maintaining bone density. It works alongside other minerals, such as calcium, to support the strength and resilience of the skeletal system.