Bambusa Bambos

BAMBUSA BAMBOS

The herb Bambusa Bambos belongs to the herb family Poceae and the order Polaes. This herb is commonly known by names such as Bans in Hindi and Bamboo in English.

HISTORICAL DETAILS

Although the Bamboo tree has been known to be growing in Asia for the longest time, its medicinal values have been discovered quite recently. Earlier, it was used only for its wood. Later on, various medicine men discovered its therapeutic values and started using it in medicinal preparations.

AREAS OF CULTIVATION

The Bambusa Bambos or Bamboo grows as a wild tree throughout the country and is found mostly in the hilly forests of the Southern and Western region of the country. Bamboo is cultivated in the Indus valley, the Ganges valley and the Lower Himalayan region. It grows in other countries of the Asian continent as well.

PARTS USED

The leaves of the plant as well as the shoot are of high medicinal value and are used in various preparations.

CHARACTERISTICS OF BAMBUSA BAMBOS:

The stem of the Bambusa Bambos is hollow from inside. It is round and smooth and has swollen nodes. Between July and October each year, new shoots sprout at the base of the tree. These trees always grow in clusters and can reach a height of up to 12 meters. The tree does not have any branches and its leaves are shiny, simple, stiff and thin. They are dark green in color and have a smooth texture.
The leaves of the Bamboo tree are also very rich in benzoic acid and hydrocyanic acid. They work as a stimulant. They also have aromatic properties and can be used in the form of tonics as well. The parts of the plants are tasteless.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES USEFUL AGAINST DISEASES

The herb Bambusa Bambos has found many uses as a medicinal herb. It can be used internally or as a preparation that can be applied externally. Its uses are given below in detail:

Internal Uses:

• Medicines that have bamboo as an ingredient prove to be very helpful in case of stomach disorders, digestive problems and the likes.
• A decoction of the shoots of the plant in combination with honey is very helpful in relieving respiratory problems.
• A decoction of the leaves of the tree is helpful in stimulating menstruation.
• The leaves may also be ingested directly for the purpose of killing worms in the stomach, i.e., the intestine.

External Uses:

• A paste made from the shoot of the plant is used for cleaning wounds as well as maggot- infested sores. It provides a soothing relief.

USE OF BAMBUSA BAMBOS IN AROMATHERAPY

The juices from its leaves are used as an ingredient of various lotions and perfumes used in aromatherapy.

PRECAUTIONS AND SAFETY MEASURES WHILE USING BAMBUSA BAMBOS

The parts of the Bamboo tree are generally safe to consume but this should be done after taking advice from a medical practitioner only.

PLANET AYURVEDA PRODUCTS USING BAMBUSA BAMBOS

Bambusa Bambos is a popular ingredient in Planet Ayurveda products. It is found in the following:-