Vanshlochan (Tabasheer) – Bamboo Silica (Bamboo Manna)

Vanshlochan (also known as Tabasheer, Bamboo Silica, & Bamboo Manna and spelled as Banslochan & Tabashir) is siliceous resin and bamboo exudate, which is a form of herbal silica obtained from female bamboo trees. Vanshlochan secretes from nodes of bamboo trees. It is collected from the female bamboo tree’s nodes for therapeutic uses, as used in Ayurvedic Medicine and Unani Medicine.

Vanshlochan vs. Tabasheer

Vanshlochan and Tabasheer were actual different things, but in Farsi language, Tabasheer is synonym of Vanshlochan. Vanshlochan is a bamboo exudate, which is now rarely available in the market. In market, Tabasheer (prepared from Curcuma Angustifolia, also called Tikhur & East Indian Arrowroot) is sold in name of Vanshlochan. (Reference: Acharya Priyavarata Sharma, Dravya Guna Vigyan, Part 2, Chapter 7, 258 Vansha – Bambusa Arundinacea Willd)

In Astanga Sangraha, Banshlochan and Tabashir are described as different remedies and description of both remedy is in same place. Nowadays, Tabasheer is taken as alternative of Vanshlochan.

Adulteration

Tabasheer is also less available and now adulteration becomes another problem for getting the original Vanshlochan. Artificially prepared Vanshlochan is now sold in Indian Market, which results in a huge loss of ayurvedic physicians and lovers.

The Artificial Vanshlochan is prepared from Sodium Silicate and Ammonium Silicate. These both chemicals are mixed in water. Then the mixture is leaved for drying. After drying process, the material obtained is sold as Vanshlochan.

Phytochemistry (Chemical Composition)

Vanshlochan contains siliceous resin, which composed of following as follows:

Chemical Composition of Real Vanshlochan

Vanshlochan is a good source of natural Bamboo silica. Bamboo silica (FOLIUMBAMBUSEA) contains more Silicon dioxide as compared to other silica plant sources. It contains about 70 to 90% silica content.

Note: Nowadays, This Vanshlochan is not available. Vanshlochan available in the market with the name of original Vanshlochan is actually prepared by burning bamboo stems. It contains bamboo stem ash and a little amount of the real Vanshlochan. Nowadays, it is used in ayurvedic medicines. The amount of silica content in this type of Vanshlochan varies from 0.50% to 3%.

Chemical Composition of Tabasheer

However, the chemical composition is different, but Vanshlochan and Tabasheer both are beneficial in same diseases except lung disorders. In lung diseases, Vanshlochan gives best and promising results.

Medicinal Properties

Vanshlochan has following healing properties.

1. Adaptogenic
2. Antacid
3. Anti-arthritic
4. Antibacterial
5. Anticancer
6. Anti-gout
7. Anti-hypertensive
8. Anti-inflammatory
9. Anti-mutagenic
10. Anti-ulcer
11. Antioxidant
12. Antipyretic
13. Aphrodisiac
14. Astringent
15. Bronchodilator
16. Demulcent
17. Expectorant
18. Mild Diuretic
19. Mild Antipyretic

Ayurvedic Properties

Therapeutic Indications

Vanshlochan is helpful in following health conditions.

1. Breathing troubles & Asthma
2. Cough
3. Bleeding disorders
4. Mouth Ulcers
5. Gastritis
6. Peptic & Duodenal Ulcers
7. Ulcerative colitis
8. Fever
9. Geophagia (Eating earth, clay, chalk)
10. Osteoporosis
11. Hair fall

Benefits & Medicinal Uses

Vanshlochan is beneficial because of its strengthening action and adaptogenic properties. The main content of Vanshlochan is silica (Silicon dioxide), which is an important element for bones, ligaments, tendons and skin. Vanshlochan has restorative effect on body tissues. According to ayurveda, it increases immunity, so it is a main ingredient of Sitopaladi Churna used as immuno-modulator. It is a very effective medicine for cold and running nose.

Peptic Ulcers & Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Vanshlochan has ulcer healing properties. Along with Praval Pishti, Mukta Pishti, and Yashad Bhasma, it gives excellent results in peptic ulcers and inflammatory bowel diseases such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. The following Vanshlochan combination is useful for the treatment of ulcers and ulcerative colitis.

Hair Growth

Vanshlochan also stimulates hair growth and strengthen hair. This effect is due to natural silica content in it. The silica in it prevents hair thinning and hair loss.

Dosage & Administration

The recommended dosage of Vanshlochan is as follows.

* Twice a day with appropriate adjuvant

Dose Adjustments

We have included the safest and most appropriate dosage in the above table, which has not shown any unwanted effects in people, we had given. The high dosage is possible whenever required according to health condition. For example, 500 mg Vanshlochan does not give promising results in ulcerative colitis, so the high dosage (about 1000 mg twice daily) is required.

* Twice or Thrice Daily (Applicable for Adults) ** Total Daily Dosage in Divided Doses (Applicable for Adults)

Safety Profile

The original Vanshlochan (bamboo exudate) is POSSIBLY SAFE & WELL TOLERATED. Tabasheer (starch from Curcuma Angustifolia) is also POSSIBLY SAFE & WELL TOLERATED.

Warning

There may be many unknown adverse effects of duplicate Vanshlochan (artificially prepared Banshlochan). If you have observed any, please report us and contribute to this useful publication.

Side Effects & Toxicity

According to ayurveda, high doses of Vanshlochan are not good for prostate gland and lungs.

Antidote of Vanshlochan

In case Vanshlochan is taken in higher dosage, the following things should be used as Antidote according to symptoms and effects.

1. Mastic Gum (Mastagi Roomi)
2. Aloe Vera Leaf Pulp or Juice
3. Saffron (Kesar)
4. Unaab Fruit (Red Dates) – Zizyphus Jujube
5. Tragacanth gum (Gond katira)