Bamboo powder – Bambusa tabashir

Traditionally harvested from the cavities of hollow bamboo stems after natural crystallization, tabashir powder has been known in Asia since ancient times. It is particularly used in Ayurveda and Chinese pharmacopoeia as a mineral tonic. Reduced to a fine powder, it mixes easily into drinks, masks, or capsules.

Description

White to light beige powder, very fine and light, with no strong odor or taste. Insoluble in water but easily dispersible. Mix with a liquid or solid base depending on the desired use.

Nomenclature

• Common names: Bamboo powder, vegetable silica, tabashir
• Latin name: Bambusa tabashir
• Family: Poaceae
• Part used: Crystallized sap / inner pith
• Form: Powder
• Origin: India, Southeast Asia
• English name: Bamboo silica powder
• German name: Bambuspulver
• Name in Spanish: Bamboo powder
• Name in Italian: Polvere di bambù
• Name in Arabic: مسحوق الخيزران (Mas'houq al-Khayzaran)

Main virtues

Silica supplement for nail, hair, skin, and connective tissue care. Also used for its absorbent properties in skincare powders or as an additive in dietary supplements.

Main constituents

Mineral silica (>70%), calcium, potassium, iron, trace elements, traces of flavonoids.

Use and dosage

• Supplement: 1/2 to 1 teaspoon per day, diluted in water or juice (occasional use or as a treatment).
• Cosmetics: included at 5 to 10% in homemade preparations: creams, masks, loose powders, dry shampoos.
• Hair care: mixed with clay or nettle powder for a strengthening mask.

Precautions, side effects and contraindications

• Do not inhale the powder directly (fine and volatile).
• Do not exceed recommended doses without professional advice.
• Not recommended in case of known allergy to grasses.

History and origin

Tabashir, a natural form of silica derived from bamboo, has been used in traditional Indian and Chinese medicine for centuries. It was harvested from the cavities of mature stems for its strengthening and revitalizing properties. Today, it is being rediscovered in cosmetic treatments and modern joint wellness.

Miscellaneous information

• Storage: in a well-closed container away from humidity.
• Packaging: airtight jar, lined kraft bag or cosmetic box.
• Appearance: Fine off-white to light beige powder.
• Odor: neutral to slightly vegetal.

Sources and references

• Pl@ntUse – https://uses.plantnet-project.org
• Ayurveda and Asian Pharmacopoeia Texts
• Traditional mineral herbalism
• Natural Cosmetics – Guide to Plant Powders

🔎 Information

The products on aromacentre.fr are not medicines. They are natural, plant-based treatments. All usage advice on our site is for informational purposes only. Any additional requests should be made to a qualified healthcare professional. In accordance with Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 December 2006 on nutrition and health claims made on foods, we are unable to publish this information on the site. Taking this product does not exempt you from consulting a doctor or prescribing it. Ask your doctor or healthcare practitioner for advice. Be sure to read the precautions for use before using any medicinal plants. The use of herbal preparations is not recommended without consulting your doctor or pharmacist. The substances they contain may interact with medications prescribed by the patient, reducing their therapeutic effectiveness or causing toxicity. They can also worsen the weakening of the body's vital functions, thus exposing the patient to increased morbidity and life-threatening risks.

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