Bamboo (bambusa spp.)

Links: Go back one page, Tool main page, Ingredients list, Health conditions list, Body systems list

Table of Contents

Other names for bamboo

Bamboo Extract
Bamboo Leaf
Bamboo Silica
Bamboo fiber

Synopsis of bamboo

Bamboo refers to a group of fast-growing grasses in the Poaceae family, with over 1,400 species found across Asia, Africa, and the Americas. While most people know bamboo for its woody stalks and structural uses, several parts of the plant—including the young shoots, leaves, and resin (silica-rich exudate)—have long been used in traditional medicine, nutrition, and cosmetic applications.

Bamboo shoots are nutrient-dense, low in calories, and rich in dietary fiber, potassium, and phytochemicals such as phenolic acids, flavonoids, and lignans. They support digestive health, cholesterol regulation, weight management, and may exert antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. The shoots also contain plant sterols that may contribute to heart health and metabolic balance.

One of bamboo’s most important medicinal components is bamboo silica (tabasheer)—a white, mineral-rich substance found in the hollow joints of certain bamboo species. It is a potent source of bioavailable silica, which supports:

  • Bone density and connective tissue strength
  • Hair, skin, and nail health
  • Collagen production and skin elasticity
  • Joint lubrication and cartilage repair

In addition, bamboo leaves and extracts have been studied for antibacterial, antiviral, and diuretic properties, with applications in skin care, liver support, and detoxification.

Historical Use:

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), bamboo is used in various forms:

  • Zhu Ru (bamboo shavings): clears heat and phlegm from the Lung and Stomach, calms the Shen (spirit), and is used for nausea, irritability, and insomnia.
  • Zhu Li (bamboo sap or resin): used to treat convulsions, seizures, or stroke-related phlegm obstruction.
  • Bamboo leaves: known for cooling and detoxifying properties, used to clear heat from the Heart, promote urination, and relieve restlessness or fevers.

In Ayurveda, bamboo is referred to as Vanshlochan and is particularly valued for its silica-rich exudate. It is used as a rejuvenative herb, believed to support respiratory health, bone strength, and fertility. Bamboo’s cooling, tonic qualities make it useful in managing heat-related conditions, cough, and nervous exhaustion.

Throughout Southeast Asia, bamboo shoots have been a culinary and medicinal staple, often used to treat diarrhea, digestive discomfort, and as a general tonic. In folk remedies, bamboo poultices were applied to skin infections and wounds, and its leaves were brewed as a cleansing tea.

Today, bamboo continues to be used in both natural health and cosmetic products, prized for its digestive, skeletal, and skin-supportive properties, and celebrated as a sustainable, multifunctional plant in both traditional and modern wellness systems.

Bamboo is used for these health conditions

Abdominal Pain (Traditional)
Appetite (deficient) (Traditional)
Arthritis (Traditional)
Asthma (Traditional)
Bleeding (external) (Traditional)
Bronchitis (Traditional)
Burns and Scalds (Traditional)
Canker Sores (Traditional)
Colds (general) (Traditional)
Colds (prevention) (Traditional)
Constipation (children) (Traditional)
Cough (general) (Traditional)
Cuts (Traditional)
Diabetes (Traditional)
Diarrhea (Traditional)
Digestion (poor) (Traditional)
Dizziness (Traditional)
Edema (Traditional)
Fever (Traditional)
Gastritis (Traditional)
Headache (general) (Traditional)
Indigestion (Traditional)
Inflammation (Traditional)
Injuries (Traditional)
Jaundice (adults) (Traditional)
Nausea and Vomiting (Traditional)
Pain (general remedies for) (Traditional)
Ulcers (Traditional)

bamboo is used to support these body systems

Hair (Scientific)
Heart (Traditional)
Kidneys (Traditional)
Liver (Traditional)
Lungs (Traditional)

Additional Help

Talk with Dr. Shannyn

Get to the root of what’s really going on.
Symptoms like fatigue, bloating, skin issues, or mood changes often point to deeper imbalances. Our at-home lab tests make it easy to investigate hormone health, gut function, food sensitivities, and more—no clinic visit required.

Schedule a Free Consult →
Personalized support. No pressure. No cost.

At-Home Lab Testing

Want to know if your body really needs this ingredient?
Explore our at-home lab tests—from hormone and gut panels to toxin screenings. These simple kits give you data to back your decisions, and pair perfectly with natural ingredient guidance.

Explore Lab Testing →
Results interpreted with expert support. No clinic visit required.