Vamshalochana
Prakshep phase
Vamshalochana (Prakshep phase) is a plant used in Ayurveda. Translucent to opaque whitish-grey siliceous nodules, hard and brittle, sourced by splitting mature female bamboo internodes. Classical name Tabasheer (Unani/Persian) denotes the same material.
| Botanical name | Prakshep phase |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Vamshalochana, Vamsha Lochana, Tabasheer, Tabashir, Banslochan, Bamboo Manna |
Siliceous exudate from the internodes of female bamboo (Bambusa bambos / B. arundinacea) — classical Ayurveda treats it as a cooling, astringent, medhya and kasahara dravya. It is a key prakshep dravya in classical Avaleha pharmacy, including Chyawanprash and related Rasayanas.
Identification
Translucent to opaque whitish-grey siliceous nodules, hard and brittle, sourced by splitting mature female bamboo internodes. Classical name Tabasheer (Unani/Persian) denotes the same material. Over 90% hydrated amorphous silica (SiO₂·nH₂O), trace potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron. Sweet-astringent taste, cold in virya, madhura-vipaka.
Classical references
- Charaka Samhita — named in medhya-rasayana contexts
- Bhavaprakasha Nighantu — Haritakyadi Varga; cites Kasahara and Daurbalyahara actions
- Raja Nighantu — “Vamsharochana”
- Sharangadhara Samhita — prakshep in Avaleha kalpana
Use in Chyawanprash
Added in the Prakshep phase (lukewarm, post-paka) along with Pippali, Twak, Ela, Tejpatra and Nagakesara. Provides the sweet-cooling balancing note and the classical medhya-rasayana signature. See Prakshep Dravya.
Adulteration note
The commodity market is heavily adulterated with calcium silicate (chemically synthesized), borax, or chalk. Authentic Vamshalochana tests: soluble in HF but insoluble in HCl; gives clear silica fusion with Na₂CO₃; XRD shows amorphous halo (no sharp calcite peaks). Premium sourcing — hand-sorted nodules from Western Ghats or Northeast Indian bamboo belts.
Safety
Generally regarded as safe at classical prakshep doses (50–500 mg/day as part of compounded Avalehas). High silica content: avoid standalone mega-doses in renal disease.
Stub created 2026-04-17 to resolve wikilinks from Chyawanprash Royale folder. Expand with detailed phytochemistry, pharmacology and clinical data as the catalogue grows.
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