Vaaste / Bamboo / वास्ते / Indian Thorny Bamboo / Bambusa bambos L.

In Indian folk medicine, the entire Vaaste plant is used as an astringent, laxative, for inflammatory conditions and as a diuretic. The leaves are sometimes used as an abortifacient in early pregnancy by the indigenous women. A decoction prepared from leaf bud helps in healthy menstruation and also helps ease menstrual cramps. Some indigenous tribes in India believe that the seeds of Vaaste improve fertility.

Other Names

Local Name: Vaaste / Bamboo / वास्ते
Common Name: Indian Thorny Bamboo
Botanical Name: Bambusa bambos L.

Status & Habitat

Status: Cultivable
Habitat: Herb
Occurrence: Riverside, Farm bunds, Hilly areas
Season of Availability: Year-round
Geography: South Asia
Method of Propagation: Seed and vegetative propagation
Part used for Propagation: Rhizome cutting, culm cuttings, seeds, Branch cuttings

Edible Parts

Edible Parts: Tender Shoots
Can be Eaten Raw: Yes

Method of Consumption

Raw: No
Ripe: N/A
Both Raw & Ripe: N/A
Dangerous Form to Consume: N/A
As Food: Tender bamboo shoots are used to make vegetable
As Medicine: Paste can be made from the roots or shoots of bamboo to heal eczema and ringworm, respectively.
Cooking Without Prior Boiling: Yes, overnight soaking
Boiling Before Cooking: Yes
Pickling: Yes
Brining: Yes
Fermenting: Yes
Drying for later Consumption: No
Overall Method: The stems are not commonly eaten, but its resin can be powdered and mixed in honey, ghee, water or milk.

Nutritional & Medicinal Benefits

Nutritional Benefit: Rich in dietary fiber.
Medicinal Benefit: Relieves indigestion. Vaaste is cooling, helps in joint pains, stimulates menstrual cycles and relieves period cramps, and is anti-microbial

Tribal Wisdom

Tribal Wisdom: Use a paste of the roots on areas affected by eczema and discoloration; use a powder of the dried resin to cure cough and cold when mixed in honey, and to cure nausea and diarrhea when mixed in milk

Recipes / Usage

Tribal Recipe / Usage: Not typically eaten, but a paste can be made from the roots or shoots of bamboo to heal eczema and ringworm, respectively.

Image Gallery

Vaaste / Bamboo / वास्ते / Indian Thorny Bamboo / Bambusa bambos L.