I have added another title to my name for 2015 – “herbal protector”. So I am now an herbal educator and protector.
This is necessary at this time for three reasons: (a) some species of herbal plants in Barbados are disappearing; (b) land which was once their home is being exploited; and (c) some herbal plants are being seriously abused, such as silent doctor moringa.
On another note, after a brief breakfast on New Year’s Day overlooking Bath Beach, I proceeded on a tour around Barbados to assess the progress or demise of the natural medicinal herbal kingdom. The most memorable stops were at Codrington College in St John and Ragged Point Lighthouse in St Philip.
While at Codrington College I was entertained by the musical symphony from the bamboo patch by the fish pond.
Silent doctor bamboo and her healing shoots are unknown to many Barbadians. How many Barbadians are aware that bamboo products are sold at Cariloha Bamboo in the Bridgetown cruise terminal and that its website shows bamboo bed sheet sets retailing for about US$239?
In contrast, bamboo is held in high esteem in some countries and the products are prized possessions. In China, phyllostachys edulis (Moso bamboo) is typically used for its economic organic benefits. Hence, capitalising on the other economic benefits of bamboo to the textile, high-tech, automotive, bioenergy, food, beverage, pulp and paper industries would involve increased accessibility to land for bamboo production.
With Bambusa vulgaris appearing as a cultivated species, researchers can provide further data for readers on the benefits derived from its contents.
Canned bamboo shoots are retailed in Barbados for at least $3.39. Bamboo shoots are the sprouts which spring out beside the bamboo plant. The nutrients in bamboo shoots include protein, potassium, copper, manganese, zinc, vitamins B6, C and E and thiamin.
The health benefits of bamboo shoots include aiding in weight loss, reducing the risk of cancer, helping to control cholesterol levels, treating high blood pressure and easing constipation.
Our researchers can publicly provide data on any medicinal or other values of our Bambusa vulgaris shoots.
In conclusion, there are hundreds of uses for silent doctor bamboo, therefore I call her “the incredible mistress of the forest”.
Bamboo is considered the most versatile and utilised plant in the world. I commend the caretakers at Codrington College for preserving the bamboo patch there and we must join them by planting and researching bamboo for internal and export purposes.
Annette Maynard-Watson, a teacher and herbal educator, may be contacted via [email protected] or by telephone 250-6450.
DISCLAIMER: It is not our intention to prescribe or make specific claims for any products. Any attempts to diagnose or treat real illness should come under the direction of your health care provider.
