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Typha angustifolia (Typhaceae)

Botanical Information

Family: Typhaceae
Common Names: Narrowleaf Cattail, Lesser Reedmace, Small Bullrush
Parts Used: Rhizomes, Pollen, Shoots, Leaves

Description

Typha angustifolia, commonly known as Narrowleaf Cattail, is a wetland plant found in marshes, ponds, and riverbanks across North America, Europe, and Asia. It has been widely used in traditional medicine, food, and survival applications. The rhizomes are rich in starch and have been used for wound healing, digestive health, and energy support. The pollen is prized for its anti-inflammatory and hemostatic properties, traditionally used to stop bleeding and treat urinary issues.

Historical and Traditional Uses

  • Used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) as a hemostatic to control bleeding wounds, excessive menstruation, and internal hemorrhages.
  • Native American tribes used the rhizomes as a nutritious food source and poultice for wounds and burns.
  • The pollen was historically used to support kidney and urinary health.
  • Leaves and fluff were applied to dress wounds and skin irritations.
  • Rhizome tea was taken for digestive support and energy restoration.

Constituents

  • Starch
  • Flavonoids
  • Tannins
  • Saponins
  • Volatile oils
  • Beta-sitosterol
  • Proteins

Actions

  • Hemostatic (stops bleeding)
  • Anti-inflammatory
  • Astringent
  • Demulcent
  • Diuretic
  • Wound healing

Medicinal Uses

  1. Wound Healing & Hemostatic Action
    • Pollen is used to stop bleeding (internal & external).
    • Applied as a poultice to cuts, burns, and sores to promote healing.
  2. Digestive & Energy Support
    • Rhizomes are nutritive and restorative, providing sustained energy.
    • Used to ease diarrhea and digestive inflammation.
  3. Urinary & Kidney Health
    • Pollen is traditionally used to support kidney function and relieve urinary tract infections.
  4. Menstrual Regulation
    • Helps with excessive menstrual bleeding (used in moderation).
  5. Respiratory & Inflammation Relief
    • Decoctions of rhizomes have been used for coughs, bronchial inflammation, and sore throats.

Preparation and Dosage

Infusion (Tea from Rhizomes):

  • 1 tbsp of dried rhizome per cup of hot water.
  • Steep 15-20 minutes, drink up to twice daily.

Tincture:

  • 2-5 ml taken up to twice daily.

Poultice (For Wounds & Burns):

  • Crushed fresh rhizomes or pollen applied directly to wounds.

Hemostatic Powder (For Bleeding):

  • Sprinkle cattail pollen onto wounds or heavy menstrual flow areas.

Rhizome Flour (Food Use):

  • Dried and ground into starch-rich flour for soups and bread.

Precautions and Contraindications

  • Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Not well studied, use with caution.
  • Heavy Metal Absorption: As a wetland plant, cattails may absorb toxins from polluted water—harvest from clean environments only.
  • Hemostatic Effects: Avoid excessive use if prone to blood clotting disorders.

Energetics (Traditional Medicine Perspectives)

Traditional Western Herbalism: Neutral-warming; supports blood, digestion, and tissue repair.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM):

  • Known as Pu Huang, used to move blood, stop bleeding, and support kidney health.
  • Classified as an herb that invigorates and cools blood stagnation.

Combinations

  • For Wound Healing: Combine with yarrow and plantain.
  • For Urinary Health: Use with uva-ursi and goldenrod.
  • For Digestive Support: Blend with slippery elm and marshmallow root.
  • For Excessive Menstrual Bleeding: Pair with shepherd’s purse and raspberry leaf.

Harvesting and Storage

  • Harvesting:
    • Rhizomes are collected in late autumn for medicinal use.
    • Pollen is gathered in summer from the mature seed heads.
  • Drying:
    • Air dry rhizomes, then grind into powder or store whole.
    • Collect pollen by shaking flower heads into a cloth bag.
  • Storage:
    • Keep dried material in airtight containers away from moisture and light.

Modern Research

  • Studies confirm Typha angustifolia’s hemostatic and anti-inflammatory effects, supporting its traditional uses.
  • Research suggests cattail pollen may improve blood circulation and reduce clotting disorders when used properly.
  • Nutritional studies highlight the high starch content of rhizomes, making them a valuable survival food.

Conclusion

Typha angustifolia is a versatile and valuable wetland plant, offering hemostatic, anti-inflammatory, and nutritive properties. It is traditionally used for wound healing, digestive support, and urinary health. Due to its natural ability to absorb contaminants, sustainable and mindful harvesting is essential.