Cattail pollen (pu huang)

Typha angustifolia (en T. orientalis)

Traditionally attributed effects: stops bleeding and resolves blood stagnation in pain.

Safety notes

Not during pregnancy. Traditional use is no proof of effectiveness; if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult a doctor or pharmacist.

Preparation

Pollen (pu huang). Usually as a decoction, together with other herbs.

Use in traditions

Described in the classical Chinese materia medica, in the group 'herbs that stop bleeding'. Cattail pollen (pu huang) stops bleeding and moves the blood; it is part of Shi Xiao San for menstrual pain. In Europe and North America the rhizome and young shoots were eaten and the leaves woven.

Applications

Use by tradition

How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.

Chinese materia medica

Nature and taste: sweet, neutral
Meridians: heart, liver, spleen, pericardium

Attributed effects

Stops bleeding (most strongly charred; also externally) in nosebleeds, heavy menstruation and vomiting blood, and resolves stagnation in chest pain, menstrual pain and pain after childbirth (raw).

Preparation and amount

Traditional dosage: 5–10 g a day, cooked along in a bag. Grows along shores all over the world.

Ways to prepare herbs: Decoction
Formulas: Xiao ji yin zi

Sources

All herbs from Asia →