Pu Huang
Typha angustifolia L.
โฏ TCM Properties
Stops Bleeding; Invigorates Blood and Dispels Stasis; Promotes Urination and Relieves Stranguria
Western Herbalism Properties
Botanical Description
Typha angustifolia, narrowleaf cattail, is a perennial aquatic or semi-aquatic herb in the Typhaceae family, native to wetlands across temperate Eurasia and North America. It grows from creeping rhizomes to 1.5-3 m tall, with linear, flat to slightly convex leaves 3-12 mm wide. The diagnostic inflorescence is a dense cylindrical spike with a separated male (upper) portion above a thinner gap, then a slender brown female (lower) portion 10-30 cm long. In TCM, Pu Huang is the dried yellow pollen collected from male flowers in summer. Plants thrive in marshes, pond margins, and slow streams.
Dosage
| Form | Amount | Frequency | Duration | Population | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| decoction | 6-15g | Daily | โ | โ | โ |
Cultural & Historical Context
Traditional Chinese Uses
Pu Huang (cattail pollen) is a neutral-warm, astringent-sweet herb that both stops bleeding and invigorates Blood โ making it appropriate for both hemorrhage and pain from Blood stagnation. Raw Pu Huang has a stronger Blood-moving effect for menstrual pain, traumatic injury, and Blood stasis conditions, while charred Pu Huang focuses on stopping bleeding from uterine hemorrhage, hematuria, and similar conditions. It is a primary hemostatic and Blood-moving herb frequently combined with Wu Ling Zhi in classical pain and bleeding formulas.
Traditional American Uses
Native American tribes including the Pima, Hopi, Malecite, and Micmac used Typha angustifolia primarily as a fiber, food, and ceremonial plant. Documented medicinal (Drug) uses in the NAEB database are limited to kidney aid and urinary aid applications, employing the roots and rhizomes (NAEB).
Important Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.