As a traditional Chinese medicine, the root of cattail has many benefits. Let's explore the effects and applications of cattail root together.
Cattail root picture
[Botanical Characteristics of Cattail Root]
Cattail, also known as Typha angustifolia, is a perennial herb that grows up to 60-100cm in height. It has short and thick rhizomes with long and thin fibrous roots. The stems are stout and triangular, with 2 leaf sheaths at the base and no leaves.
The bracts are erect, elongated extensions of the stem, measuring 3-14cm in length. The spikelets are clustered in heads, pseudo-lateral, ovoid or elongated ovoid, measuring 8-16mm in length and 4-6mm in width, with numerous flowers. The scales are elongated ovoid, measuring 4-5mm in length, light brown in color with short tips and red-brown streaks on both sides. There are 6 downward-pointing bristles, roughly the same length as the small nuts, with spines. The stamens are 3, with linear anthers, and the stigmas are also 3. The small nuts of cattail are broadly obovate, flattened-triangular, measuring 2-2.5mm in length, glossy dark brown when ripe, with indistinct wrinkles. The flowering and fruiting period is from May to September.
[Introduction of Cattail Root]
Cattail root, also known as Xicao root or Mangcao, refers to the root of Typha angustifolia. It has a mild and slightly bitter taste and a cool nature. It belongs to the Stomach, Bladder, and Kidney meridians.
The root of cattail is short and thick with long and thin fibrous roots. The stems are stout and triangular, with 2 leaf sheaths at the base and no leaves.
Cattail root grows in ditches, ponds, lakesides, and grasslands along rivers. It is widely distributed throughout China except for Xinjiang and Tibet.
Wild cattail root cannot be consumed directly and needs to be processed before use.
On the Dragon Boat Festival, people traditionally drink a cup of wine early in the morning, believing that it can ward off evil spirits. Drinking and spraying realgar wine is a traditional folk custom of the Dragon Boat Festival. There is a saying, "On May 5th, burn realgar wine to celebrate the Dragon Boat Festival."
Cattail root picture
Because ancient people were superstitious about the Dragon Boat Festival, which falls on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month, considering it an "unlucky day" with the heaviest poisonous gas.
Therefore, on this day, people would cut the harvested cattail root into small pieces, dry them in the sun, mix them with a little realgar, and soak them in white wine, believing that it can repel snakes and ward off evil spirits.
[Applications of Cattail Root]
1. To treat hot and difficult urination: Take 30g of cattail root, 30g of stonecrop, and 30g of beach vitex. Decoct and take orally.
2. To treat damp-heat in the lower body: Take 30g of cattail root and 30g of white grass. Decoct and take orally.
3. To treat toothache caused by stomach fire: Take 15g of cattail root, 15g of bitter buckwheat, 15g of Rhizoma Dioscoreae Hypoglaucae, and 15g of Artemisia capillaris. Decoct and take orally.
[Effects of Cattail Root]
Traditional Chinese medicine believes that cattail root has the effects of clearing heat, promoting diuresis, and detoxification. It is mainly used for hot and difficult urination, excessive vaginal discharge, and swollen and painful gums.
1. "Commonly Used Medicinal Herbs in Sichuan": "Clears heat, promotes diuresis. Used for toothache caused by hot symptoms, urinary disorders, and excessive vaginal discharge."
2. "Herbal Records of Sichuan" 1982 edition: "Used for hot and difficult urination."
