The root of the cattail is the root of the plant Typha, which belongs to the family Typhaceae. It is harvested and washed in autumn for medicinal use. The cattail root has rich medicinal value and has the effects of clearing heat, promoting diuresis, and detoxification. It can be used to relieve symptoms such as difficult urination and swollen gums.
Picture of cattail root
The Typha angustifolia, also known as triangular grass, water three-ridge grass, hair grass, and three-ridge plant, is a perennial herb, growing 60-100cm tall. The root of the cattail is short and thick, with long slender fibrous roots. The stems are clustered, thick and strong, sharply triangular, with two leaf sheaths at the base and no leaf blades.
The bracts are erect, elongated extensions of the stem, measuring 3-14cm in length. The spikelets are 2-9, clustered into a head-like shape, falsely axillary, ovate or elongated ovate, measuring 8-16mm in length and 4-6mm in width, with numerous flowers;
Picture of cattail root
The scales are elongated ovate, measuring 4-5mm in length, light brown, with short tips at the apex and a central vein, with short red-brown stripes on both sides; there are 6 downward spines, almost the same length as the small nutlets, with barbs;
There are 3 stamens, with linear anthers; 3 stigmas. The small nutlets of the cattail are broadly ovate, flat three-ridged, measuring 2-2.5mm in length, brown-black and shiny when ripe, with indistinct wrinkles. The flowering and fruiting period of the cattail root is from May to September.
Wild cattail roots cannot be eaten directly and need to be processed before use. It is especially important to note that cattail roots have a cooling nature and should not be consumed during menstruation.
Picture of cattail root
During the Dragon Boat Festival, it is customary for everyone to drink a glass of wine in the morning, which is believed to ward off evil spirits. Drinking and spraying realgar wine is a traditional folk custom during the Dragon Boat Festival. There is a saying, "On May 5th, burn realgar wine on the Dragon Boat Festival."
Because people in ancient times were superstitious about the Dragon Boat Festival, which falls on the 5th day of the 5th lunar month, considering it as an "evil month and evil day," the day with the heaviest toxic gas.
Therefore, on this day, people will cut the harvested cattail roots into small pieces, sun-dry them, mix them with a little realgar, soak them in white wine, and believe that this has the effect of warding off snakes and evil spirits.
