Cattail

BotanicalBest taken away from food

What is it

Cattail (Typha angustifolia; Pu Huang) is a marsh plant whose dried pollen is used in Traditional Chinese Medicine, primarily for bleeding and circulation complaints.

Evidence for 1 use

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Circulation support (traditional)

Mixed Evidence

Used in TCM for circulation and bleeding complaints. Modern controlled evidence is sparse.

How it works

Cattail pollen contains flavonoids (including isorhamnetin glycosides), polysaccharides, and small amounts of fatty acids. In TCM, raw pollen is used to promote circulation while charred pollen is used to stop bleeding. Laboratory studies of pollen extracts have observed effects on platelet aggregation and lipid markers, but mechanisms in humans are not well defined. Modern controlled trials are limited. Most contemporary use rests on classical TCM theory and small experimental studies of specific flavonoid constituents.

Dosage

Traditional TCM doses are 3-9 g of dried pollen per day as decoction or powder. Modern extracts vary; no consensus modern dose has been published.

When and how to take it

Traditional preparations are taken between meals. Modern extracts often suggest with-meal dosing for tolerance.

1 commercial form

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Dried pollen (Pu Huang)

Used in TCM decoctions.

Traditional preparation; flavonoid content variable.

Safety

Pollen products carry a risk of allergic reactions in pollen-sensitive individuals. Other reported side effects are mild. Long-term safety has not been formally studied.

Who should be cautious

Avoid during pregnancy due to traditional warnings and to lack of safety data. People with pollen allergies should avoid pollen-based products. Stop use prior to surgery.

Interactions

Theoretical interaction with anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs because of effects on platelet aggregation reported in laboratory studies. People on warfarin, DOACs, or aspirin should consult a clinician.

Frequently asked questions

Is cattail pollen safe with allergies?⌄

Pollen products can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. People with seasonal pollen allergies should avoid them or test cautiously.

Will it interfere with blood thinners?⌄

Possibly. Laboratory studies suggest effects on platelet function, so people on anticoagulants should not combine without medical supervision.

References

Cattail on Wikidata — Wikidata link

Cattail on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on Cattail (PubMed search) — PubMed link

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Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.