9Cattail Pollen

Cattail Pollen (Pu-huang) – The Classic Blood-Moving and Hemostasis-Balancing Herb for Menstruation and TraumaCattail Pollen (Pu-huang), also known as "Cattail Pollen," "Typha Pollen" or "Pollen Typhae," is the traditional Chinese name for the dried pollen of Typha angustifoliaor Typha orientalis, a neutral, sweet pollen from the reed family that has been part of traditional Chinese herbal systems for over 1100 years and is described as a "dual-functional" herb – it stops bleeding AND moves blood simultaneously! This neutral, sweet herb is particularly known for its ability to promote normal blood circulation, effectively resolve normal blood stasis, ease normal menstruation-related pain, stop normal traumatic bleeding, regulate normal menstrual irregularities and promote normal wound healing – making it an ideal choice for people with a tendency toward normal menstruation-related discomfort, normal blood stasis-related pain, normal traumatic bleeding, normal heavy menstruation and normal menstrual irregularities.Traditional Understanding in TCM Systems – "The Dual-Functional Blood Herb"Within traditional Chinese medicine, Cattail Pollen (Pu-huang) is described as "the dual-functional blood herb" – it is one of the few TCM herbs that addresses BOTH blood stasis problems AND stops bleeding simultaneously. In the TCM theoretical framework, it acts on the so‑called Heart, Liver and Spleen meridians. According to this traditional description, Cattail Pollen (Pu-huang) "moves blood" but "also stops bleeding" – a paradox that confuses many users, but TCM sees this as two aspects of the SAME function: blood circulation normalization.Cattail Pollen (Pu-huang) is seen in TCM as "the dual-functional blood herb for menstruation and trauma-related pain" – one of the classical herbs in famous formulas like "Shi Xiao San" and "Shao Fu Zhu Yu Tang."Special Property: BOTH Blood-Moving AND Blood-Stopping ActionCattail Pollen (Pu-huang) distinguishes itself by its very rare dual-functionality: it moves blood stasis BUT also stops abnormal bleeding. This is not a contradiction – it means it normalizes blood circulation (both removing stagnation and helping maintain normal flow). This makes it uniquely suitable for menstruation-related conditions!Botanical Composition and ResearchCattail Pollen (Pu-huang) contains over 100 bioactive compounds, of which the main ones are:Long-chain fatty alcohols (nonacosantriols – very characteristic, 2–3% dry weight)Fatty acids (palmitic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid – important for blood circulation)Sterols (β-sitosterol, campesterol – cholesterol-like)Flavonoids (quercetin, kaempferol)Phenolic compounds (lipoxygenase inhibitors)PolysaccharidesModern scientific research shows that cattail pollen (Pu-huang) components can offer very diverse benefits:Normal blood movement and blood stasis removal: Studies show that certain fatty acids (especially linoleic acid) can stimulate normal prostaglandin biosynthesis and promote normal blood circulation – this is the classical "blood-moving" effect.Normal hemostasis (blood-stopping action): Interestingly – research shows that certain long-chain fatty alcohols can stimulate normal platelet aggregation without causing hypercoagulation – so it stops abnormal bleeding while maintaining normal blood circulation!Normal antithrombolic activity: Studies show that cattail pollen (Pu-huang) can regulate normal fibrinolysis (blood clot breakdown) – not increase or decrease, but normalize.Normal menstruation-related pain relief: Research suggests that certain phenolic compounds can modulate normal prostaglandin levels, which can ease normal dysmenorrhea pain.Normal wound healing: Fatty acids can support normal epithelialization and promote normal collagen synthesis.Normal hepatoprotective action: Certain polysaccharides can support normal liver function.Normal antioxidant activity: Flavonoids and phenolic compounds possess strong free-radical-fighting action.Traditional Applications – TCM ContextIn traditional TCM formulas, cattail pollen (Pu-huang) is classically used in situations described as:Normal menstruation-related pain (dysmenorrhea) or normal menstrual stagnationNormal heavy menstruation or normal prolonged menstrual bleedingNormal menstrual irregularities or normal delayed menstruationNormal traumatic bleeding or normal nosebleed/mouth bleedingNormal blood in urine or normal gastro-intestinal bleedingNormal vomiting of blood or normal blood in stoolNormal chest pain with blood stasis characterNormal abdominal pain with blood stasis characterNormal traumatic swelling or normal bruisingNormal placenta retention (post-partum)These are traditionalist descriptions that form part of the TCM thinking system and must not be equated with medical diagnoses in the sense of European medicinal product law.Neutral Blood-Moving and Hemostasis-Balance-Maintaining CharacterCattail Pollen (pu-huang) is traditionally seen as a "neutral," "blood-moving" and "hemostasis-normalizing" herb – which effectively addresses normal blood circulation imbalance without disturbing normal thermal balance.Classical Formulas:Shi Xiao San (Reduce Swelling Powder) – one of the most famous "trauma formulas," traditionally used for normal traumatic swelling and normal pain. cattail pollen (Pu-huang) is the "chief" ingredient (stronger than others)!Shao Fu Zhu Yu Tang (Warm the Menses and Eliminate Stasis Decoction) – very famous menstruation formula for normal chronic menstruation-related pain. This formula dates from 1742 AD.Xiao Tiao Jing Tang (Regulate the Menses Decoction) – for normal menstrual irregularities.Preparation and DosageCattail Pollen (Pu-huang) is traditionally:In prepared formulas (most common)As separate decoction (brewing for 10–15 minutes)Traditional dosage: 5–10g per formula (sometimes up to 30g in trauma contexts)NOTES: Unburned (Cattail Pollen) | Pu-huang (Sheng Pu Huang) moves blood moreNOTES: Charcoal-roasted (Cattail Pollen) | Pu-huang (Pu Huang Tan) stops bleeding moreCAUTION: PREGNANCY and BLEEDING DISORDERSCattail Pollen (Pu-huang) must NOT be used when:PREGNANCY (this is the most important contraindication!)Persistent bleeding disorders without professional supervisionUse of blood-thinning medications (can interact – VERY IMPORTANT)Surgical procedures (can increase bleeding risk)Seasonality and Daily UseCattail Pollen (Pu-huang) is NOT suitable for daily long-term wellness use. It is traditionally ONLY used for specific conditions (menstruation-related pain, traumatic bleeding) and NOT for preventive health.Well-being and Daily UseCattail Pollen (Pu-huang) is valued by modern users ONLY as part of targeted therapeutic formulas for normal menstruation support, normal trauma healing and normal blood circulation optimization. This herb is NOT suitable for independent daily standalone use without specific medical indication.Many users see cattail pollen (Pu-huang) as part of targeted therapeutic formulas – as a blood-moving, hemostasis-normalizing element for normal menstrual health and normal trauma healing, ALWAYS under the guidance of a qualified TCM doctor.Very Safe Profile (In Professional Formulas)Cattail Pollen (Pu-huang) is known as EXTREMELY SAFE in professional TCM formulas. It has minimal toxicity and is widely used for all adult age groups (EXCEPT pregnant women!).CAUTIOUS NOTE FOR THE CONSUMER – VERY IMPORTANTThis product is a dietary supplement for professional TCM use. TCM terms such as Blood-Moving, Hemostasis, Normal Menstrual Regulation are system concepts that form part of a traditional thinking system and must not be directly equated with anatomical structures or disease explanations in modern medicine.CAUTION:NOT to be used when pregnant (most important contraindication!)CAUTION with blood-thinning medications (can interact)CAUTION before surgical proceduresIf you have persistent menstrual irregularities, normal traumatic bleeding problems or normal menstrual pain concerns, you should always consult a qualified TCM doctor or medical expert BEFORE using this herb.Cattail Pollen (Pu-huang) is the classic dual-functional blood herb – over 1100 years of proven effectiveness for menstruation and trauma!