Narrowleaf Cattail (Typha angustifolia)

Narrowleaf Cattail (Typha angustifolia) is a member of the Typhaceae family, native to Eurasia, North America, and Asia. Traditionally, its stems, leaves, and rhizomes have been used for decoctions, infusions, and poultices.

This herb is particularly valued for its diuretic, anti-inflammatory, and expectorant actions, and has a long history of use in european herbal medicine, ayurvedic medicine, and traditional chinese medicine.

Narrowleaf Cattail (Typha angustifolia) dried pieces of the herb arranged on a wooden table for reference — Narrowleaf Cattail (Typha angustifolia) dried pieces of the herb arranged together on a wooden table for reference, used in teas and remedies.

Quick Facts / Key Information

Common Name	Narrowleaf Cattail
Scientific Name	Typha angustifolia
Plant Family	Typhaceae
Genus	Typha
Species	angustifolia
Native Range	Eurasia, North America, Asia
Plant Parts Used	Stems, Leaves, Rhizomes
Primary Medicinal Actions	Diuretic, Anti-Inflammatory, Expectorant
Primary Traditional Systems	European Herbal Medicine, Ayurvedic Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine
Historical Preparation Methods	Decoction, Infusion, Poultice

Botanical Identity

Scientific Name: Typha angustifolia
Common Name: Narrowleaf Cattail
Synonyms / Alternative Names: Common Bulrush, Narrowleaf Cattail, Narrow-Leaved Bulrush
Plant Family: Typhaceae
Genus: Typha

Botanical Description

Growth Habit: Perennial herbaceous plant.
Height: It typically grows to a height of 1 to 2 meters.
Leaves: Broad leaves with smooth upper and lower surfaces, exhibiting prominent stomatal bands along the midrib.
Flowers: Flowers arranged in dense cylindrical spikelets with female flowers at the base and male flowers at the apex, actinomorphic, yellowish-green in color, with three stamens and a single pistil in the male flowers, and three-celled ovary in the female flowers.
Stems: Elongated, hollow, cylindrical stems with a triangular cross-section, smooth, glabrous surfaces, and nodes arranged along the axis, exhibiting an erect growth habit with opposite branching patterns.

Traditional Uses / Historical Use

Traditional Systems

European Herbal Medicine
Ayurvedic Medicine
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Native American Herbal Medicine

Historical Preparation Methods

Decoction
Infusion
Poultice
Powder

Medicinal Actions

Diuretic: Historically regarded as a soothing diuretic, for moisture-related balance.
Anti-inflammatory: In herbal texts, considered a cooling anti-inflammatory, in topical or internal use contexts.
Expectorant: Commonly referenced as a moderate expectorant, in mucus-related discussions.
Carminative: As described in traditional systems, a warming carminative, in stomach-related herbal uses.

Active Compounds

Tannin: High-molecular-weight phenolic compounds found in many plant species.
Flavonoid: Plant-based polyphenolic compounds frequently distributed throughout aerial plant parts.
Phenolic Acid: Simple phenolic molecules widely distributed across plant tissues.
Coumarin: Organic compounds biosynthesized as part of plant secondary metabolism.

Modern Research Overview

Modern scientific investigation of this plant has focused on identifying its chemical constituents and examining their properties in controlled research settings. Comprehensive study summaries will be incorporated into this section as additional sources are reviewed.

Safety & Contraindications

General Precautions: Caution is advised in certain contexts based on traditional use and available information.
Contraindications: Contraindications for this herb are not clearly established in available sources.
Allergies: There is insufficient evidence to determine whether this herb commonly causes allergic reactions.
Drug Interactions: Available information regarding interactions with pharmaceutical drugs is limited.
Toxicity: There is insufficient evidence to determine the toxic potential of this herb.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Information addressing pregnancy and breastfeeding-related safety for this herb is limited.

Preparation & Usage Methods

Infusion: Water is poured over plant material and allowed to steep before straining.
Decoction: Plant parts are gently boiled in water to release soluble constituents.
Poultice: A topical preparation made by applying softened plant material externally.
Powder: Dried plant material is ground into a fine powder.
Culinary Use: Leaves, flowers, or roots are used as ingredients in culinary preparations.

Growing, Harvesting & Storage

Growing / Cultivation

Soil: Prefers silty loam with moist but well-drained soil. Typically grows best in high organic matter soils.
Sunlight: Thrives in full sun. Tolerates full sun to partial shade.
Watering: Prefers consistently moist soils. Tolerates variable moisture levels.