1. Description:
Typha orientalis (scientific name: Typha orientalis Presl, also known as bulrush, bullrush and cumbungi, Chinese Pinyin: Xiang Pu, Simplified Chinese: 香蒲, 莆黄, 甘蒲, 醮石), is a species of perennial flowering herbaceous plant of wet habitats in genus Typha (botanical Typhaceae family). Found on the edges of ponds, lakes and slow flowing rivers and streams in China, the Philippines, Japan, Russia and Oceania, the plant can grow up to 2 m tall. The pollen of Typha orientalis is used as blood circulation promoter, stasis-eliminating drug, hemostatic and analgesic in traditional Chinese medicine (CTM) and widely adopted in treating different diseases and health problems, such as rectal prolapse and postpartum haemorrhage (PPH).
2. Odour, Properties And Channels:
The pollen of Typha orientalis is considered to have sweet, neutral and nontoxic properties and to be associated with the spleen, liver and kidney meridians.
3. Uses, Health Benefits of Typha Orientalis & Medical Formulas:
3.1 Used For Food
Rhizomes of Typha orientalis can be used for food, 100g of the rhizomes contains protein 1.2g, fat 0.1g, carbohydrate 1.5g, crude fiber 0.9g, calcium 53mg, phosphorus 24mg, iron 0.2mg, carotene 0.01mg and vitamin C 6mg.
3.2 Reducing Inflammation, Swelling And Relieving Pain
Pollen of Typha orientalis is taken orally with warm wine to treat bruise from fall.
Pollen of Typha orientalis and processed radix aconiti carmichaeli are powdered and taken with normal water to relieve joint pain.
3.3 Bleeding Stopping
Pollen of Typha orientalis can be taken with warm wine to treat hematemesis.
Pollen of Typha orientalis mixed with rehmannia glutinosa root juice is taken orally to treat hematochezia (blood in stool).
3.4 Ear Health
Pollen of Typha orientalis can be applied externally to treat ear infection with pus.
3.5 The Excretory System
A decoction of Typha orientalis root and millet is taken orally to treat diarrhea due to accumulated internal heat.
Pollen of Typha orientalis mixed with lard oil can be used externally to treat rectal prolapse.
3.6 Gynecological Diseases and Disorders
Smashed Typha orientalis stem can be applied externally on affected part to treat acute mastitis.
Pollen of Typha orientalis can be applied externally to treat pruritus vulvae.
3.7 Pregnancy Related
Pollen of Typha orientalis can be taken with water to prevent premature birth.
A decoction of pollen of Typha orientalis can be taken orally to treat postpartum haemorrhage (PPH).
The Ben Cao Medical Book (also known as Compendium of Materia Medica or Ben Cao Gang Mu; Chinese: 本草纲目) is the most famous and comprehensive medical book ever written in the history of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Compiled and written by Li Shi-zhen (1518~1593), a medical expert of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) over 27 years.
The Ben Cao Medical Book records and describes all the plants, animals, minerals, and other objects that were believed to have medicinal properties in TCM. The book reflects the pharmaceutical achievements and developments of East Asia before the 16th century. On the basis of his predecessors’ achievements in the pharmacological studies, Li contributed further by supplementing and rectifying many past mistakes and misconception in relate to nature of many medicinal substances and causes of various illnesses. Charles Darwin, originator of the biological theory of evolution, regards the book as the “ancient Chinese encyclopedia”.
Disclaimer: The Ben Cao Medical Book is translated by ChinaAbout.net . The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. It is intended as a sharing of CTM knowledge and information from the research and experience from the author Li Shi-zhen. Kindly be alert that the CTM knowledge and ancient formulas given above are likely NOT medically proven and may contain misconceptions.