Pu Huang (Cattail Pollen) (Fresh yellow fine pollen, floats on water, smooth to the touch)

Pu Huang (Cattail Pollen) Charred

Pu Huang (Cattail Pollen), Charred

【Naming】

Pu Huang (Cattail Pollen)

 【Source】

Shen Nong’s Classic of Materia Medica, Upper Class

 【Common Usage Level】

C

 【Botanical Origin】

The dried pollen of Typha angustata Bory et Chanb or other plants of the genus Typha spp. in the Typhaceae family.

 【Appearance】

It is a fresh yellow fine powder, light in texture and easily dispersed by the wind. It sticks to the hand but does not clump. When placed in water, it floats on the surface. It often contains many perianths. When viewed under a magnifying glass, it appears as flat, round particles. It has no odor, a mild taste, and a greasy feel. Pu Huang (Cattail Pollen) Charred: It is blackish-yellow in color and has a special fragrance.

 【Preparation】

1. Raw Pu Huang (Cattail Pollen) 2. Pu Huang (Cattail Pollen) Charred

 【Identification】

“The ones from Taizhou are considered the best” according to the Illustrated Materia Medica. The Classified Collection of Prescriptions states, “Pu Huang (Cattail Pollen) should be genuine to be considered good.” “Pu Huang (Cattail Pollen) with fine yellow particles is good” according to A Convenient Handbook of Benevolent Arts. The Annotated Ancient Prescriptions from Jiangxue Garden states, “Pu Huang (Cattail Pollen) without sand is good.” “The best quality Pu Huang (Cattail Pollen) has a slightly peculiar odor and is entirely deep yellow in color,” according to Differentiation of Good and Bad.
Golden yellow, fine powder, and lightweight are preferred; brownish-yellow is secondary.

 【Category】

Flowers