Health Benefits of Cattail, Uses And Its Side Effects

An important health benefit of cattail is its natural antiseptic property, which has been known for various cultures through generations. The jelly-like substance that is found between young leaves can be used on wounds and other areas of the body where foreign agents, pathogens, or microbes might do damage in order to protect our system.

This same jelly from the cattail plant is known as a powerful analgesic and can be ingested or applied topically to relieve pain and inflammation.

Extracts from the cattail have coagulant properties, meaning that they slow down the flow of blood and prevent anaemia. This can be effective it is applied on wounds, but also if a person is suffering from heavy menstrual bleeding, it can lessen the severity.

Cattail can be potentially dangerous for people who already have relatively slow circulation, as it effectively slows down the blood, while simultaneously stimulating coagulant response in the skin.

The rich nutrients and organic compounds found in cattail contribute to its effect on the skin, particularly its ability to heal boils, sores, and reduce the appearance of scars. For insect bites, cattail jelly can be applied topically, but the flour also has anti-inflammatory potential that can help to reduce the pain and severity of those affected areas.

Although this area of study is relatively new and somewhat controversial, there are new research studies that support the idea of cattail’s ability to prevent cancer. Chinese researchers are heading up this exciting new area of study, but early results are promising for its antioxidant effect on cancerous cells.

It is clearly known that carbohydrates are a rich source of energy. Cattail consists of good amount of carbohydrate, which offers greater levels of energy and even replenish energy levels if deficient from time to time.

Since Cattail is made up of complex carbohydrates, the breakdown is rather slow and hence provides all the energy that is needed throughout the day.

Cattail comprises of a certain composition of compounds, which help in decreasing the lipids in the body and even dilating the coronary artery. It is used in the treatment of heart diseases like angina, hyperlipidemia. Moreover, it is even used to dissolve stasis. Cattail helps to reduce the deposition of lipids on the walls of the arteries. Hence, it prevents the incidence of heart diseases.

LDL is decreased by intake of Cattail on account of the composition of Vitamin C, carotenoids and bioflavonoid. These elements present in cattail make certain that the risks of cardiovascular diseases are reduced and the LDL is washed out of the system. Apart from that cholesterol absorption is also reduced. This means a reduced risk of developing atherosclerosis.

Phytochemicals are required to streamline and maintain the absorption of insulin. A regular intake of Cattail helps to control diabetes mellitus, which is non-insulin dependent. So it is fruitful to consume cattail on a regular basis to combat diabetes.

Adrenal glands provide the appropriate support to decrease levels of stress by the content of protein and carbohydrates present in Cattail. Cattail helps to improve the metabolism rate and thereby reduces stress.

In case a person is underweight and wants to gain some weight, a mixture of Cattails rich diet together with a wholesome meal is the best method.

Cattail being rich in carbohydrates and calories enables the weight gain process. Therefore it is one of the fruitful options for underweight people to gain required body weight.

Cattail consists of a good amount of both soluble and insoluble fibre which is essential for improving the digestion process. Soluble fibres counter the absorption of cholesterol and insoluble fibres encourage the movement of waste out of the system. This leads to reduced chances of constipation or even haemorrhoids. So including cattail in a person’s diet helps to reduce various digestion related problems.

Boiling of Cattail leaves along with Sesame oil and then massaging it over the painful areas of the body provides a lot of relief. It is due to the anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of cattail.