Cattails were used medicinally, by many Native American groups. Dakota, Omaho, Pawnee, and Winnebago used the fuzz on burns and like baby powder to prevent chafing. Chippewa, Ojibwa and Patawatomi applied crushed root topically to sores and for the treatment of inflamation. Delaware considered the root as a cure for kidney stones. The Houma treated whooping cough by steeping the flowering stem.
Cattails are just as variable in other purposes as they are a food and medicinal source.
Antique chairs can still be found today with rush seating. They used the plant for weaving mats , baskets and roofing material. The leaves should be harvested in midsummer, air dried, then can be stored. To make the dried leaves pliable for weaving, they should be resoaked. Dried flower heads can be used in flower arrangements.