Pang Da Hai
Sterculia lychnophora Hance
โฏ TCM Properties
Clears Heat and Moistens the Lungs; Benefits the Throat and Restores the Voice; Moistens the Intestines and Unblocks the Bowels; Diffuses Lung Qi; Clears Heat and Resolves Toxicity
Western Herbalism Properties
Botanical Description
Sterculia lychnophora Hance, now widely accepted as a synonym of Scaphium affine or Scaphium scaphigerum, is a large tropical deciduous tree in the family Malvaceae (formerly Sterculiaceae), reaching 30 to 40 meters tall with a straight, columnar trunk and a high, spreading crown. The leaves are alternate, simple, ovate, 10 to 20 cm long, leathery, with entire margins and a tapering tip; juvenile leaves are often deeply lobed. Small, greenish-yellow, bell-shaped flowers are borne in axillary or terminal panicles. The fruits are leaf-like, boat-shaped follicles 10 to 20 cm long that split open while still on the tree to expose one or two ellipsoid seeds about 2 to 3 cm long. The dried seeds, dark brown and wrinkled when collected, swell several times their original volume into a soft, gelatinous, sponge-like mass when soaked in water, due to a thick polysaccharide-rich seed coat. These swollen seeds constitute Pang Da Hai in Chinese medicine.
Dosage
| Form | Amount | Frequency | Duration | Population | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| decoction | 6-15g | Daily | โ | โ | โ |
Cultural & Historical Context
Traditional Chinese Uses
Pang Da Hai (sterculia seed, boat-fruited sterculia) is a cold, sweet herb that expands dramatically in water. It clears Lung Heat to moisten and soothe the throat, addressing sore throat, hoarseness, and loss of voice caused by heat. It also gently lubricates the intestines to relieve constipation and resolves heat patterns involving the eyes. Commonly steeped as a single-herb tea, it is among the most popular herbs for voice care in East Asia.
Traditional American Uses
None Documented
Important Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.