Pang Da Hai (胖大海) — Sterculia Seed
Pang Da Hai is the classical Chinese herb for hoarse voice from over-use, dry throat and voice fatigue. Widely used by singers and lecturers, the seed swells into a jelly on soaking and gently coats and moistens the throat.
On this page
- Overview
- Properties
- Actions and indications
- Dosage
- Cautions and incompatibilities
- Key formulas
- Treatment at my clinic
1. Overview
Pang Da Hai (胖大海) — Sterculia Seed (Sterculia lychnophora (seed)) — is a Chinese herb in the Transform Phlegm (moisten Lung) category. I prescribe it as part of bespoke pharmaceutical-grade granule formulas from Sun Ten in Taiwan at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire and via online herbal consultations.
2. Properties
| Pinyin name | Pang Da Hai |
|---|---|
| Chinese characters | 胖大海 |
| Latin name | Sterculia lychnophora (seed) |
| English name | Sterculia Seed |
| Nature | Cool |
| Flavour | Sweet |
| Channels entered | Lung, Large Intestine |
| Category | Transform Phlegm (moisten Lung) |
3. Actions and indications
Principal actions
- Clears Lung Heat
- Opens the throat and restores voice
- Moistens the intestines
Indications
- Hoarseness and voice fatigue
- Dry sore throat from Lung Heat
- Chronic laryngitis in professional voice users
- Constipation from Blood-dryness
4. Dosage
2–3 seeds soaked in hot water; sipped as tea
5. Cautions and incompatibilities
- Not for cold-type sore throat
- Reduce in Spleen-Cold
6. Key formulas
Pang Da Hai is used in a range of bespoke prescriptions rather than a fixed classical formula in modern practice. Consult a qualified TCM herbalist for individual prescription.
7. Treatment at my clinic
I prescribe Pang Da Hai where its indications and TCM pattern match the patient’s presentation, always as part of a tailored formula. Return to the Chinese herbs directory or the Chinese herbal medicine main page.
