Sterculia seed - 胖大海 (Pang Da Hai)
Boat-Fruited Sterculia Seed
胖大海
Pang Da Hai·Graine de Sterculier
Sterculiae Lychnophorae Semen
- Traced and verified origin
- Dispatched within 24/48h, packed to order
- Kept away from light and moisture
According to the classical texts
清热润肺 利咽开音 润肠通便
Pinyin
Qing Re Run Fei · Li Yan Kai Yin · Run Chang Tong Bian
Overview
The remarkable seeds of Sterculia lychnophora, a tropical tree of South-East Asia.
Their spectacular particularity: when plunged into hot water, they swell considerably (up to 8 times their initial volume), releasing a characteristic gelatinous mucilaginous mass — hence their name Pang Da Hai (“the big sea”).
Harvested at full maturity, dried whole, they come as wrinkled reddish-brown ovoid grains, the size of a hazelnut.
Traditional uses
The reference herb for gently moistening the Dryness that reaches Metal, and quieting a dry disturbance of the breath.
Traditionally used for constitutions where heat settled at the surface takes hold in the upper sphere.
A quick and mild action, within reach of everyday use.
Preparation and traditional-use quantity
- Infusion for pleasure: 1 to 3 seeds in a large cup of hot water (85-90°C), left to swell for 15 to 20 minutes — the water turns slightly gelatinous, to be drunk slowly
- Daily use: long traditional among singers, lecturers and teachers
- Caution on quantity: do not exceed 3 seeds a day, nor extend the use beyond 7 to 10 days
Precautions
To be avoided in cases of deficient Yang with deep cold or of already very loose stools.
