At a glance
Pangdahai is a seed material used in Chinese medicine, known for swelling into a spongy mass in water. That appearance does not make it a universal daily throat drink.
| Detail | What to know |
|---|---|
| Chinese name | 胖大海茶 |
| Browsing group | Herbal infusion |
| Associated origin | Yulin, Guangxi is an inherited trading-market association, not established botanical origin |
| Material form | Precisely identified prepared seed material |
Taste and appearance
The old table describes full or flatter oval seeds with wrinkled surfaces, dark-brown to yellowish-brown colour, clear yellow liquor, a light natural aroma and a substantial smooth taste. Infused material expands into a soft sponge-like mass. The lower tiers allow less fullness. Expansion and colour do not authenticate a packet or establish a clinical effect.
The cover is the original material illustration. These images are not TeaPlain tasting samples or proof of origin, grade, age, authenticity or image rights clearance.
Grade characteristics
This preserves the earlier Chinese edition’s sensory comparison. It is not a complete verified current standard table and does not grade your packet. Plant material, growing area, processing and grade are separate details. Decorative star rankings are omitted.
On a small screen, scroll the table sideways to compare the grades.
| Feature | Extra grade (old comparison) | Grade 1 (old comparison) | Grade 2 (old comparison) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shape | Full oval seed, blunt tip and wrinkled surface | Fairly full oval seed, blunt tip and wrinkles | Flatter shrunken oval seed |
| Dry colour | Dark brown or yellowish | Dark brown or slightly yellow | Brown or slightly yellow |
| Liquor | Bright yellow | Clear yellow | Clear yellow |
| Aroma | Natural light fragrance | Light fragrance or little aroma | Light fragrance or little aroma |
| Taste | Substantial smooth refreshing texture | Substantial refreshing texture | Substantial texture |
| Infused material | Soft expanded sponge-like mass | Expanded sponge-like mass | Expanded sponge-like mass |
The original comparison is retained without stars. It is not a complete verified current standard or an authentication of species or grade.
Names and origin
The older medicinal record uses Sterculia lychnophora and identifies the seed; an independent botanical-name resource links that older name with Scaphium affine. Names and historical family arrangements should not be treated as a guide to substitute another tree’s seeds. The old Yulin/border-market statement concerns trade, not proof that every plant was grown there. The claimed first historical citation is not newly authenticated here.
Everyday benefits
An unsweetened, clearly identified food-grade infusion can be enjoyed for flavour and as an alternative to a sweetened drink. The earlier therapeutic claims are not established for this cup. It is not a treatment or a substitute for food or prescribed care.
Who may enjoy this tea
For readers identifying a labelled product they already have, rather than looking for an indefinite daily medicinal drink.
When to take care
If taking medicines or Iron supplements, follow their instructions and ask a pharmacist about the actual product rather than assume that all herbal drinks have the same interactions. Pregnancy, breastfeeding, allergies and suitability for children need the identified ingredients and preparation; this page gives no medicinal dose.
How to brew
Original prose: glass or porcelain cup
The inherited method uses a heat-safe glass or porcelain cup, 1:50, 90–100°C / 194–212°F water, refilling at about one-third remaining and roughly three infusions. It gives no first steeping time. The ratio describes material and Actual water; no daily dose is recommended for this medicinal seed material. Follow the complete packet instructions first. Different plant species, plant parts and processing cannot share one universal recipe.
These inherited directions are awaiting hands-on testing. Refilling changes the concentration and is not a new measured batch. Let the drink cool enough to sip; do not use a photograph to identify unknown plants.
Read the original illustration separately
Archival illustration: seed infusion. It shows one or two seeds in a clean cup, boiling water and 3–5 minutes. The note suggests clipping the ends first, but gives no Actual water, capacity or gram mass. This is not a verified medicinal dose or an instruction to modify unidentified seeds.
For ordinary teaware options, see brew without a gaiwan. Keep each complete method together instead of selecting temperature, dose and time from different preparations.
Adjust your cup
Identify the ingredients and follow the actual food product’s complete preparation instructions first. Once that is clear, adjust within those directions for taste. Do not increase the dose or boiling time of unknown plant material to make it suitable for drinking.
How to buy
Check identified food-grade material, the plant part, full ingredients, maker, source, dates and actual preparation. A flower name or picture is not enough to identify a garden plant for drinking.
See buy your first Chinese tea for packet comparisons.
China price reference
Undated figures retained from the Chinese edition, in Chinese yuan (CNY). No original brand, batch, harvest or quotation date was recorded. These are not verified current retail quotes, a market average or manufacturer-suggested retail prices.
| Chinese-edition tier | CNY per 500 g (one jin) | Equivalent CNY per 100 g |
|---|---|---|
| Extra grade | 750 | 150 |
| Grade 1 | 500 | 100 |
Per 100 g is an arithmetic conversion, not a quoted packet. Do not infer a missing sensory or price tier. Compare actual growing area, style, harvest, roast, weight and channel. A currency conversion does not make a UK or US retail offer comparable to a China historical figure.
How to store
Original storage method
Keep the bag or food-safe container tightly sealed, in a cool dry place protected from light, moisture and strong smells. Reseal after taking a portion and check the closure, particularly during humid seasonal changes. Keep it away from cooking steam, the dishwasher, sunny windows and spices. Follow the product’s date and storage label; no universal shelf life is established here.
Origin, processing and history
The old chart labels selection, drying, screening and packing. Those general operations are not a validated detoxification programme or a guarantee of safe indefinite use.
Common questions
Is pangdahai an everyday substitute for tea?
Its medicinal history does not establish unrestricted daily use or treatment of every hoarse throat. Check the identified product and seek qualified advice about persistent symptoms or regular use.
Can I move one number from this recipe into a different vessel?
Keep leaf form, measured dose and actual water, temperature, timing and separation together. Nominal capacity or a fill fraction is not a measured ratio.
Compare Cassia Seed Tea, or browse the herbal infusion overview.
Editorial notes and updates
Updated 16 October 2026. Valid original descriptions, sensory comparisons, prose and image methods, storage handling, China price figures and usable pictures are retained with their scope. Doubtful medical, ranking and exact historical claims are revised or omitted. Current full grade clauses and historical prices are not certified. Original Chinese-labelled graphics have English reading notes; no TeaPlain tasting or brewing test is claimed. Internal research and image audits record the decisions.