Luo Han Guo and Pang Da Hai Throat Tea

Why people make this tea

Luo Han Guo is one of the most familiar natural soothing agents in Cantonese food therapy, well known for its effect on dry or irritated throats. What fewer people realise is how well it pairs with Pang Da Hai — a seed that swells dramatically in water and has been used in traditional Chinese medicine specifically for throat inflammation and hoarseness. Together these two ingredients make a straightforward, easy-to-brew tea that is traditionally used at the first sign of a sore throat, a scratchy voice from overuse, or the dry, feverish feeling that comes with a wind-heat cold. Luo Han Guo also contains a natural sweetener that is many times sweeter than sugar but produces no calories, so it can be used by people managing blood sugar.