Herbal & Flower Teas
Golden Monk Fruit and Malva Nut Tea
Traditionally used to soothe sore throats, ease hoarseness, and support bowel regularity
Why people make this tea
Whether it is from dry weather, overuse of the voice, or the onset of a minor seasonal illness, a scratchy or hoarse throat is one of the most common complaints Bro Niu hears from readers. This two-ingredient tea is one of his simplest go-to remedies: monk fruit has been used in traditional Chinese herbalism for centuries to clear heat, moisten the lungs, and calm a sore, irritated throat. Malva nut (pang da hai) is a distinctive spindle-shaped seed that swells dramatically when dropped into boiling water — that expansion is reflected in its Chinese name, which loosely translates as “the big sea.” It is traditionally associated with soothing the throat and supporting bowel regularity, which makes this tea doubly useful when seasonal dryness affects both the throat and digestion.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Suitable for adults and children for occasional use when throat dryness or mild soreness is present. Also helpful for those with dry, sluggish bowels.
- This tea is considered mild and cool in nature. It is safe for general use.
- Pregnant women are generally advised to avoid floral and herbal teas; consult a doctor if in doubt.
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Golden monk fruit (jin luo han guo): Low-temperature-roasted golden monk fruit retains more of its natural nutrients and vitamins than traditionally processed monk fruit. It has a pleasant honeyed sweetness and is associated with clearing lung heat, easing cough, and soothing the throat. Children rarely refuse it.
- Malva nut (pang da hai / Sterculia lychnophora): When placed in boiling water, the hard seed swells and opens, releasing mucilaginous compounds. Traditionally associated with soothing throat inflammation, relieving hoarseness, and gently promoting bowel movement.
Ingredients (2 servings)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Golden monk fruit (jin luo han guo) | 1/4 fruit | Low-temperature roasted preferred |
| Malva nut (pang da hai) | 4–5 seeds | — |
| Water | 4 bowls (approx. 1 litre) | — |
Method
- Rinse both ingredients briefly under cool water.
- Place into a small pot with 4 bowls of water.
- Bring to a boil, then simmer for 20 minutes.
- Drink warm. The tea can be re-steeped one or two more times until flavour fades.
Bro Niu’s tips
Look for the golden-coloured, low-temperature-roasted variety of monk fruit — it is now widely available and retains more of the fruit’s natural goodness compared to the darker, traditionally fire-roasted types. This tea is very gentle and fine for children to drink. It also works well for those who tend toward constipation from dryness. If a child has a stuffy nose alongside a sore throat, you can add 6 dried magnolia flower buds (xin yi hua) to this same brew — steep for the same amount of time.
Community questions answered (selected)
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Q (Cherrie): My son has vocal cord nodules. Is there any daily wellness drink that might help? Bro Niu: Vocal cord nodules usually require medical evaluation and possibly a surgical procedure. The most important thing is to rest the voice — avoid speaking loudly or for long stretches. Food therapy has limited effect in this case, but drinking water regularly brewed with xia ku cao (self-heal herb) and monk fruit, which are associated with soothing throat inflammation, may offer some comfort.
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Q (reader, for child): My child has a sore throat, stuffy nose, and a cough. What food therapy would help? Bro Niu: Try this golden monk fruit and malva nut tea, with 6 xin yi hua (magnolia flower buds) added — drink it for 3 consecutive days. The magnolia flower buds traditionally help open nasal passages.
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Q (可乐妈): I have recurring throat swelling and my Chinese doctor says I have excess liver and stomach heat. What soup can I make that the whole family can drink? Bro Niu: For throat inflammation that keeps coming back, try a soup with fresh burdock root (niu bang), snow fungus (xue er), figs (wu hua guo), and sweet almonds (tian xing ren) with lean pork. The whole family including children can drink it.
Published December 2, 2020 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 3 min read.
