Can Luo Han Guo and puffed lotus seed (fat sea) treat pharyngitis?

Nov 26, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Sun Lianqing

Introduction

If pharyngitis presents with heat-related symptoms such as dry throat, hoarseness, and dry cough with little phlegm—as seen in the early stage of acute pharyngitis or during a dry flare-up of chronic pharyngitis—the lung-moistening and heat-clearing effects of Luo Han Guo (Siraitia grosvenorii) combined with the throat-soothing and voice-improving properties of Pang Da Hai (Sterculia lychnophora) can work synergistically. This combination helps moisturize the pharyngeal mucosa, reduce inflammatory irritation, and relieve discomfort. It is suitable for daily consumption as an infused drink to assist in symptom management.

Under normal circumstances, Luo Han Guo (Siraitia grosvenorii) and Pang Da Hai (Sterculia lychnophora) can help relieve throat discomfort caused by heat-induced pharyngitis, but their effectiveness is limited for cold-type pharyngitis or severe bacterial infections. If in doubt, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional in advance. Detailed analysis is as follows:

If pharyngitis presents with heat-related symptoms such as dry throat, hoarseness, dry cough with little phlegm—such as during the early stage of acute pharyngitis or a dry flare-up of chronic pharyngitis—the heat-clearing and lung-moistening properties of Luo Han Guo combined with the throat-soothing and voice-improving effects of Pang Da Hai can work synergistically. These herbs help moisturize the throat mucosa, reduce inflammatory irritation, and alleviate discomfort, making them suitable for daily consumption as herbal infusions to support symptom management.

However, if the pharyngitis is of the cold type, accompanied by symptoms like a cold sensation in the throat and clear, watery sputum, or if it is caused by bacterial infection with symptoms such as pus formation in the throat or high fever, the cooling nature of Luo Han Guo and Pang Da Hai may worsen cold-related symptoms. Moreover, they cannot effectively inhibit bacterial growth, providing only mild relief of superficial discomfort without addressing the underlying inflammation. Prolonged use may delay proper treatment, so targeted medical interventions are necessary in such cases.

Luo Han Guo and Pang Da Hai should not be consumed excessively or over long periods, especially Pang Da Hai, which requires strict control over duration of use. A light diet avoiding spicy and irritating foods is recommended during use. If pharyngitis symptoms persist beyond one week or worsen, prompt medical evaluation is essential to identify the cause and prevent delays in appropriate treatment due to overreliance on dietary remedies.

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