In traditional medicine, especially
Ayurveda and
traditional Chinese medicine, the seeds of this species and its close relative
, S. macropodum, are used to treat gastrointestinal disorders, to soothe the throat, and as a "coolant". As a result, it is a popular non-timber forest product in Laos, where it is the country's second-largest export crop after coffee. Sterculinine, a bio-active alkaloid, is found in this species.
Malva nuts in soups and desserts The flesh surrounding the dried seeds swells to eight times its original volume when soaked in water, forming an irregularly shaped, reddish gelatinous mass. In
Vietnam,
Thailand,
Laos, and
Cambodia, the flesh of the fruit, after being soaked and the seed kernel removed, is mixed with sugar, ice, and basil seeds to make a refreshing drink. They are sometimes also used, along with other ingredients, in sweet, cool soups similar to the Chinese
tong sui. In China, the seeds of this species are used to make a variety of herbal teas, in which they are mixed with other ingredients such as sugar, dates, hawthorn berries, licorice, chrysanthemum flowers, lilyturf roots, and jasmine tea. Such herbal teas are believed to reduce bodily "heat", balance bodily fluids, and improve overall health.
Malva nuts in traditional Chinese medicine According to Chinese medicine, the use of "Pang Da Hai" can remove heat from the lung, cure sore throats, counteract toxicity, and moisten the bowels. Specific symptoms treated include: hoarseness of voice, dry cough or productive cough with yellow sticky sputum, sore, dry throat due to heat in the lung and constipation with headache and bloodshot eyes. Consume malva nut by adding one or two nuts to a large cup of boiling water and consume the liquid. Typically, in traditional Chinese medicine, malva nut would be part of a larger formula of herbs designed to address a person's condition. Although it possesses medicinal properties, care must be taken with its consumption. Avoid boiling more than 3 seeds per drink. Excessive consumption of this species can cause watery phlegm, nausea, coughing, and tongue swelling. People with frequent digestion problems and abdominal pain or diarrhea should avoid it entirely. ==References==