Zayn Malik, the British singer-songwriter and former member of boy band One Direction, stunned mainland Chinese social media when he revealed that Chinese herbal syrup is one of the things he never leaves his doorstep without.
In his recent YouTube video “What's In The Bag,” which he did in collaboration with British Vogue, Malik showed off what he keeps in his Fendi duffel bag, garnering 332,000 views in just six days.
He can be seen removing a teddy bear, antiperspirant, toothbrush and toothpaste, and a bottle of perfume from his bag – not unusual for the 31-year-old celebrity.
The singer then revealed his next item: a bottle of Ningjiom Pay-pa Koa.
Singer-songwriter Zayn Malik shares his China secrets with British Vogue. Photo: X
Also known as “Ning Jom Herbal Cough Syrup”, it is a traditional Chinese natural herbal remedy used to relieve cough, sore throat, fever and aphonia.
In the video, Malik said the syrup is his “special elixir” that is “incredibly good for your vocal cords” and that he carries it with him wherever he goes, especially when he sings.
He did not explain how he discovered the syrup, which is said to have been invented during the Qing dynasty (1644-1911) and has become popular in Western countries in recent years.
During New York's 2018 flu season, the drug's curative powers were heavily promoted, driving up the price of a 300ml bottle in the city to $70.
The same bottle is priced at HK$50 (US$6.50) in Hong Kong and £9 (US$12) on British e-commerce platforms.
It is the flagship product of Nin Jiom Medicine Manufactory, a Hong Kong-based traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) manufacturer established in 1946.
This recipe contains a variety of natural ingredients and herbs that are said to be beneficial for the throat and overall health, including fritillary bulbs, loquat leaves, licorice root, ginger and honey.
One Direction is known as one of the best-selling boy bands of all time. Photo: Shutterstock
The product's website said it had the effects of “clearing lung heat,” “eliminating colds and replenishment of qi.”
“Qi” is a Chinese medical concept that means “energy.” Qi must flow freely and unhindered within the human body; any blockage is seen as a sign of illness.
The product sold like hotcakes when China relaxed its COVID-19 measures in December 2022 and a wave of infections hit the country.
“I was so surprised to see Zayn Malik holding a bottle of Ning Giom Pay Pa Khor. It's like two different worlds have merged,” said one online observer on Weibo.
