Zayn Malik reveals using Chinese herbal syrup to maintain vocal cords

By Minh Nga June 13, 2024 | 06:00 am PT

British singer Zayn Malik presents the Nin Jiom Pei Pa Koa Cough Syrup in screenshot photos from the video of Vogue's "In The Bag" series.

British Singer Zayn Malik, former member of boyband One Direction, said recently that he always carries a bottle of a Chinese natural herbal remedy used for the relief of sore throat and coughs.

Malik, 31, was the latest to join British Vogue's In The Bag series, during which celebrities show what they always carry in their bags.

In a YouTube video posted by Vogue on June 5, the "Dusk Till Dawn" singer brought out a bottle of Nin Jiom Pei Pa Koa Cough Syrup, a well-known Chinese herbal remedy commonly referred to as pi pa gao by Singaporeans.

Calling the syrup his "special elixir," the singer who released his fourth studio album "Room Under The Stairs" on May 17, said: "I take this everywhere I go, especially if I'm singing."

He claimed that the remedy "is ridiculously good for your vocal cords."

Many Asian netizens were surprised and was amused by the fact that Malik knew the traditional Asian remedy, which is far from being a trendy, global brand.

One user on TikTok joked: "No way, my mom would be so proud." Another wrote: "pipagao getting a global shoutout wasn't on my 2024 list."

Malik is not the first musician who has praised the herbal remedy.

American singer-songwriter Jason Mraz told The Straits Times in 2014 that he would make himself a cup of mint tea "with a very delicious syrup called Nin Jiom Pei Pa Koa" as part of his pre-show ritual.