Revealed: the China secret behind voice of ex-One Direction boy band star Zayn Malik

The singer then reveals the next item, a bottle of Nin Jiom Pei Pa Koa.

Also known as “Nin Jiom Herbal Cough Syrup”, it is a traditional Chinese natural herbal remedy used to relieve coughs, sore throats, fever, and aphonia.

Malik said in the video that the syrup is his “special elixir” that is “ridiculously good for your vocal cords”, adding that he takes it everywhere he goes, especially when he is singing.

He did not explain how he discovered the syrup that is said to have been invented in the Qing dynasty (1644-1911) and which has become popular in Western countries in recent years.

During the 2018 flu season in New York, the remedy’s healing powers were so hyped up that the price of a 300ml bottle rose to US$70 in the city.

The same bottle costs HK$50 (US$6.5) in Hong Kong and £9 (US$12) on British e-commerce platforms.

It is the star product of the Hong Kong traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) manufacturer, Nin Jiom Medicine Manufactory, founded in 1946.

The recipe contains a variety of natural ingredients and herbs, such as fritillary bulb, loquat leaf, licorice root, fresh ginger, and honey, which are all believed to be good for the throat and health in general.

On the product’s website, it was said to be effective in “clearing lung-heat” and “dissipating cold and replenishing qi”.

“Qi” is a TCM concept that means “energy”. It should flow freely and unobstructed in a person’s body. Any blockages are considered a sign of illness.

When China eased its zero-Covid-19 policy in December 2022 resulting in a wave of infections in the country, the product sold like hotcakes.

“I am so shocked to see Zayn Malik holding a bottle of Nin Jiom Pei Pa Koa. It’s like two different universes merging,” said one online observer on Weibo.