Credits: Social Media
Chinese herbal remedy is used by actors and singers to cure sore throats and coughing
Social media users are only now learning of Nin Jiom Pei Pa Koa, or dragon blood as one man calls it, a herbal Chinese medicine that is said to cure coughs and sore throats.
Though we have come far since the days of prescribing milk of the poppy for just about every health ailment, ancient medicinal secrets are still used today. From the humble curative properties of a dock leaf, which can also be found in other leafy greens, to the continued employment of leeches, many ancient remedies formed the structure for modern medicines.
What is the cough remedy Nin Jiom Pei Pa Koa?
During a recent appearance on the Um, Actually podcast (@umactuallyshow), voice actor Dante Basco shared his holy grail solution for sore throats, which he experiences regularly thanks to his packed work schedule.
Naming it dragon blood, which could be just his name for the remedy, Dante, who was the voice of Zuko on Avatar the Last Airbender, said he’s only used it a few times.
Dante said his first experience with the miracle cure was when a sound engineer said he had some dragon blood that should be used sparingly. The voice actor was presented with the jar, covered in Chinese letters, and containing a liquid he described as “slimy.”
Dante had to put his head back, at which point the engineer poured the liquid straight into his throat. He said it worked “perfectly” and cleared him of his crackly throat.
Nin Jiom Pei Pa Koa was reportedly created by Qing dynasty physician Dr. Ip Tin-See sometime after his birth in 1680. A government official was so impressed by the concoction that he bought a factory to mass-produce it. In 2024, the recipe and business is owned by Tse Sui-Bong, who has their HQ in Hong Kong and Taoyuan, Taiwan.
Everyone wants a taste
Considering millions of people have tried everything from putting Vaseline on your nose to herbal teas to cure hayfever, it shouldn’t be a surprise that TikTok users were keen to give Nin Jiom Pei Pa Koa a go.
“Finding out its actual name and omg is what my mum used to give me when I was sick. The sweets too!” one said, as another wrote, “Can you get this in America? Need it now.”
People with personal experience also chimed in, as one person said: “Nin Jiom Pei Pa Koa! Honey loquat syrup. We use it all the time in the studio for metal singers too. Miracle stuff.”
“Pei pa koa! Been using the stuff since I first started voice lessons. Still, use it to this day for work!” another said.
