Pei Pa Koa: The Legendary Chinese Cough Syrup with a Soothing Story

When the seasons shift, our lungs often tell the tale—scratchy throats, tickly coughs, or that feeling of dryness deep in the chest.

While the West reaches for lozenges and syrups laden with chemicals and artificial sweeteners, the East has relied for centuries on a gentler, plant-based remedy with a rather beautiful lineage: Pei Pa Koa, also known as Nin Jiom Pei Pa Koa.

Because my lungs need extra care, it's one of the staples of my 'LUNG TOOLBOX'.

If you’ve never tried it, you’re in for a surprise. It’s thick, dark, sweet, and wonderfully soothing.

And unlike some Chinese herbal concoctions that make even the bravest of us grimace, Pei Pa Koa is pleasant. Almost dessert-like.

Pei Pa Koa was developed during China’s Ching (Qing) dynasty, more than 300 years ago. According to tradition, it was created by a physician in the imperial court to soothe the persistent cough of a senior government official’s mother.

The syrup worked so well—and so quickly—that the grateful official later funded its wider production so it could be shared with the public.

Over generations, Pei Pa Koa became a household name in Chinese communities across Asia, eventually travelling the globe with diaspora communities. Today it's found in supermarkets, Chinese herbal shops, and even airports—a testament to its long-standing reputation as a gentle, reliable, and fast-acting remedy.

Because Pei Pa Koa originates from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), myths naturally surround it. Some say it can “restore the voice of an opera singer overnight.” Others claim monks used it to soothe their throats during long chanting sessions.

Whether those stories are true or delightfully exaggerated, one thing is certain: performers, teachers, and speakers absolutely love it.

Another common belief is that Pei Pa Koa nourishes yin energy of the lungs—TCM’s way of saying it moistens dryness, cools irritation, and softens the harshness of persistent or barking coughs.

Traditional formulas vary slightly, but the core ingredients remain consistent. The best-known blend contains:

Loquat (Pei Pa)

The starring ingredient. Loquat leaf and fruit are used in TCM to soothe the lungs, ease dryness, calm coughing, and support healthy respiration.

Dandelion

A gentle bitter that clears heat and supports detoxification. Helps shift irritation and inflammation.

Liquorice Root

A harmoniser in herbal formulas. Liquorice soothes the throat, moistens dryness, calms spasms, and enhances the effects of the other herbs.

Coltsfoot

Traditionally used to reduce coughing, especially dry or tickly coughs.

Snake Root

A warming herb used to move stagnant energy and ease tightness.

Honey

Thick, nourishing, antibacterial, and delicious. Honey adds body to the syrup and coats the throat like a natural balm.

No artificial colours. No chemical preservatives. No narcotics. Just herbs, honey, and heritage.

One reason Pei Pa Koa is trusted across generations is its clean safety profile:

• No side effects reported

• No known drug interactions

• Does not cause drowsiness

Using Pei Pa Koa is simple, comforting, and even a little ritualistic:

Dissolve one tablespoonful in hot water and sip slowly.

Do this four times a day, or as needed.

You can also take it straight from the spoon.

Many singers keep a bottle backstage. Some people stir it into tea. Others even drizzle it over warm porridge when recovering from illness.

What It’s Helpful For

• Dry, scratchy, irritated throat

• Tickly cough

• Mild chest tightness from cold, dry, or polluted air

• Hoarse voice

• Post-viral throat irritation

• Speaking fatigue (teachers, public speakers, performers)

It’s also simply a lovely winter-wellness tonic.

Unlike many herbal remedies that make you wince, Pei Pa Koa is:

• Sweet and smooth

• Pleasant to the taste

• Comforting and warming

• Safe for daily use during illness

• Rooted in deep tradition

It’s one of those treasures where folklore meets function, and where ancient wisdom still shines in the modern world. So .... fits perfectly into our Crone Zone, it feels like a cosy hug for your lungs.

If you are interested in lung health .... check out the other blogs I've written on each meridian acupuncture point + other self-care tips https://www.madisonking.com/blog/categories/lung-specific