Your Own Chinese Apothecary
Fall is finally here! While we love this cozy season, we don't love feeling under the weather. Luckily we have a few remedies that might help.
Pei Pa Koa Honey Loquat Syrup — The Wicked cast swears by it. Broadway stars gift it to one another. Our own mothers doused us with it throughout our childhoods.
Used to relieve sore throats and coughs, Pei Pa Koa is a traditional herbal remedy and a staple in many homes of the Chinese diaspora. Its ingredients include loquat leaf and fritillary, both used to treat respiratory inflammation. Smooth and sweet, the syrup goes down easy — so easy it's been used to flavor ice cream and cocktails
Ginger Honey Crystals — Want something warm, comforting, and naturally caffeine free? Consider ginger honey crystals. Last winter New Yorker writer Rachel Syme raved about it in her newsletter:
I cannot get through winter without a box of Prince of Peace Ginger Honey Crystals on hand. I started buying them years ago, at Pearl River Mart, and have since become an evangelist. The freeze-dried ginger pellets dissolve in hot water, creating a spicy, steamy, pungent beverage that tastes like ginger beer laced with caramel. It burns a bit going down, but I am convinced it is the cure for all ills.
Used for coughs, sore throats, and upset stomachs since honey is both soothing and a natural cough suppressant while ginger helps with inflammation and indigestion.
Wood Lock Brand Medicated Analgesic Oil — You can't go wrong with Tiger Balm and White Flower Oil for minor aches and pains. But if you want something a bit stronger, check out Wood Lock Brand Medicated Analgesic Oil. This old-school topical analgesic oil temporarily alleviates muscle aches while its strong menthol smell is at once cleansing and soothing.
Developed in 1968 by famed Hong Kong herbalist Wong Yo Tick, "Wood Lock" is a rough translation of its Chinese name, Huo Luo (活絡), which refers to improving circulation and "unlocking" stiff muscles and joints.
Zheng Gu Shui External Analgesic Lotion — Another pain reliever, Zheng Gu Shui was historically used to treat broken bones and other injuries suffered in combat. Hence its name which translates from Mandarin Chinese as "bone setting solution." Now it's used to treat backaches, arthritis, bruises, and sprains. (Please note Zheng Gu Shui is NOT effective for healing serious injuries such as bone fractures.)
Want even more for your at-home apothecary? Visit our full wellness collection.
