How 19th-Century Doctors Used Black Coffee to Treat Coughs

If you’ve ever wondered whether anything besides syrupy cough syrup or honey-lemon tea can actually soothe a stubborn cough, history might have an unexpected answer: black coffee. Far from just a morning pick-me-up, black coffee was once used as a legitimate folk remedy for coughs—backed by a 19th-century American professor’s field observations in Taiwan.

Yes, black coffee with sugar was reportedly used to treat coughs in 19th-century Taiwan, with a visiting U.S. professor documenting its effectiveness. Modern doctors confirm caffeine offers pain relief and anti-fatigue effects that may help with cold symptoms.

The Unexpected Medical Use of Black Coffee

Researchers digging into historical archives discovered that in the 19th century, a U.S. university professor—identified as Michigan State University zoology professor S. T. S. —visited Taiwan and observed local women suffering from coughs due to cold weather. He treated them by preparing black coffee with sugar, and the remedy reportedly worked. This isn’t just anecdotal: the account comes from documented historical research, highlighting how black coffee was once employed as a functional, if surprising, medicine.

Why Black Coffee Might Help with Coughs and Colds

According to local agricultural experts in Yunlin’s Gukeng Township, the key lies in coffee’s chemical makeup—especially its caffeine content. Drinking hot black coffee in moderation can have a positive effect on coughs. Dr. Wu Zhaojun, head of Yunlin’s Health Bureau, explains that caffeine acts as a nervous system stimulant with analgesic properties. It doesn’t just keep you awake; it can also alleviate discomfort, fight fatigue, and may even ease symptoms related to colds, flu, and mild edema.

How to Brew Effective Black Coffee at Home

To replicate a historically effective cup, focus on the basics: use freshly ground beans, filtered water heated to around 90–96°C, and a medium-fine grind size (similar to table salt). A standard brew ratio is 1:15 to 1:17 (coffee to water), poured slowly through a filter. Avoid adding milk or sugar if you’re aiming purely for therapeutic benefits—but historical accounts did include sugar.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did 19th-century doctors really use black coffee to treat coughs?

Yes. Historical records document that a 19th-century U.S. professor (S. T. S., or ) treated coughing women in Taiwan with black coffee and sugar, noting its effectiveness. This was an observed folk remedy, later referenced in local health studies.

What in coffee helps with coughs or colds?

Caffeine is the active compound. It stimulates the central nervous system, provides pain relief, combats fatigue, and may ease symptoms of colds, flu, and mild fluid retention. However, it’s not a cure-all.

How should I brew black coffee for potential health benefits?

Brew using freshly ground beans with a medium-fine grind, hot water (90–96°C), and a 1:15 to 1:17 brew ratio. Avoid milk and sugar for a purer form, though historical remedies often included sugar. Hot, unsweetened black coffee is key.

Can drinking too much coffee worsen my symptoms?

Yes. Excessive coffee intake can cause jitters, increased stomach acid, and insomnia. Moderate consumption is advised to avoid counteracting any potential benefits.

Is there scientific proof that coffee cures coughs?

No definitive modern clinical trials prove coffee cures coughs, but caffeine’s known analgesic and stimulant effects support its historical use as a complementary remedy for cold-related symptoms.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Black Coffee

For a historically inspired black coffee experience, try FrontStreet’s 2013 Yunnan Ironica—a medium-roast Yunnan Arabica with balanced notes of nuts, chocolate, and black tea, ideal for sipping plain. Alternatively, their Lintong Mandheling offers a deeper profile with spices and caramel when brewed medium-dark. Both beans highlight the natural sweetness and body that complement black coffee’s robust qualities. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.