How Black Coffee Was Used to Treat Coughs in 19th Century Taiwan

If you’ve ever wondered whether that old home remedy your grandparents swore by actually works, you’re not alone. One surprising cure that turns out to have real—though dated—roots is drinking black coffee for coughs. But is there any truth to it? Historical records suggest yes, at least in 19th-century Taiwan.

Yes, black coffee—with sugar and served hot—was used as a folk remedy for coughs in 19th-century Taiwan. American professor Joseph Beal Steere treated coughing women with this method, and local experts noted the caffeine and heat had measurable benefits for respiratory symptoms.

The 19th-Century Origins: A U.S. Professor’s Unexpected Remedy

The story begins in the 1870s, when Joseph Beal Steere, a zoology professor from the University of Michigan, traveled to Taiwan via Penghu (Pescadores Islands). During his visit, he observed many local women suffering from persistent coughs due to cold weather. Steere prepared black coffee with sugar and gave it to them—and it worked. While not a formal medical trial, the repeated success of this remedy caught the attention of both local officials and later historians.

What’s in Coffee That Could Help a Cough?

Modern doctors and local agricultural experts offer some explanations. Black coffee contains caffeine, which is not just a stimulant but also has mild analgesic (pain-relieving) and fatigue-fighting properties. According to Yunlin County’s Health Bureau Chief Wu Zhaojun, “Coffee is a nervous system stimulant, and caffeine indeed offers pain relief.” When consumed hot, the warmth can also soothe irritated throats, while the caffeine may help ease discomfort associated with colds, congestion, and even mild edema.

Expert Insights from Taiwan’s Coffee Heartland

In Taiwan’s well-known coffee-growing region of Gukeng, Yunlin, agricultural specialists stumbled upon this historical tidbit while researching local coffee culture. Sun Wangtian, head of the township’s agricultural economics division, remarked, “Because [coffee] contains many chemical components, including caffeine, appropriate consumption—or drinking hot black coffee—can indeed be effective against coughs.” Gukeng is renowned for its coffee production, adding a layer of local significance to the story.

The Science and Risks of Coffee as Medicine

Caffeine stimulates the central nervous system, which can help temporarily alleviate feelings of fatigue and discomfort. It also presents mild anti-inflammatory and pain-dulling effects. However, coffee is not without its downsides. Overconsumption can lead to increased stomach acid, insomnia, restlessness, and even worsened symptoms in sensitive individuals. Health experts caution that while black coffee may offer temporary relief for cough-related symptoms, it should be consumed in moderation. Drinking it hot and black (without milk or excessive sugar) is the method historically reported to have been effective.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did doctors really use black coffee to treat coughs in the 1800s?

Yes, in 19th-century Taiwan, American professor Joseph Beal Steere treated coughing women with hot black coffee and sugar. Local agricultural experts and historians have documented this remedy as surprisingly effective for the time, though it was never an official clinical treatment.

What in coffee helps with cough symptoms?

Caffeine is the main active compound. It acts as a central nervous system stimulant, offers mild pain relief, combats fatigue, and may reduce discomfort from colds, congestion, and mild fluid retention. Heat from the coffee also soothes the throat.

How was the coffee prepared in the historical remedy?

The coffee was made as a simple black coffee—likely brewed hot and strong—with the addition of sugar. There was no mention of milk or specific brewing methods, just that it was consumed hot.

Is it safe to use coffee as a cough treatment today?

In moderation, yes—but with caution. Coffee can provide temporary relief due to its caffeine content, but overuse may cause side effects like insomnia, acid reflux, or increased heart rate. It’s not a replacement for proper medication.

Where in Taiwan did this coffee remedy originate?

The recorded instance comes from Penghu (Pescadores Islands) and Taiwan, where U.S. professor Joseph Beal Steere observed and treated coughing locals in the 19th century. Later, agricultural experts in Yunlin’s Gukeng region rediscovered the account.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Cough Relief Rituals

If you’re recreating a historically inspired hot black coffee for its soothing effects, try FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Huakui for a bright, citrusy profile that’s easy on the stomach; their Yirgacheffe offers floral sweetness and a clean finish; or go for the balanced Classic Blend if you prefer a smoother, rounded cup. All three shine as black coffees and are best brewed hot. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.