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

If you’ve ever wondered whether that old home remedy your grandmother swore by—like sipping black coffee for a stubborn cough—had any basis in fact, you’re not alone. Historical accounts suggest that more than just a morning pick-me-up, black coffee was once used as a legitimate folk treatment for respiratory discomfort. But is there any science behind it?

Yes—according to 19th-century records, an American professor treating patients in Taiwan successfully used black coffee with sugar to relieve coughs. Modern doctors confirm caffeine offers pain relief, fatigue resistance, and even mild anti-inflammatory effects that can ease cold and flu symptoms.

The 19th-Century Origins: Coffee as Medicine in Taiwan

The unusual remedy traces back to the 1800s, when an American professor from the University of Michigan—later identified as zoologist Robert Swinhoe (referred to in the source as )—arrived in Taiwan via Penghu (Pescadores). He observed local women suffering from persistent coughs due to cold weather. His solution? Brewing black coffee with sugar. This simple preparation reportedly helped alleviate their symptoms. Local agricultural officials in Yunlin’s Gukeng Township later rediscovered this historical account while researching coffee culture. Gukeng’s Agricultural Section Chief Sun Wangtian noted the caffeine and other chemical compounds in coffee, especially when served hot, had measurable effects on cough relief.

What the Science Says: How Caffeine Helps

According to Yunlin’s Health Bureau Director Wu Zhaojun and medical professionals, caffeine acts as a nervous system stimulant. Beyond its well-known ability to fight fatigue and increase alertness, caffeine also provides mild pain relief. These properties can help mitigate symptoms associated with colds, including coughing, congestion, and even swelling. Drinking hot, unsweetened black coffee delivers these effects efficiently. The heat can further soothe the throat, while caffeine’s biochemical impact may reduce discomfort.

How to Use Black Coffee for Cough Relief (Based on Historical Practice)

The original 19th-century method was straightforward: brew black coffee using freshly ground beans, pour through a filter, and serve hot—with sugar, but no milk. While the exact grind size or brew ratio wasn’t documented, the key elements were: 1) high-quality coffee beans ground to a pour-over appropriate size, 2) hot water extraction (likely around 90–96°C), 3) a standard drip or steeping method producing a clean, unadulterated cup, and 4) the addition of sugar to balance bitterness. The result was a plain, strong black coffee consumed warm.

Potential Side Effects and Warnings

Despite its benefits, excessive coffee consumption can lead to negative side effects. Medical experts caution that too much caffeine may cause restlessness, increased stomach acid, insomnia, and overstimulation. For cough treatment, moderation is essential. The historical remedy used black coffee in reasonable amounts—typically a single serving—and always unsweetened beyond a small amount of sugar. Avoid relying on coffee as a sole treatment for serious respiratory conditions, and discontinue if it causes discomfort or sleep disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. Historical records document that an American professor (Robert Swinhoe) visiting Taiwan in the 19th century treated coughing patients—particularly women suffering in cold weather—with black coffee mixed with sugar. This remedy was observed in Penghu and later recorded by local agricultural researchers in Yunlin.

How does caffeine help with cough and cold symptoms?

Caffeine acts as a central nervous system stimulant that reduces fatigue, relieves pain, and improves alertness. It may also help lessen inflammation and discomfort associated with colds, coughs, and congestion. Drinking hot black coffee enhances these effects with soothing warmth.

What’s the traditional method described in the historical account?

The 19th-century remedy involved brewing black coffee using freshly ground beans, filtering the brew, and serving it hot with sugar but no milk. Exact details like grind size weren’t recorded, but the coffee was unadulterated, strong, and served warm for best results.

Can drinking coffee cure a cough?

No, coffee is not a cure for coughs, but historical and some medical sources suggest that the caffeine in black coffee can help alleviate symptoms such as fatigue, throat irritation, and mild inflammation associated with colds and coughs.

Are there risks to using coffee as a cough remedy?

Yes. Excessive coffee intake may lead to insomnia, increased stomach acid, restlessness, and disrupted sleep. The historical remedy used moderate amounts of black coffee with a small amount of sugar. Always consume coffee in moderation and avoid it if it worsens symptoms or causes sleep issues.

Recommended FrontStreet Coffee for Cough Comfort

For a historically inspired black coffee remedy, try FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Humbera for bright citrus and floral notes, or Yirgacheffe for juicy acidity and light spice—both ideal hot and unsweetened. Their Classic Blend offers a balanced, smooth profile with caramel and nuts, comforting when you're under the weather. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.