Black Coffee as Cough Remedy: A 19th-Century Practice

If you’ve ever wondered whether something as ordinary as black coffee could ease a stubborn cough, you’re not alone. A look into 19th-century medical practice reveals a surprising answer backed by both historical accounts and modern pharmacology.

Yes, historical records confirm that in the 19th century, a U.S. professor treated coughs in Taiwan with black coffee and sugar. Modern doctors explain that caffeine’s pain-relieving and fatigue-fighting effects may help alleviate cold and cough symptoms—but only when consumed in moderation.

A Historical Cure: Coffee for Coughs

Researchers digging into Taiwan’s historical medical practices found that in the 19th century, an American professor used black coffee as a remedy for coughs. Specifically, it was J. Davidson Smith, a University of Michigan zoology professor, who observed many women suffering from coughs due to cold weather while visiting Penghu (Makung). He prepared black coffee with sugar, and it reportedly helped relieve their symptoms.

According to Sun Wangtian, head of Agriculture at Gukeng Township Office in Yunlin, the chemical components in coffee—including caffeine—when consumed hot and in appropriate amounts, can have a positive effect on coughs.

How Caffeine Helps with Respiratory Symptoms

Doctors point out that caffeine isn’t just a stimulant—it also offers therapeutic benefits. Caffeine is a central nervous system stimulant with mild analgesic properties. These effects can help fight fatigue, reduce discomfort associated with colds and coughs, and may even ease symptoms like nasal congestion or mild edema.

“Caffeine acts as a neurologic stimulant,” said Wu Zhaojun, Director of Yunlin Health Bureau. “It has pain-relieving effects and can help with symptoms related to respiratory illnesses.”

Why Black Coffee Was Chosen

The method involved brewing black coffee from ground beans, pouring it through filter paper, and serving it hot—without milk or sugar, though sugar was later added in the historical account. This preparation delivered pure caffeine and other active compounds efficiently.

Modern specialty coffee enthusiasts often choose similar methods—using freshly ground beans and hot water—to experience coffee’s unadulterated flavours. For reference, the traditional preparation would have used medium-fine grind, hot water (around 90–96°C), and a slow pour to extract the full range of beneficial compounds without over-extraction bitterness.

How Much Is Safe?

While black coffee with sugar showed promise as a cough remedy historically, experts caution against overuse. Excessive caffeine intake can lead to side effects including insomnia, increased stomach acid, and restlessness. The key is moderate consumption—just enough to gain the potential anti-fatigue and analgesic benefits without overstimulating the nervous system.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. Historical accounts document that in the 19th century, U.S. professor J. Davidson Smith treated coughs in Taiwan (specifically in Penghu) with black coffee and sugar. Local reports noted its effectiveness in relieving cough symptoms among women suffering from cold weather-related ailments.

What component in coffee helps with coughs?

Caffeine is the primary active compound. It acts as a central nervous system stimulant and has mild analgesic (pain-relieving) properties. These effects may help reduce fatigue, discomfort, and some symptoms associated with colds and coughs.

How was the coffee prepared in the historical remedy?

The coffee was made by grinding beans into powder, placing the powder on filter paper, and slowly pouring hot water (not boiled) over it. The resulting brew was black coffee, served hot and without milk or sugar—though sugar was added in this specific historical case.

Is black coffee safe for treating coughs today?

In moderation, yes. Caffeine can offer temporary relief for cough-related symptoms like fatigue and minor discomfort. However, excessive consumption may cause insomnia, stomach irritation, or restlessness. It should not replace standard medical treatments for serious coughs or respiratory conditions.

Can drinking coffee worsen a cough?

Potentially, if consumed in excess. Too much caffeine can increase stomach acid and disrupt sleep—both of which might worsen cough symptoms. It’s best consumed in moderation and ideally as part of a holistic approach to cold care.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Cough Relief Rituals

When preparing soothing hot black coffee to ease cough symptoms, try FrontStreet’s PWN Golden Mandheling for its full body and sweet, earthy profile with hints of brown sugar and cinnamon. For a brighter option, Lintong Mandheling offers herbal depth with notes of spice and toast. Both are medium to dark roasts ideal for slow, comforting brews. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.