Alternative Remedies

[naomikritzer]

Months ago, I ran across the rather startling bit of information that some actual medical research had determined that theobromine, the chemical in chocolate, is as effective a cough suppressant as codeine is. The article noted that two ounces of dark chocolate had the therapeudic levels of the chemical. I promptly bought a couple of bars of dark chocolate at the supermarket and stashed them in the cabinet for the next time I had a cough.

I have a cough now (I had a cold, got over it, and came down with a brand new cold immediately, which annoyed me immensely) and remembered this remedy three nights ago. I got out the chocolate, and I swear it works really well. And chocolate tastes a hell of a lot better than Robitussin.

Comments

[squigsoup.livejournal.com]

Is there anything chocolate CAN'T do?

Although I doubt I could actually keep any stashed in my house--it would disappear before I had a cold.

[hilarymoonmurph.livejournal.com]

Yum! I'm all for alternative remedies involving chocolate.

[maggiedr.livejournal.com]

I had a horrible cough last winter and my doctor prescribed a codeine syrup. I wish I'd known about the chocolate. The syrup was effective only to the extent that I coughed *less* than if I didn't take it. I could have conducted a comparison trial!

Actually, I have a wee bit left of the syrup but no cough at present.

[olddog299.livejournal.com]

While I love chocolate and will give your remedy a try next time I am so discomposed, my personal favorite is 2 Tbsp. of "Benedictine" liqueur. Soothes my sore throat and calms the cough.

[jimlawrence.livejournal.com]

Hmmmmmm (or should I say Yummmmmm?)

Very often as I am recovering from a bug, I end up with a cough that disturbs my sleep (and my wife's sleep as well) for two or three days. This winter I shall have to lay in a supply of chocolate. Even if it doesn't work, at least it will taste good.