Sallie,
Coke has been know for years as a tarnish remover, tar remover etc and has some rather interesting effects...it was originally created as a medicament and not a soft drink, by a pharmacist, for upset tummies...so it makes sense to me...it is one of the essential qualities of it...As a kid they would give it to me in the hospial when my stomach was upset...so yes, I am not surprised, I am only surprised that it is different in cans or fountains...but if this is a regular condition you may be able to purchase an at home version of a soda fountain (you make it one bottle at a time) and they sell you the bottles, the gas cartridges and the syurp so it may work better that way...
Good find
Sharon

Sharon- I actually discovered the effect on blockages because I was told to try it for my nausea. I usually try to avoid chemical foods if at all possible, avoid caffeine, artificial sweeteners of any kind including high fructose corn syrup, and also artificial colors. Now that I mention it, a ton of people have told me about "Coke" syrup that they took as a child whenever they had tummy ailments. Unfortunately, all I can find is cola syrup online, and since Pepsi doesn't work I don't want to waste money buying something other than the real thing.

I have also been told that it is a great toilet bowl cleaner. Coincidence?

I wonder if an old fashion pharmacist (not a chain like CVS) could help you in finding it?

Yes, the greatest Tidybowl on the market! And cheaper too! Take the varnish right off of your furniture whether you want it to or not!
Make friends with someone from your local pub or bar and see if they can't get you a bottle of the stuff...that would be my first thought...if not, try your local McD's and ask a 16yr old kid...you would be surprised!
Whatever works for you is great...We never know until we try...
By the way, gingerrale is also good for tummy ache and nausea...you can still out the bubbles if they bother you.
Sharon

I wonder if it needs to be carbonated to be effective for your purpose. The reason I ask is that I keep a bottle of tonic water with quinine by my bed. When I get leg or feet cramps, a few swigs from the bottle relieves the cramping within minutes. When the carbonation is gone, it still works. If the same holds true for Coke, you can buy a large serving of it at a fountain/fast food restaurant and bottle it at home for long term use....with or without carbonation. Worth a try. Best wishes.

Interesting thoughts ladies. I do have a friend who is an independent, compounding pharmacist. I had never thought of asking him for help!

As far as getting the syrup from McDonalds, I don't think that would work because it is contained in the bags, which are inside the boxes. There is no way to extract it without the hoses that connect it to the pop machines. Unless I could get them to save me the bag when they change it if there is a little bit of syrup left and then I could cut the bag open. Again, my husband is good friends with the regional manager of McDonalds, but I had never thought of asking him for help. I also know the owner of all the McDs in the area, but he is not in the stores on a daily basis like the regional manager is. Hmmm... I wonder if I stored it in the fridge if it would last indefinitely, or if it would mold once it was no longer contained in the air-proof bags?

I hadn't thought of going to the coca cola bottling plant and asking if I could have/buy some either. If it turns out that I do need the carbonation, I could probably just mix it with carbonated water that I could keep on hand.

Thanks for helping me think of the resources at my fingertips!

Coke syrup is perishable and has a shelf date.

Sue

When I was little my pediatrician recommended coke syrup. And even now if I'm a bit nauseous, I drink it.

Have you tried Coke with sugar instead of high fructose corn syrup? I wonder if it would work. You can get it at some Mexican restaurants or at Mexican markets.

If the sugared Coke works then you don't have to make the trip to McDonald's. Or maybe you could purchase - you know - like 20 extra-large fountain drinks and rebottle them in containers with tops.

kathy

I thought about trying the Coke with real sugar, but the only place I have seen it is Costco, and I didn't want to buy that many bottles if it wasn't going to work. I never thought of a Mexican store- I could buy one bottle, and if it worked then stock up wherever it was cheaper.

I can't believe it has come to this. I try to eat and live as healthy as possible, grow an organic garden in the summer and find out what my family is eating that day by what is ready to harvest. Soda pop is a very rare treat for my teenage children; they probably consume 2-3 servings per year. Now I am figuring out ways to get my fix!

A couple of sodas a month is not going to kill you, or take away from your healthy way of life. Sounds like a very inexpensive and workable solution to your problem.

Sue

Yes, Coke does wonders and there is no substitue...except, perhaps, Ginger Ale.

I worked at a small pharmacy in HS...this was about 25 years ago. They carried bottled Coke syrup behind the counter for medicinal purposes.

I bet if you hunt around, you can still find it. I am guessing it does have the caffeine....but I don't know that much about it.