Home Remedies using Onion

It’s a new year and it’s also the smack in the middle of cold a flu season. I am preparing my homemade Onion cough syrup and figured this would be a good time to share that awesome natural recipe. Also, we can talk about the health benefits of onions. They are a staple that most everyone has inside their pantry and are a powerful health booster.

Onions contain high levels of vitamin C, folate, potassium, phosphorous, magnesium, potassium, and calcium. They are also high in the antioxidant quercetin. The quercetin in onions has also been studied for its ability to improve heart health, prevent heart disease, and keep blood flowing freely throughout the body when used daily.

Onions are high in sulfuric compounds that kill bacteria and have even been shown to kill even salmonella and E. coli. These compounds also help prevent cancer and heart disease.
Onions build both bone and mineral density to help prevent osteoporosis.

Chewing on raw onion will relieve a toothache, kill germs, and help prevent tooth and gum disorders. Onions are full of fructooligosaccharides that encourage beneficial bacteria, yet target harmful bacteria in the gut.

Onions lower blood sugar levels and improve insulin levels which makes them great for people who have diabetes. The sulfur compound called allyl propyl disulfide in onions helps increase insulin production and lower blood glucose levels in both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetics. Onion juice contains trace amounts of chromium, which helps improve the body’s glucose tolerance level.

A 2009 study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food confirmed the antidiabetic effect of onions in diabetic rats. Onion extracts were found to be effective for lowering plasma glucose concentrations and body weight.

Onions are also known to help prevent Cancer.

Onions are found to have beneficial and preventive effects on various cancers, such as lung, ovarian, stomach, bladder, breast, colorectal, prostate, oral, liver and brain cancer. The phenolic and flavonoid content of onions with antioxidant activities help fight cancer cells.

A 2006 study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition shows a positive connection between the frequency of use of allium vegetables and reduced risk of several common cancers.
Onions are also known to lower the risk of Heart Disease

Regular onion intake can reduce your risk of conditions like arterial hardening, high blood pressure, heart attacks, and strokes. The quercetin found in onions has both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that are good for your heart health.

A 2007 study published in the American Society for Nutrition shows that quercetin helps reduce blood pressure in hypertensive subjects. Onions even help prevent cholesterol accumulation that contributes to clogging and hardening of the arteries.

Onions build strong Immunity
Due to their polyphenol content, onions can help boost your immunity by protecting your body against free radicals. Plus, onions contain a trace mineral selenium that helps improve immunity by initiating immune response and also preventing excessive immune response.

Furthermore, consuming onions may help reduce allergic reactions in your body by stopping the production of histamine. Its antimicrobial properties also help prevent infections.

Decreased immune function during radiation treatment for cancer is common, but with intake of quercetin-rich foods, you can give a boost to your immunity.

A 2007 study published in Nutrition Research and Practice found that quercetin increased immune function, relieved inflammation and enhanced nutritional status in irradiated mice.

Increases Bone Density

Onions help slow the progression of bone loss, making them a very effective natural solution for aging women who are at a higher risk of developing osteoporosis.

The peptide called GPCS in onions has the bone-helping potential. Furthermore, the high sulfur content provides direct benefits to connective tissue.

A 2009 study published in Menopause found that daily intake of onions improved bone density in women who were going through or finished menopause as compared to those who never ate onions. Also, esearchers found that it helped lower the risk of hip fractures in women by 20 percent.

One thing to keep in mind, is that Onions are toxic to dogs, cats, guinea pigs, and many other animals. If you have furry family members, be sure to keep onions out of their food

Now that we know the super benefits of Onions, Here’s a few ways to use them as home remedies:

Onion Honey Syrup

Take onion honey syrup for any cold or flu. To break up chest congestion and soothe a spastic cough, you can take the syrup and you can apply a poultice externally.
To make an Onion honey syrup:

Thinly slice an onion and add it to a saucepan. Pour honey over the onion, just until covered. You should only need about ½ cup, maybe less.
Gently heat the honey over very low heat until the onions are soft and translucent. You don’t want the mixture to get over 115 degrees, or the honey will no longer be raw.
Take a spoonful of the onion honey every 3-4 hours, or until symptoms subside.

Onion Poultice

Slice an onion, simmer in a saucepan with i tsp of water until the water evaporates. Slightly cool the onion, then wrap in a cheesecloth or medical Gauze, secure the ends by tying or use a rubber band. An Onion Poultice has many uses.
Sore Muscles, Sprains, and Strains

Onions are rubefacient, meaning they draw blood to the surface of the skin and increase circulation. The ancient Greeks rubbed onions on sore muscles to stimulate and warm them. Onions also reduce inflammation, making them perfect for bruises, strains, sprains, and even rheumatism. Just apply an onion poultice (above) to the affected area.
Onions to Draw Out infection

Onions have been used for centuries to remove infection from damaged skin. Their properties will draw out pus from boils, bee stings, and the poison from an insect bite or bee sting. You can apply a fresh onion slice or onion poultice to the affected area.

 

Promotes Hair Growth

Onion juice is effective in preventing hair loss and promoting hair growth. The sulfur in onions helps promote blood circulation to the scalp and boosts production of collagen necessary for new hair growth.

A 2002 study published in the Journal of Dermatology found that people suffering from alopecia areata saw significant hair regrowth after applying onion juice to their scalp twice daily for two months.

Extract the juice of 1 onion.
Mix it with 1 teaspoon of honey and 2 or 3 drops of Rosemary  essential oil.
Massage it into your scalp.
Cover your hair with a shower cap and leave it on overnight or at least for 1 hour.
Rinse your hair with water, then shampoo as usual.
Repeat this treatment 2 or 3 times a week until you get the desired result.

 

Onions are known most for the unmistakable aroma and the ability to make a grown man cry but Onions are one of natures treasures. Do you have a home remedy using Onions? Let us know in the comments.