Onions are part of the 'allium' family of vegetables and herbs. This also includes chives, garlic, scallions and leeks. Allium vegetables have been cultivated for centuries for not only their delicious, pungent flavors but also for their medicinal properties.
Onions can vary in size, shape, color and flavor. Common types are red, yellow and white onion. Flavors can vary from sweet and juicy with a mild flavor to sharp, spicy, and pungent, often depending on the season in which they are grown and consumed. It is estimated that 105 billion pounds of onions are harvested each year worldwide.
The health benefits of consuming onions include reducing the risk of several types of cancer, improving mood and maintaining the health of skin and hair.Onions are a nutrient-dense food, meaning that while they are low in calories they are high in beneficial nutrients like vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
High amounts of antioxidants like quercetin are found in onions, relieving the body from free radicals and preserving its health. Onions can be easily juiced and consumed as such, helping with respiratory diseases because of its cleansing nature.
Onions are good for treating and preventing many different health problems, such as:
- Treating and preventing cardiovascular diseases
- Extremely effective in treating arthritis
- It will help you regulate high cholesterol level
- It can help you with diabetes, due to their sulfur and flavonoid content
Using Onions to Their Advantage
Did you know that onions have been used as a remedy for treating countless diseases for thousands of years! Yes, onions are loaded with many healthy nutrients and you can use it to treat and prevent many different health problems!
Colic
First, you should know that the Cherokee Indians used this powerful ingredient for treating children suffering from colic. How to use it – it’s very simple! You just have to use slices of yellow onion and boil them in water. Let liquid cool off and drain it. You should give 1 tsp. of this remedy to your infant – every hour, or until the symptoms fade.
Dissolve chest congestion
You can also use onion to dissolve chest congestion. Here’s what you need to do – you just have to mix one crushed onion and some coconut oil. Form a paste and use it to smear onto the chest. After that, you should put a towel on top of it and put on a shirt. Keep it until warm, and then remove towel and rinse. You will be amazed by the results!
Ear infections and ear pain
It’s very simple – you just have to take chopped onion and put it inside a sock (the thinner, the better). Tie it up and place it on affected area. Secure sock with a hat or a headband. Make sure you remove it after the pain is gone.
Cough
Here’s what you need to do – first, you should peel a large onion and cut in two halves. Apply one tablespoon of brown sugar on each half and leave onion to rest for an hour. After 1 hour, you should eat this remedy and proceed with the treatment twice a day to eliminate cough.
Cuts
You can also use onion to treat minor cuts! Here’s what you need to do – you should use the transparent skin that every onion has! You can use it to stop bleeding instantly. Also, you will get antiseptic benefits and protect the skin from harm.
Fever
It’s very simple – you just have to slice onion into very thin pieces. Then, you should mix them with coconut oil and use this to massage the bottom of your feet. After that, you should put some slices of onion on the feet arches and secure them with cling wrap. Put on socks and leave onion overnight. You should also know that this remedy is a great antioxidant.
Air purifier
Yes, you can use onion as an air purifier! Here’s what you need to do – just put slices of onion in different house areas! This simple trick will help you cleanse the air and destroy all bacteria and viruses inside your household. You will be amazed by the results!
Vomiting
Here’s what you need to do – it’s very simple! You just have to cover one yellow or white onion with cheesecloth and squeeze out the juice from it. Then, you should make a cup of peppermint tea and let it cool off. Take two teaspoons of the onion juice.After 5 minutes, take two teaspoons of the cold peppermint tea. Wait another for 5-10 minutes and sip from the onion juice again. Note: you should repeat this treatment – until the symptoms fade. And, you just need 20 minutes for the vomiting urges to go away.
You could also use onion in many different manners, including:
- You can simply rub onion onto your skin – to prevent insect bites
- Or, you can rub onion onto your scalp – to accelerate hair growth
- Or, you can put onion in your clothes – and use it as a protection against moths
- You should boil and spray some onion juice on your plants – to keep them safe from pests and bugs. You will be amazed by the results
- Cleaning clothes iron with slices of onion to prevent rusting
- You can also use onion slices to clean and polish glass and copper objects
- You can use onion to get rid of freckles
