An Onion Treatment Against Coughing, Allergies, and the Flu
An onion treatment for respiratory problems is of great help when seasonal changes weaken your body’s immune system. This is because it can lead to all kinds of problems, like coughing, allergies, the flu, or other conditions. Here’s a way to use this ingredient to help relieve these kinds of symptoms.
Although it’s important to know that natural remedies don’t replace medical treatment, you can take them into account as adjuvants to improve symptoms. Of course, you must be attentive to any complications, as a medical intervention may be necessary.
Onion treatment against cough, allergies, and the flu
Onions are a very well-known vegetable that’s been used for centuries. Valued for their nutrient content, onions are in countless culinary and medicinal recipes.
According to information in Phytotherapy Research, they have a high concentration of sulfur, which -along with its unique flavor – also gives them their antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. These properties are especially helpful when it comes to treating all kinds of diseases.
Onions also have large quantities of vitamins A and C, which are important for strengthening your immune system and fighting against pathogens that impact your health, according to a study published in the magazine Nutrients.
Read about Seven Ways to Strengthen Your Immune System
Reasons to use this onion treatment
The onion has been used since ancient times as a supplement to combat respiratory problems such as coughs, the flu, and allergies. In fact, the European Medicines Agency publication refers to these benefits.
However, it’s important to clarify that, like any natural remedy, evidence of its safety and efficacy is limited. Therefore, it isn’t a first-line treatment for disease and should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
They’re also good support when it comes to treating respiratory infections. This is thanks to their antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties, which alleviate throat irritation, coughing, and congestion caused by the presence of viruses and bacteria.
On the other hand, onions contain a substance known as quercetin, which has been shown to have positive effects against allergies, according to research published in the magazine Molecules.
Elaborating an onion treatment
If you decide to try this remedy with onion to help relieve cough, flu, and allergy symptoms, keep in mind you shouldn’t stop taking the medication prescribed by your doctor. Even if you’re under any special treatment, you should ask your doctor beforehand to rule out drug interactions.
Ingredients
- 3 onions
- 2 cloves of garlic
- The juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tbsp. of honey (optional)
Preparation
- Firstly, peel the onions and cut them into several pieces
- Secondly, add them to a blender along with the lemon juice and garlic
- Once you get a thick paste, press it through a cloth to strain the juice
- If it seems too thick, add a couple of tablespoons of water and blend again
- After you make this treatment, store it in a glass jar for 24 hours
- You can sweeten it with the optional tablespoon of honey when you take it
When to take it
- At the first sign of a respiratory problem, take a tablespoon of this treatment every four hours
- Once you notice your symptoms are improving, take two tablespoons a day
- As a preventative measure, you can have a tablespoon on an empty stomach
Learn how to use Onion Juice: How to Extract it and its Uses
Remember!
Due to the lack of evidence, this remedy may be more or less effective in calming the symptoms mentioned, therefore, you should always consume it as a complement to the treatment of the discomfort (flu, cold, allergy, etc.) and within the framework of a healthy diet, in which the variety and balance of nutrients are important.
In addition, if the cough or clinical manifestations of flu and allergy are severe, it’s best to consult a physician and learn about other treatments.
Finally, always keep in mind not to ingest more onion than the recommended amount, as it can be counterproductive in some cases. Adding more onion to a remedy will not result in a faster cure.
All cited sources were thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, currency, and validity. The bibliography of this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.
- Griffiths, G., Trueman, L., Crowther, T., Thomas, B., & Smith, B. (2002, November). Onions – A global benefit to health. Phytotherapy Research. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.1222
- Maggini S, Pierre A, Calder PC. Immune Function and Micronutrient Requirements Change over the Life Course. Nutrients. 2018;10(10):1531. Published 2018 Oct 17. doi:10.3390/nu10101531
- Wilson, Emily & Demmig-Adams, Barbara. (2007). Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties of garlic and onions. Nutrition & Food Science. 37. 178-183. 10.1108/00346650710749071.
- Mlcek, J., Jurikova, T., Skrovankova, S., & Sochor, J. (2016, May 1). Quercetin and its anti-allergic immune response. Molecules. MDPI AG. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules21050623
