Onion Remedies: Treat Common Problems with Onions

Onion Remedies: Treat Common Problems with Onions
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Onions

Onions have been cultivated for more than 5,000 years and have been used as medicine for at least 1,500 years. The onion is a remarkable vegetable that belongs in the Alliaceae family, the same family as garlic.

Onions are rich in sulfur-containing compounds that are good for heart health and are also a very good source of quercetin, a flavonoid antioxidant that benefits inflammatory conditions like arthritis. In addition, onions contain a decent amount of fiber and vitamin C and can help balance blood glucose levels and lower one’s risk of getting cancer. Besides adding them to your diet, treat common problems with the following onion remedies.

Remedies

Age Spots

Age spots are harmless spots that do not become cancerous. They are often caused by exposure to UV rays and occur mostly in people over the age of 40. Mix 1 teaspoon of onion juice and 2 teaspoons of vinegar. Massage this mixture over the age spots two times a day. This remedy is said to help but it can take a couple of months or more to see results.

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is caused by a fungus and onions can help because they have antifungal properties. Apply onion juice to the affected area, leave on for about 10 minutes, rinse with lukewarm water and dry thoroughly. Do this three times per day.

Burns

Using onions to treat first degree burns, when the skin is red and unbroken, can help draw out heat and relieve pain. After holding the burned area under cool running water (not cold water) for 10 to 15 minutes, place an onion slice over the area. Leave on for 15 minutes. Remove the onion and leave off for 5 minutes. Place a fresh slice on the burn for an additional 15 minutes.

Cold

The next time you have a cold, drink a cup of onion tea. Pour 1 cup of hot water over 1 slice of onion, remove the onion after a few seconds, let it cool and sip.

Constipation

Onions are a “natural laxative”. Before going to bed, roast an onion and eat. You should see positive results in the morning.

Fever

A fever is the body fighting off germs and some should be left untreated so it can do its job - click here for more information. Place a slice of onion on the bottom of each foot and wrap your feet in a blanket. This remedy may sound a bit silly but it is said to work.

Hair Loss

The onion is a popular folk remedy for hair loss because of its high sulfur content. Mix 1/4 cup of onion juice with 1 tablespoon of honey. Massage this mixture on your scalp every day.

Laryngitis

Mix 2 teaspoons of onion juice and 1 teaspoon of honey. Take 1 tablespoon every 3 hours to soothe and heal the larynx.

Nausea

Instead of placing onion under the feet as with the fever remedy, you will be placing onion under the armpit to stop nausea. Cut a large onion in half and place one half under each armpit.

Pimples

Before using OTC pimple remedies containing chemicals, try this natural treatment. Slice 1 medium onion and simmer in 1/2 cup of honey until the onion is soft. Mash the mixture to form a smooth paste and apply to the pimples.

Splinters

To remove a splinter and relieve swelling, tape a slice of onion over the splinter and leave on overnight. By morning, the splinter should be out.

Warts

Warts will go away on their own but they can take a long time. To speed up healing time, dab some lemon juice on the wart and place a piece of onion over it for 15 minutes. Do this two times a day.

Preparing Onion Juice

For the above onion remedies that call for juice, simply grate an onion and squeeze through a cheesecloth.

References

WHFoods: Onions - https://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=45

Joan Wilen and Lydia Wilen, Bottom Line’s Healing Remedies (2006)

Photo Credit

Image courtesy of https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Two_colors_of_onions.jpg

Disclaimer

Please read this disclaimer regarding the information contained within this article.