The onion (Allium cepa L., from Latin cepa
"onion"), also known as the bulb onion or common onion,
is a vegetable and is the most widely cultivated species of the genus Allium.
Its close relatives include the garlic, shallot, leek, chive, and Chinese
onion.
This genus also contains several other species variously
referred to as onions and cultivated for food, such as the Japanese bunching
onion (Allium fistulosum), the tree onion (A. ×proliferum),
and the Canada onion (Allium canadense). The name "wild onion"
is applied to a number of Allium species, but A. cepa is
exclusively known from cultivation. Its ancestral wild original form is not
known, although escapes from cultivation have become established in some
regions. The onion is most frequently a biennial or a perennial plant, but is
usually treated as an annual and harvested in its first growing season. (Wikipedia)
Benefits of Onions
If vegetables could
be superheroes, onions would definitely be at the top of the list. This
unassuming root vegetable boasts an impressive host of health benefits.
Onions are also endlessly versatile, and the fact that most of us already have
a few on hand at all times makes them an ideal home remedy you can whip up when
a cold or flu is coming on.
The Powerful Health Benefits of Onions
Onions and garlic are both in the allium family and share
many of the same health benefits. The word allium literally means “I smell,”
and we all know onions are certainly known for their pungent scent.
Onions are potent in
other ways too. They contain high levels of vitamin C, folate, potassium,
phosphorous, magnesium, potassium, and calcium. They are also high in the
antioxidant quercetin.
Quercetin has been
shown to protect against many different types of cancer in the body, boosts
immune response, and is even used to help with cataracts. 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.
Yellow onions
generally have more quercetin than red or white onions (and are usually the
most affordable anyway!).
Other Interesting Facts about Onions
·
Onions are high in
sulfuric compounds that have been shown to kill even salmonella and E. coli.
These compounds also help prevent cancer and heart disease.
·
In the past it was
recommended to place bowls of onions around the room so they would absorb any
germs around.
·
Onions build both
bone and mineral density to help prevent osteoporosis.
·
Onions are so
healthy, that even in a study when they were fried, they increased blood
quercetin from 28.4 ng/ml to 248.4 ng/ml. It also increased participants’
overall antioxidant ability.
·
Chewing on raw onion
will relieve a toothache, kill germs, and help prevent tooth and gum disorders.
Just be sure to brush your teeth really well afterward!
·
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
Onions can be used in many different home
remedies:
1. Onion Poultice to
Relieve Congestion and Coughing
Onions work like
an expectorant. They help break up mucus and congestion in the chest and
reduce spasmodic coughs.
Onions work best
for a chest poultice if they’re heated first. To break up chest congestion and
soothe a spastic cough, you can apply a poultice externally, or take an
onion syrup or tincture internally.
How to make an onion
poultice:
·
Slice or dice an
onion, add 1 tablespoon of water, and cook until the water evaporates.
·
Allow the onion to
cool to a comfortable temperature, then wrap the onion in a small towel, like a
tea towel. Gather the ends of the towel together and secure with a rubber band.
·
Place the poultice on
the chest or back and leave it for 30 minutes, repeating the process
every 3 hours or until the symptoms are gone.
An onion poultice
is smelly for sure. To help with this, apply the poultice to the feet,
wrap them in cloth or plastic, and cover with socks.
2.
“Fire Cider” Immunity Booster
Fire cider is an
age-old remedy made from onions, horseradish, garlic, cayenne pepper, and
other aromatic plants steeped in apple cider vinegar. Onions are used in this
recipe because of their potent antiviral and antibacterial compounds and their
ability to support the immune system.
3. Onion Honey
Syrup
An onion syrup is a
delicious way to take your medicine. Some people use sugar to make a more
traditional syrup but I prefer to use raw honey for even more health
benefits. Take onion honey syrup for any cold or flu, especially if a
cough or congestion is present. You can also take a spoonful every day during
the winter months to help keep sickness away.
Don’t go overboard
with drinking this, though, as too much can cause digestive issues.
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. To use as a
preventative measure, take a spoonful or two every day during flu season.
4. Onions for
Ear Infections
You may have
used garlic oil for an ear infection in your kids before, but onion
can be used in much the same way. A roasted or baked onion half can be cooled
to a comfortable warmth and placed on the ear. This helps to relieve painful
inflammation and fight the bacterial or viral infection in the ear. You can
also squeeze the juice from the onion and place a few drops in the ear.
Be sure that the
onion mixture is very well strained, since you don’t want any onion pieces in
the ear. And never put anything in the ear if you suspect that there’s a
possibility of a ruptured ear drum!
It’s always best to
treat both ears even if your child only complains of pain in one, since the
infection frequently spreads to both ears eventually.
5. Onion Soup
Soup is one of the
easiest and tastiest ways to get more onion into your diet. Save your onion
peels and add them to chicken bones and other veggies when you make bone broth.
Researchers in this study thought that the onion as a whole, including the
onion skin, contains higher levels of quercetin than just the onion alone. This
means that saving your onion skins for a nutritious broth not only adds flavor,
but potentially boosts the nutritional value more than the part you would eat.
The healing goodness
of onion soup not only helps the body fight colds and flu but also
bladder, kidney, and chronic urinary tract infections.
6. Onions for 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.
7. 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.
No comments:
Post a Comment