The combination of foods of vegetable origin, can give fabulous results for the health of the human being , due to the chemical and nutritional compounds that enhance their natural therapeutic properties . The base of many of these combinations is made up of the onion .
In the following article, we describe the different combinations with onion that can favor your health.
Why does the onion remove the cough?
Below we explain the reasons of traditional and natural medicine, for which they argue that onion can be used to relieve coughs :
1. Increases the body’s defenses
The onion itself contains powerful antioxidants such as vitamin C (1) , which help stimulate the synthesis of blood cells such as white blood cells , which are responsible for the immune system defending the body from pathogenic microorganisms, including that attack the respiratory system.
2. Fights bacteria, viruses and fungi
As anticipated in the previous point, the onion has an arsenal of antioxidant compounds such as ascorbic acid, anthocyanins, quercetin (2) and sulfur compounds equivalent to those contained in garlic, which give it beneficial properties for health. respiratory.
3. Decongests the respiratory tract and reduces mucus
The flavonoid compounds of the onion, as well as its sulfur compounds, have an anti-inflammatory effect on the airways for cases such as asthma (3) , as well as the inhibition of the production of mucus responsible for coughing. (4)
Natural remedies with onion for cough
Next, we give you some simple recipes prepared with onion, to relieve coughs caused by flu-like illnesses:
1. Onion, honey and lemon syrup
Onion syrup with honey and lemon is a very good homemade option to relieve coughs , because it has expectorant properties. Here’s how to prepare it:
Ingredients
- Onion
- Lemon juice
- Honey
Preparation
- Take a medium onion, cut it into small pieces and place them in a glass container.
- Add 3 tablespoons of honey and mix well.
- Cover well to reserve for 12 hours.
- Then strain this mixture in a strainer and chop the onion well to extract as much juice as possible.
- Add the lemon juice to the already strained mixture.
Note: A teaspoon can be administered 3 times a day.
2. Onion, carrot and lemon syrup
The inclusion of the carrot in this mixture of home remedies is to enhance the expectorant effect of the onion and at the same time calm the cough. Here’s how to prepare it:
Ingredients
- Onion
- Lemon juice
- Carrot
- Thyme
Preparation
- Take a medium onion, cut it into small pieces and place them in a glass container.
- Grate a medium carrot and place it next to the onion.
- Add 3 tablespoons of honey and mix well.
- Cover well to reserve for 12 hours.
- Then strain this mixture in a strainer, chop the onion and carrot well to extract as much juice as possible.
- Add the juice of half a lemon to the already strained mixture.
- Add the thyme to give the mixture aroma.
3. Infusion of purple onion with lemon and ginger
This red onion , lemon and ginger cough remedy is another natural bronchodilator remedy that also soothes coughs in flu states and reduces phlegm in the respiratory tract. Here’s how to prepare it:
Ingredients
- Purple Onion
- Lemon juice
- Ginger
- Water
Preparation
- Cut separately, one medium red onion and one small piece of ginger into small slices.
- Place the onion slices and ginger in a container with water and boil for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Then strain the infusion and let stand.
- lemon juice to taste and if you prefer, sweeten with a little honey.
To highlight: You can consume this remedy 2 to 3 times a day, warm and the last dose before going to bed.
4. Cinnamon and onion tea
Cinnamon and onion tea for the throat is made to eliminate the secretion of mucus in the lungs . Here’s how to prepare it:
Ingredients
- Onion
- Cinnamon (stick or powder)
- Water
Preparation
- Peel and cut the onion into large pieces and place it to boil with two glasses of water for 15 minutes.
- Then let it rest for 5 minutes, strain the tea and crush the onion against the strainer to extract as much juice as possible.
- Heat the contents of the onion tea over low heat for 3 minutes and add the cinnamon.
- If you want you can add some honey to sweeten.
You should know: You can consume the tea 2 to 3 times a day, warm and the last dose before going to bed.
5. Onion, eucalyptus and honey steam
For those people who do not suffer from significant respiratory diseases , the vapor from this mixture makes an excellent expectorant . Here’s how to prepare it:
Ingredients
- Onion
- Eucalyptus leaves
- Honey
- Water
Preparation
- In a container place enough boiling water.
- Immediately place the onion in pieces and the eucalyptus leaves, the honey and stir.
- Then proceed to inhale the vapors that come out of the container for about 10 minutes.
Note: It is recommended to inhale once a day.
6. Onion and garlic tea
The use of onion and garlic in drinks such as tea, constitutes an excellent expectorant and an effective relief for coughs. The way to prepare it is as follows:
Ingredients
- Onion
- Garlic
- Water
Preparation
- Cut the garlic and onion into small pieces.
- In a container with two cups of previously boiling water, place the garlic and onion.
- Leave boiling for two or three minutes and then remove from the heat to place the drink at rest.
- If you want, put some honey in moderation.
Tip: It is recommended to drink 2 to 3 small cups during the day.
7. Onion, garlic and carrot smoothie
For people who don’t have GI issues, this shake is another option as a great bronchodilator and cough reliever. We explain how to prepare it:
Ingredients
- Onion
- Garlic
- Carrot
- celery sticks
- Water
Preparation
- Cut all the ingredients into pieces and place them in a blender container.
- Add more or less a liter of water and blend the contents for a minute.
- Pass the mixture through a strainer to extract only the juice.
- Take the drink at room temperature.
To highlight: You can consume the smoothie 2 to 3 times a day in cups .
Key Findings
- The onion in any of its species, has been considered by traditional medicine an effective remedy for cough.
- Onion is also an excellent expectorant and mucolytic.
- The combination with other ingredients enhances its healing properties.
- The consumption of onion in medicinal form has no contraindications .
- The use of onion for some respiratory system problems is complementary to other medical therapies .
University Professional in the area of Human Resources, Postgraduate in Occupational Health and Hygiene of the Work Environment, 14 years of experience in the area of health. Interested in topics of Psychology, Occupational Health, and General Medicine.