The Benefits of Onion Infusion
Drinking onion (Allium cepa) as an infusion brings many health benefits. Onion is an important food and medicinal plant, valued for its healing properties in both traditional medicine and modern research. Here we look at the benefits of onion infusion and how to make it.
Properties of onion infusion
1. A strong cough remedy and expectorant
Onion infusion soothes the chest, calms a dry cough and helps clear phlegm from the lungs. It is very helpful for bronchitis and colds.
2. A natural antibiotic
Onion contains sulphur compounds (such as allicin-type compounds). These have antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal and antiparasitic properties and support the immune system.
3. Reduces inflammation and pain
Onion infusion helps ease joint inflammation, rheumatic pain and internal infections.
4. Diuretic and kidney cleanser
It increases urine, helps the body clear toxins and cleanses the kidneys. It is useful for swollen feet and fluid retention.
5. Helps lower blood sugar and blood pressure
Drunk in the morning on an empty stomach, onion infusion helps balance blood sugar and blood pressure. If you take medication for diabetes or blood pressure, talk to your doctor first, as the effects can add up.
6. Against parasites and wind
In traditional medicine, onion tea is used against intestinal parasites and severe wind.
7. Supports sexual strength
According to traditional sources, onion infusion, especially with honey and ginger, supports sexual strength and fertility.
A simple onion infusion
- Chop one medium onion (if organic, with its brown or red skin).
- Steep it in two glasses of boiling water for 15–20 minutes, with the lid on.
- Strain and drink with honey or a few drops of lemon juice, once or twice a day.
Note: don’t boil the onion; just steep it in boiling water. Infusing is better than boiling if you want to keep the volatile compounds, the sulphur compounds and the antioxidants.
Why infusing is better than boiling
- Infusing is gentler, so useful compounds such as quercetin and the sulphur compounds are lost less.
- Long boiling at high heat can destroy some useful compounds.
- Infusing suits the soothing, cough-relieving and digestion-regulating uses best.
How long to steep
- 15–20 minutes in boiling water, in a covered container, is enough.
- If the onion is finely chopped or crushed, 15 minutes is enough.
- Then strain and drink with honey or lemon.
Should you use the skin?
If the skin is clean and organic, using it is better. The brown skin of red or yellow onions is especially rich in antioxidants such as quercetin, which:
- has anti-inflammatory activity, and has been studied for anti-cancer activity
- helps the body clear toxins
- adds to the effect against cough, bronchitis and even joint pain
If your onion is not organic, wash the skin carefully (you can clean it with salt water or natural vinegar) to remove toxins and dirt.
Onion infusion, cysts and fibroids
1. Hormone-balancing properties
Onion is rich in flavonoids, especially quercetin, and sulphur compounds, which have anti-inflammatory and hormone-balancing effects. By reducing excess oestrogen activity in the body, they may help limit the growth of some cysts and fibroids in the breast and womb.
2. Strong antioxidant effects
Antioxidants such as quercetin and anthocyanins, found especially in red onion skin, reduce oxidative stress and may help limit abnormal cell growth in the womb and breast tissue.
3. Anti-inflammatory and cleansing
With its anti-inflammatory and detox effects, onion infusion helps clear toxins and harmful matter built up in the womb and breast tissue. This cleansing may support the shrinking of small cysts and fibroids.
4. Better circulation and liver support
In natural medicine, onion improves circulation and supports the liver. Since the liver balances hormones and clears toxins, a well-working liver matters in preventing and treating hormone-related fibroids.
Important: these methods are only for benign cysts and fibroids. If you have pain, abnormal bleeding or fast-growing fibroids, you must see a gynaecologist, and use these natural methods only as complementary support.
Source
Gholizadeh F. The Temperament and Benefits of Healing Plants (Şifalı Bitkilerin Mizacı ve Faydaları).
Do you know your temperament?
Onion is hot in temperament. Whether it suits you depends on your own temperament: the free temperament test takes a few minutes.
This article is for information only and is based on traditional medical sources and general health knowledge. It is not a medical diagnosis, treatment or prescription and does not replace an examination by a doctor. If you have a health complaint, take regular medication, are pregnant, or are considering this for a child, consult your doctor before applying anything. Herbal products can interact with medicines.
