How to use onions for treatment at home

Onions are probably one of the most famous cultivated plants. It is difficult to imagine today the assortment in the kitchen of any housewife without this bitter-sweet vegetable. It is popular among many peoples of the world and throughout its existence many different varieties have been bred. We all know very well that onions can be fried and stewed, added to soups and meat dishes, and can also be eaten raw - in salads and sandwiches.

Botanical description

Onion is a biennial plant of the onion family. It has a bulb approximately 15 cm in diameter, covered with dry husk. Most often yellow, but sometimes purple and white scales are found. The inner scales are white and fleshy, located on a long stem called the bottom. Green, hollow, tubular leaves emerge from the bulb. At the moment of flowering, an arrow is formed on which a multi-flowered umbrella inflorescence rises. Fruits are capsules that contain seeds.

Content:

• Botanical description
• How to grow
• Chemical composition
• Useful and dangerous properties
• Use in medicine
• Application in cosmetology
• Use in cooking
• Weight loss and onions
• conclusions

How to grow

Onions should be planted in beds in moist soil in late April - early May. It is better to place the seeds in rows with a small distance so that it is convenient to handle the sprouts with a hoe. It is advisable not to just scatter the bulbs, but to lightly press them into the ground to prevent bulging. Otherwise, it can become easy prey for birds, who can pull out the plant and scatter it.

It is useful to frequently loosen the soil with planted seeds; this should be done after each watering, at least once a week. The plant also requires moisture, especially the first two months after planting. But you shouldn't water it every day.

It is also worth clearing the beds of weeds in a timely manner for better seed growth.

Chemical composition

Bulbs contain:

• sugars (fructose, sucrose, maltose, polysaccharide, inulin) – up to 14%;
• proteins – about 2%;
• vitamins (ascorbic acid);
• flavonoid quercetin;
• enzymes;
• saponins;
• mineral salts of potassium, phosphorus, iron;
• phytoncides.

Green leaves also contain sugars, proteins and ascorbic acid.

In addition, all parts of the plant contain essential oil, iodine, pectin, mucus, glycosides and organic acids.

The energy value of onions is 41 kcal per 100 g of product.
The nutritional value

Useful and dangerous properties

Thanks to the substances it contains, onions are widely used in medicine, science, and are also included in various recipes used in cooking. Many nutritionists use it in their weight loss programs, and cosmetologists use it as a remedy against flaky skin, hair loss, and even against wrinkles.

But along with its beneficial properties, onions also have a negative aspect. It should not be consumed by people suffering from intestinal diseases and diseases of the digestive system, as it increases the acidity of gastric juice. This vegetable also negatively affects the nervous system, which can, in turn, cause increased blood pressure or an asthma attack. The most minor of the dangerous properties of onions is bad breath. There are many different ways to get rid of it: eat a walnut, a parsley leaf or a crust of bread, or chew a roasted coffee bean. But all this will only mask the smell, and after a while it will return again.

Are onions good for children?

The beneficial properties of the product are the same for adults and children. The product will be beneficial in a child’s diet - it will strengthen immune resistance and improve digestion, and will have a beneficial effect on the baby’s nervous system.

But at the same time, offering onions to a child for the first time is only allowed after 3 years. At an earlier age, the product is more likely to cause harm; it can burn the baby’s sensitive mucous membranes or cause allergies. You need to introduce a healthy product into your diet only in processed form - after boiling and grinding.

Attention! Because onions can cause serious harm to a baby under certain conditions, you should consult your pediatrician before giving the product to your baby.

Use in medicine

The beneficial properties of onions have been used in medicine for a very long time. In the old days in Rus' it was considered a universal remedy for the prevention and treatment of diseases. There is also evidence that during epidemics, people who ate large quantities of onions did not become victims of diseases such as typhoid or plague.

The vegetable is rich in vitamins, so its use is especially recommended in the winter and spring to prevent colds and viral diseases.

Its use is also widespread in modern medicine. Drugs such as Allylglycer and Allylchep are obtained from it. "Allylchep" is used as an antimicrobial and lipid-lowering agent for diarrhea, colitis and dysbacteriosis. "Allylglycer" is a drug used in the treatment of trichomonas diseases (trichomonas colpitis).

Benefits for bones and joints

Recent studies have shown that daily consumption of onions increases bone density, which is especially beneficial for menopausal women. The risk of hip fractures is reduced.

Onions for diabetes

Thanks to the essential oil contained in the vegetable, eating it in large quantities helps reduce blood glucose levels and leads to an increase in insulin levels.

Onion against cancer

After studies conducted by scientists in Italy and Switzerland, it was possible to establish that even moderate amounts of onions in the daily diet reduce the risk of developing colon cancer, ovarian cancer, prostate cancer and esophageal cancer. In addition, if you consume at least half an onion per day, the risk of stomach cancer is reduced by 50%. This is due to the large amount of flavonoid quercetin contained in the vegetable. Moreover, most of it is contained in red onions. It should also be noted that it is best to consume fresh vegetables that have not undergone heat treatment, since practically no quercetin remains during cooking.

Effect on the cardiovascular system

Daily consumption of onions helps lower blood cholesterol levels and also prevents excessive blood clotting, which reduces the likelihood of a heart attack and heart disease.

Useful properties of onions

The product has a considerable number of valuable health properties. If you add it to food in small portions, but regularly, onions:

• will have a pronounced anti-inflammatory effect and help cope with bacteria, viruses and fungi;
• will be beneficial for intestinal parasites and will allow you to quickly get rid of them using improvised methods;
• will help remove excess fluids and toxins from the body;
• will be beneficial for vascular and heart ailments, equalize blood pressure and restore sleep;
• regulates cholesterol levels and relieves anemia and anemia;
• will help to quickly cope with skin damage and irritation;
• will benefit the liver and kidneys, stomach and urinary tract;
• will protect joints from the deposition of harmful salts and prevent gout.

The immunomodulatory properties of the product are widely known - consuming it is very useful during the cold season.

For men

The benefit of onions for the male body is that the product has a positive effect on the state of the reproductive system. When consuming onions, potency improves and the quality of genetic material increases. In addition, the product provides effective assistance for prostate adenoma - it relieves inflammation and reduces pain.

The beneficial effect of the product on blood vessels helps to prolong the life of men, as it protects against the development of heart attacks and strokes.

For women

The benefit of onions for women is that the vegetable helps maintain healthy hormonal levels - the product contains a lot of vitamin B9. The product reduces natural discomfort during menstruation, increases libido and prevents the development of diseases of the reproductive system.

Onions are also beneficial for female beauty. It has a good effect on the elasticity and youth of the skin, and can eliminate the problem of fragile hair and brittle nails.

Application in cosmetology

Onions are effectively used in beauty salons. Masks are made on its basis for dry and damaged hair, since the substances contained in the vegetable have a beneficial effect on their strengthening and growth. The use of onions is useful not only for hair, but also for healing and rejuvenating the skin of the face and hands. Decoctions and masks are prepared from it to help restore and nourish the skin surface. After using them, it becomes smooth and silky.

Mask against hair loss

Rub fresh onion juice into the hair roots 2 times a week. Wrap your head in a towel, after an hour, wash as usual. This procedure helps strengthen and grow hair, gives it smoothness and shine, and eliminates dandruff.

Face mask with anti-aging effects

Mix finely grated onion with sour cream, apply a thin layer to the face and décolleté, leave for twenty minutes. After time has passed, remove the remaining product using cotton sponges and rinse your face with warm water without soap. Apply nourishing cream. With repeated use, the skin improves, becomes smooth and soft.

The benefits of onions for the body

So, given the diverse medicinal properties of onions, it is recommended for various diseases. Let's find out why onions are useful in such cases. And we will consider scientifically based dietary and therapeutic methods of using onions for various ailments of the body.

Respiratory diseases

As we have already said, sulfur compounds from onion essential oil quickly enter the bloodstream from the stomach. And first of all they are released in the lungs. This explains why within a few minutes after eating this vegetable, your breath acquires a characteristic odor.

Briefly, how onions are useful for any respiratory diseases:

• Has mucolytic properties. That is, it is capable of breaking up and liquefying thick mucus.
• A good expectorant. Yes, it turns out that ordinary onions (and not some super expensive medicine) significantly facilitate the expectoration of bronchial mucus.
• Antibiotic for gram-positive bacteria.

Thus, all respiratory infections, from sinusitis to pneumonia, are relieved by consuming onions.

Bronchial asthma

At the German pediatric clinic of the Ludwig Maximilian University in Munich, onion essential oil was studied. And it was found that thiosulfinate, one of its components, is able to stop the bronchial allergic reaction in cases of asthma.

Thus, experiments have proven that the use of raw onions for bronchial asthma is justified due to its anti-allergic and bronchodilator effects. As a result, the positive effect of onions on the respiratory tract is felt within a few minutes after eating it.

So, eating raw onion can stop or alleviate asthmatic crisis due to its dual action. And this bronchodilator and anti-allergenic effect lasts up to 12 hours!

Inhaling onion essential oil is also useful not only for adults, but also for treating children. Article at the link.

Vascular diseases

There is growing evidence that onions prevent arteriosclerosis and thrombosis. This vegetable improves blood circulation in the coronary vessels of the heart. And research from 1996 proves this. The results found that those who eat a lot of onions and apples (foods rich in quercetin) are less likely to have heart attacks.

In other words, eating onions in any form improves blood flow in all arteries.

Increased levels of fats in the blood

Triglycerides are a type of fat that circulates in the blood. They are formed by fatty acids and glycerol. High levels of triglycerides lead to vascular diseases and heart ailments. Studies have shown that drinking onion extract (onion water, recipe at the end) reduces triglycerides in the blood and liver, and increases HDL (good cholesterol) levels.

Kidney diseases

Onions increase the volume of urine, facilitating the excretion of waste products from the body. It is suitable for the diet of those who suffer from kidney stones and urinary tract infections. Onions are indicated for any stage of renal failure.

Diabetes

Due to the fact that onions lower blood sugar levels, they are also indicated for diabetics.

Liver diseases

Leading doctors recommend onions in cases of liver failure caused by hepatitis or cirrhosis of the liver. The thing is that the vegetable stimulates liver function, carrying out detoxification. At the same time, it stimulates the activity of the endocrine glands.

Cancer

A study in China found that onion and garlic eaters had a much lower risk of developing stomach cancer. It established the ability of onions to prevent the development of tumor cells and neutralize carcinogens.

Therefore, heavy consumption of onions helps prevent cancer and is an additional treatment for diseases such as stomach and colon cancer.

In addition to everything, onions also have an alkalizing effect.

Immunomodulatory effect

Onions strengthen the human immune system. This vegetable is a good help during ARVI epidemics. And even when your nose is running, onions come to the rescue. In fact, this is first aid for a cold. Read more at the link.

Use in cooking

Today it is impossible to imagine a single recipe that does not use onions. In raw, fried, boiled form, as a seasoning or a separate dish - it entered the cuisines of different peoples of the world and made its invaluable contribution to the development of cooking. Both the green leaves and the onion bulb are used in a variety of dishes and snacks. You can make soups, salads, sauces from it, add it to sandwiches, meat, mushrooms, minced meat.

Onion cutlets

For cutlets you will need:

• 4 large onions;
• 4 eggs;
• 200 grams of semolina;
• salt pepper.

Finely chop the onion, add eggs, semolina, salt and spices. Mix everything thoroughly. Place the resulting slurry in a frying pan in the form of flat cakes and fry on both sides. After frying, simmer for 10 minutes. It is recommended to use tomato sauce for stewing.

Onion sauce

For the sauce you need:

• 300 grams of champignons;
• 1 medium onion;
• 2 teaspoons flour;
• 200 grams of cream;
• 1 teaspoon butter;
• salt pepper.

Wash the vegetables and chop finely. Fry the onion in a frying pan until golden brown, add the mushrooms and fry until the liquid has evaporated. Then add flour and spices, mix thoroughly. Pour in half a glass of boiled water and pour in the cream, stirring constantly. Cook until thickened, do not boil.

Are onions allowed for pancreatitis?

The benefits of onions for the stomach and pancreas are undeniable, however, during an exacerbation of pancreatitis, the product will have to be abandoned. During a period of acute inflammation, the raw product will only cause harm, since it will have an irritating effect on the diseased organ.

We recommend reading: Potatoes: beneficial properties and contraindications

But during remission you can eat onions, preferably boiled or baked. The product is added to vegetable stews or purees, to salads and side dishes - the softened vegetable does not irritate the pancreas, but helps prevent new inflammation.

Weight loss and onions

Having such a low calorie content, this vegetable simply cannot but be used for weight loss. Diets based on it were invented by French nutritionists and are now successfully practiced in many countries around the world. How can onions contribute to this process? Here are some of its properties that are responsible for this:

• lowering blood cholesterol;
• stimulation of the gastrointestinal tract;
• diuretic;
• increased insulin production, etc.

For the diet, it is proposed to use boiled vegetables, and this will eliminate the smell. It lasts a week, and during this time you must eat onion soup 3 times a day. In between, it is acceptable to use approved products.

Onion soup recipe

For the soup you will need 6 medium onions, 3 tomatoes, bell peppers and cabbage.

1. Chop the vegetables and fry a little in a frying pan.
2. Place in a saucepan, add spices and salt and add water.
3. Bring to a boil and cook for about 10 minutes. First on high, then on low heat until done.

What is possible

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Together with onion soup, you can use fresh fruits and juices, fermented milk and dairy products, baked or stewed vegetables, dietary boiled meat and fish.

It is not recommended to use bananas and grapes, as well as corn, beans and potatoes. For meat, it is better to eat turkey or beef.

What not to do

During the diet, you should not consume alcoholic beverages, bread and pastries, sugar and various sweets. It is also not recommended to limit yourself to only soup for weight loss. To achieve a sustainable effect, it is recommended to use other non-prohibited products.

If you want to consolidate the results obtained, set yourself one day in which you limit the consumption of sugar, baked goods and fatty foods. Give preference to protein foods and fresh vegetables.

Onions for weight loss

Raw onions are beneficial in dietary nutrition - the product effectively helps fight excess fat deposits. There are several reasons for this - onions cleanse the body of accumulated toxins and remove toxins, speed up metabolic processes and the absorption of useful substances into the blood.

Recommended reading: Benefits of broccoli

Since the product is quite spicy, when losing weight you should not eat only it alone. But many diets recommend adding a little onion to salads, soups and main courses to increase the benefits.

conclusions

Onions are a universal remedy, widely used in various fields of science, medicine and cooking. Using it in its raw form during epidemics and the spread of viral infections helps strengthen the immune system and prevents the formation of bacteria. It contains substances that reduce the risk of cancer by 50%, effectively preventing the development of this disease. Onions are widely used in cosmetology and dietetics as a means to rejuvenate and restore skin, strengthen hair, and also for weight loss. It is also indispensable in cooking. Recipes that include the vegetable are used in Italian, German, Asian and other cuisines. It adds sharpness and piquancy to many unfamiliar dishes and makes the taste of already familiar ones unforgettable. It must also be remembered that onions should be used with caution by people with liver and stomach diseases, as well as with increased nervous excitability.

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The use of onions in the treatment of flu, colds, runny nose

During a flu epidemic, it is good to use onion-based treatment: juice, tincture, steam.

For the flu

It is necessary to grate the onion (50 grams), dilute with two tablespoons of table vinegar, mix well and strain through several layers of gauze. Add four tablespoons of honey to the resulting juice. The medicine should be taken one teaspoon every thirty minutes.

Grate onion

To prevent flu and colds, you need to instill a few drops into your nose of a solution of onion, carrot juice and vegetable oil in equal proportions.

Treatment of a runny nose

A runny nose can be cured by inhaling the fumes from burning onion skins. Helps with both colds and allergic rhinitis. Drip a solution of grated onion, warm water and a teaspoon of honey into your nose.

Here is another recipe for treating a runny nose with onions: you need to grate half an onion and add vegetable oil (1:1), leave and treat the nasal mucosa, you can drip.

It should be borne in mind that to prepare medicine from onions, you need to use only freshly prepared grated pulp.

In the treatment of influenza and acute viral diseases, a tincture of hot milk and grated onion works well. This mixture must be infused for at least 12 hours and taken on an empty stomach.

Onions have a pathogenic effect, so you can use them to bring down the temperature; you need to eat a tablespoon of a mixture of onions, apples and honey, and wrap yourself in a blanket. Take several times a day.

Cough and sore throat

The following recipes will help reduce cough and sore throat. It is necessary to cook until it boils gently

chopped onion, garlic in milk, preferably not pasteurized and add a spoonful of honey. During the day, take a teaspoon every hour.

A solution of one glass of water with onion juice and a teaspoon of honey will help reduce the pain of a sore throat.

The use of onions in the treatment of joints

To treat diseases of the joints and spine, Indian onions are used, both fresh and in the form of oil solutions and alcohol tinctures.

A tincture of Indian onion leaves and vodka in a ratio of 1 to 10 has an analgesic effect; use for rubbing knees, elbows, etc. It is better to store this tincture in a glass jar and be sure to strain through cheesecloth.

Another oil mixture of Indian onion, olive, peach and flaxseed oil is suitable for rubbing joints.

To treat osteochondrosis and neurological diseases, use a homemade ointment made from eucalyptus oil, alcohol and chopped Indian onions. This ointment has a warming and analgesic effect. It is best to store it in a tightly closed jar in a cool, dark place.

Use of onions in other areas of medicine

Onions are also used to treat female diseases, for example, absence and delay of menstruation, mastitis.

Recipe: Bring the onion peel decoction to a boil until dark red, cool, strain through cheesecloth. Take half a glass on an empty stomach in the morning and evening. The course of treatment is 8-10 days. If menstruation is delayed, add 2 teaspoons of dried cloves to the decoction and drink it chilled 3 times a day.

Recipes for baked onions with honey and flaxseed oil help well with the initial phase of mastitis. It is necessary to apply the mixture several times a day for 3 hours until complete recovery.

Onion juice with honey helps with fungal and purulent diseases. It is necessary to treat the skin for a long time and in compliance with all hygienic requirements.