What are the benefits of onion peels: composition, properties, recipes for use

Chemical composition of onion peel

Onions are a familiar and necessary product in every kitchen. It is added to soups and main courses, salads and snacks. Many people believe that onion waste, at best, is suitable for painting eggs for Easter, and in all other cases goes straight to the trash.

If you figure out how many useful substances it contains and what it can serve, it turns out that the peel of an ordinary onion will replace half of the medicines in the medicine cabinet and cosmetics for hair, nails, and skin care.

Onion peels are rich in:

• Bioflavonoids, including quercetin, a substance that strengthens blood vessels, has an antihistamine effect, prevents the formation of atherosclerotic plaques on the walls of blood vessels, and reduces the risk of thrombosis;
• Phytoncides that have an antioxidant effect, protecting cells from the action of free radicals;
• Vitamin E – an antioxidant that enhances the effect of vitamin A, has a regenerating effect, affects the functioning of the reproductive system, has an antitumor and antidiabetic effect;
• Vitamin C, and the content of ascorbic acid in the husk is higher than in the cells of the edible part of the plant. Vitamin C has an immunomodulating effect, supports the health of teeth and gums, blood vessels, cartilage and bone tissue;
• Vitamin PP, necessary for the functioning of the digestive system, involved in carbohydrate metabolism, in the functioning of the cerebral hemispheres, protecting blood vessels from aging;
• B vitamins, which help restore the body after stress, physical and mental stress, diseases, improve the condition of hair and nails, and have a beneficial effect on liver function;
• Microelements that control water-salt balance, prevent the formation of edema and normalize digestion.

What are the benefits of onion peel?

Onion peels are indeed very rich in biologically active substances (BAS). It includes: vitamins (A, E, C, PP, group B, etc.), phytoncides, flavonoid quercetin, mineral salts of potassium, phosphorus, iron, calcium, etc. In this regard, it is not surprising that the range of therapeutic effects of the husk incredibly wide. Let's figure out exactly how its use can be beneficial for our health.

• Onion peel increases the production of antibodies and protects the body from various negative environmental factors, i.e. is, in fact, a natural immunostimulant.
• Onion peel is an excellent anti-cold remedy, used for both preventive and therapeutic purposes. And all because it has an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effect.
• Onion peels are also a true natural antiseptic.
• Due to the set of antioxidants present in onion peels, the aging processes occurring in various organs and tissues of the body are slowed down, and bright wound-healing and oncoprotective properties are manifested .
• Onion peel is useful as a diuretic. A large amount of toxic substances, toxins and other “excesses” are eliminated from our body through urine.
• The use of onion peels helps cleanse blood vessels of “unnecessary” cholesterol, strengthen vascular walls and minimize the risk of blood clots, thereby preventing the development of numerous problems with the cardiovascular system.
• Onion peel also has the ability to lower blood pressure , especially in cases of angina pectoris and coronary heart disease (CHD), and due to its ability to “keep the heart muscle in good shape” it can be considered a natural cardiotonic.
• Onion peel can stimulate blood circulation in various organs and tissues of the body, improving
• Onion peel has the ability to prevent the formation of histamine and serotonin - substances an anti-edematous effect

Medicinal properties of onion peels

Thanks to the chemical composition, the beneficial properties of the husk are determined:

1. Immunostimulating – strengthening the immune system, protecting against external influences;
2. Antirespiratory – protection against colds and viruses in the midst of illness;
3. Antibacterial and anti-inflammatory - used to treat diseases of the oral cavity, throat, inflammation of the joints, prostate gland;
4. Antioxidant – maintains cell youth, promotes rapid regeneration;
5. Tonic – increases vascular tone and turgor of cell membranes;
6. Anti-allergenic – stops the synthesis of histamine and serotonin;
7. Decongestant – promotes the removal of excess fluid and prevents its stagnation in the body;
8. Anti-sclerotic – prevent the formation of blood clots and cholesterol plaques;
9. Cardiotonic – maintains the tone of the heart muscle;
10. Circulatory – improves blood circulation, and therefore trophism of tissues and organs;
11. Cleansing – removes waste and toxins from cells;
12. Antihypertensive – normalizes blood pressure;
13. Restorative – promotes rapid regeneration of tissues and skin cells, accelerating the healing of injuries, abrasions, wounds, skin inflammation, boils;
14. Anti-aging – helps prolong youth, improves the appearance and tone of skin cells, increases elasticity, fights wrinkles, age spots;
15. Anticancer – quercetin fights substances that provoke the growth of cancer tumors.

What plants are onion peels used for?

Due to its chemical composition, the husk serves as a valuable source of nutrients not only for the human body, but also for plants. The biologically active substances contained in it nourish and tone plants, help get rid of various diseases, increase resistance against them, significantly improve the structure of the soil, enrich it with nutrients and microelements.

All the beneficial properties of onion scales are literally suitable for all plants. They will be useful for feeding, as fertilizer, for peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini and zucchini, pumpkins, potatoes and other vegetable crops. Solutions can be used to treat bushes and strawberries against pests. And the husks remaining after cooking can be buried under the bushes or thrown on the compost heap. Dry scales can be buried in the soil when digging beds, thus improving the soil microflora.

It is also known and proven that onion peelings increase the germination energy of seedlings and the germination of the seeds themselves, and are superior in this indicator to such well-known biostimulants as Energen or HB-101.

How to brew onion skins for treatment

Onion peel oil and ointment are used as external cosmetics. Water and alcohol tincture, decoction, extract are taken internally.

Water infusion

To prepare a water infusion, add 2 tbsp. l. onion peel 0.4 liters of boiling water, simmer in a water bath for 15 minutes, strain, cool, leave in a dark place for 6-8 hours.

The dosage and frequency of administration depends on the diagnosis and the expected therapeutic effect.

This recipe is for preparing a medicine to be taken orally; for external use (lotions, compresses) you will need an infusion of greater concentration (1 part husk to 3 parts water).

Alcohol tincture

Onion peels are washed, dried, crushed (if possible) and filled with vodka or alcohol (50-700). To one part husk there are five parts alcohol.

The mixture is infused in a glass container placed in a dark, cool place (not a refrigerator) for 7-10 days, shaking occasionally. The finished tincture is filtered and taken orally, or used for lotions, rinses, and rinses.

Onion broth

100 g of onion peels are poured into 1 liter of cold water and boiled for 10 minutes, then cooled, filtered, and the volume is brought to 1 liter with warm boiled water. The product is suitable for internal and external use.

Onion tea

Onion tea is useful for treating certain diseases. You can brew a pinch of crushed husk in boiling water (10 minutes), add honey to taste. You can add it to black or green tea when brewing.

Onion extract

First, prepare the husk infusion using the method described above. Then it is placed on low heat and the liquid is evaporated to half the initial volume. It is recommended to store the extract in a dark, cool place. Take internally.

Onion oil

How to make onion oil from peels? To do this, crushed husks are poured with vegetable oil so as to cover completely. Preferably olive oil. Castor oil has a mild laxative effect. This should be taken into account when preparing the medicine.

The husks are infused in oil for 2-3 weeks in a dark place, stirring occasionally. The oil is filtered and stored in a dark glass container in the refrigerator.

Husk ointment

The husks, crushed in a coffee grinder, are added to medicinal creams, ointments, and petroleum jelly, increasing the content of useful substances in them. Use the product externally.

What pests are onion peels used against?

The phytoncides released by onion peels have a very detrimental effect on the growth and activity of pests. Therefore, its solutions are used in the fight against the following pests.

• Aphid . Treatment is carried out with solutions prepared according to one of the recipes, subsequent treatments are carried out a week later 2-3 more times.
• Spider mite . Spray once a week for 1-2 months. When processing, make sure that the solution also gets on the underside of the leaves.
• Cruciferous flea beetle on radishes, turnips, radishes, cabbage. It is better to carry out the treatment with an undiluted infusion solution, or dilute the decoction concentrate in a ratio of 60 ml per 10 liters of water.
• Bud mite on currant bushes. The infusion is prepared at the rate of 200 g per bucket of water and infused for 4-5 days. Then filter and spray before and after flowering.
• Colorado potato beetle . Both young and adult plants are sprayed for preventive purposes with multi-day infusions.

To prevent the appearance of pests in the greenhouse, place a bucket of brewed onion peels; the smell will repel pests. And also periodically irrigate with sprinkling from a watering can with a diffuser.

Colds are not scary

• For a sore throat, gargling with onion tincture is useful, taking the tincture orally - 20 drops in the morning and evening on an empty stomach, the course lasts a week;
• Runny nose, nasal congestion, sinusitis, sinusitis are treated by inhaling smoke while burning onion peels (2-3 minutes, several times a day);
• For coughs, drink warm onion broth, ¼ cup, 3 times a day;
• For inhalation, use a mixture of 10 drops of onion oil and 2-3 drops of eucalyptus essential oil;
• 2 tbsp. l. Mix the husks with the same amount of linden flowers and 1 tbsp. l. coltsfoot flowers. Pour 0.5 liters of boiling water and leave for 20 minutes. The strained infusion is taken to lower body temperature, 0.2 liters three times a day until the condition stabilizes;
• For a sore throat, gargle with onion broth several times a day. The product is useful for both adults and children.

Cardiosclerosis

Cardiosclerosis is one of the most common heart diseases today. It is associated with disturbances in heart rhythm or cardiac conduction of blood, improper contraction of the heart muscle.

Common symptoms of cardiosclerosis are:

● strong heartbeats or slow heart rate,

● sharp aching or tingling pain in the heart area,

● swelling,

● shortness of breath.

Preparations made from onion peels have a positive effect on a diseased heart. Quercetin contained in the plant improves blood conductivity and helps dissolve atherosclerotic plaques.

A complex of vitamins and microelements improves the nutrition of the heart muscle, tones it and normalizes blood circulation.

In addition, onion peel strengthens the immune system and prevents the causes of cardiosclerosis.

● 2 tbsp. l. onion peel

● 1/2 tbsp. l. dandelion roots

● 1/2 tbsp. l. yarrow

● 1/2 tbsp. l. Potentilla roots

The mixture is poured into 1.5 liters of boiling water and left for 1 hour. Then filter and take 3/4 cup in the morning 1 hour before meals. The course of treatment is 10 days.

Treatment of prostatitis

Inflammation of the prostate reduces potency, impairs erection, makes sex life disharmonious and undermines a man's self-confidence.

Instead of medications for the treatment of prostatitis and adenoma, you can use onion peel medicines.

Recipe for the treatment of prostatitis

• Grind 50 g of hazelnut shells and mix with 2 tbsp. l. peels. Pour the mixture into 2 liters of boiling water and simmer over low heat for 1.5 - 2 hours. Infuse the broth for 3 hours, filter and drink 0.1 liter in the morning and evening for three weeks;
• 2 tbsp. l. mix husks with 1 tbsp. l. dried hazel leaves, pour 0.5 liters of boiling water, keep on fire for 5 minutes, cool, strain, take ¼ cup at regular intervals half an hour before meals. The course of treatment is 2 weeks.

Treatment of various diseases with onions

Onions are used in the treatment of many diseases as the main component for the preparation of medicines, so let’s look at what problems the vegetable can solve and how to use it correctly in a particular case.

Stomach diseases

Onion medicines in the form of syrups are used for diseases of the pancreas and biliary tract. To prepare the product, 1 kg of chopped vegetable is mixed with 2 tbsp. sugar and put in the oven at 150 degrees.

It is necessary to simmer the vegetable for 1–2 hours until the resulting syrup acquires a golden color. The resulting product is filtered, poured into a glass container, and stored in the refrigerator. Take the medicine 1 tbsp. l. 3 times a day, regardless of food intake, for 2 months.

Eye diseases

The fresh product is not recommended for use in the preparation of medicines for the eyes, as it can cause severe irritation of the mucous membrane. However, the boiled vegetable and its decoction do not have an irritating effect and are actively used to treat inflammatory processes and bacterial diseases, as they have an antiseptic effect.

Peeled onions are boiled over low heat for 40 minutes, filtered, 1 cup of the product is mixed with 1 tsp. boric acid and used to wash the eyes. The procedure is performed 4 times a day. Such therapy is necessarily used with other drugs as an adjuvant.

Purulent wounds, abscesses, ulcers

It is recommended to treat purulent wounds, ulcers and abscesses with onion-based ointments. To prepare one of these remedies, you should combine 1 tbsp. l. finely chopped vegetables, pork or goat fat. The resulting medicine is applied to the affected area of ​​skin and bandaged with a gauze bandage. You should wear the bandage all day and make a new one at night. The procedure must be repeated until the problem disappears.

Scalp treatment

Onion masks can improve hair condition, stabilize growth processes, and activate hair follicles. The juice of the vegetable is simply used for rubbing into the scalp or cosmetics are prepared on its basis, adding other active ingredients that enhance the effect.

Let's look at several recipes for masks with different effects:

1. Mask based on coconut oil - relieves inflammation and irritation from the use of aggressive cosmetics. For the mask, use 2 tbsp. l. onion juice and coconut oil, add a couple of drops of any essential oil to neutralize the unpleasant odor of onions. All ingredients are mixed, the resulting mixture is applied to the scalp, left for 30 minutes, then washed off with warm water and shampoo.
2. Mask with olive oil - stimulates the growth of new hairs, restores damaged, diseased hair. To prepare the product, mix 3 tbsp. l. juice and 1.5 tbsp. l. oils, apply to the skin with massage movements, leave for 1 hour, rinse with warm water and shampoo.
3. Mask with castor oil - activates hair growth and resists hair loss. To prepare the product, mix 2 tbsp. l. juice and oil, rub the resulting liquid into the scalp, leave for 1 hour, rinse with warm water and shampoo.

When a tendon is sprained

To treat sprains, an onion compress is used, which has an analgesic, warming and restorative effect on the tendons. To prepare a compress, mix the gruel obtained from 2 onions (ground in a blender) and 1 tbsp. l. salt. Place the mixture in 4 layers of gauze, lightly squeeze out the juice and apply to the affected area 2 times a day for 3 hours. The procedure must be completed within 2 weeks.

No pressure

For hypertension, onion waste not only normalizes blood pressure, but also strengthens the walls of blood vessels and the heart muscle, normalizes blood circulation, and prevents vascular spasms.

Alcohol tincture from the husk is taken before meals, 1 tsp mixed with 3 tbsp. l. water, morning and evening. Course duration is 7-10 days. After 3 weeks, it is recommended to repeat the treatment.

See also on the blog: What diseases can be cured with onions

A delicate problem

Hemorrhoids are varicose veins of the anus. The disease causes a lot of inconvenience, but not everyone is ready to seek medical help.

Traditional medicine recipes will help you overcome the disease at home.

• 5 large onions along with the husk are crushed and mixed with 2 liters of fat milk.
• The mixture is boiled for 2 hours, stirring constantly.

Remove the pan from the heat, wrap the lower part of the body in a blanket or towel and warm the anus over milk and onions for 5-10 minutes.

If the buds have “bloomed”

Diseases of the kidneys and urinary tract are often caused by infection and are accompanied by pain and swelling.

For cystitis, a decoction of the husk is taken twice a day, the dosage is ¼ cup. The decoction will not only relieve pain and spasms, but will also have an anti-inflammatory and antiseptic effect.

How to prepare a decoction of onion peels and how to use it?

Preparing the decoction is very easy.

1. To do this, take a handful of clean, in no case rotten husks (1 part), and rinse it thoroughly.
2. Then fill it with water (10 parts) and cook on low heat, 15 minutes is enough.
3. After this, all that remains is to strain the broth and take it according to the chosen regimen.

Despite the heat treatment, the decoction also has the same beneficial properties as the dry peel. It can be used not only in cooking, but also in folk medicine. Add it to tea, and this drink will help get rid of headaches and lower blood pressure.

Tincture with vinegar for joint pain

To treat joint pain, arthritis, arthrosis, gout, and rheumatism, a tincture of onion peels and table vinegar is used.

To prepare it, 1 tbsp. pour onion peels with the same amount of vinegar (9%), seal tightly and leave for 2 weeks, shaking occasionally.

The finished medicine is filtered and used for compresses on sore joints.

Ways to use onions

Depending on what health problem needs to be solved, onions can be used in different ways; let’s take a closer look at each of them.

Inhalations

The vapors emitted by onions contain healing essential oil, so the vegetable is often used in the treatment of colds and viral diseases. Inhalations with fresh onions or their decoction have an antibacterial, antiviral, anti-edematous effect on the body, clear the nasopharynx of mucus, and kill bacteria. To achieve the best effect, the vegetable is finely chopped or crushed using a blender. You should inhale the healing vapors while covering yourself with a thick cloth or a large terry towel.

Compresses

Onion compresses have an analgesic and healing effect, relieve inflammation and are used to draw out purulent formations on the surface of the skin. A vegetable-based compress warms well, so it is often used to treat otitis media. A compress applied to the chest helps well with bronchitis and colds with a strong cough; it has an expectorant effect, makes breathing easier, and relieves the characteristic “burning” in the chest with a dry cough.

Infusions

You can treat kidney and bladder diseases with an infusion of onion peels. This product cleanses the body, fights inflammation, and facilitates the functioning of the liver. The infusion can get rid of worms, roundworms and pinworms, has a mild effect on the body, and therefore can be used in the treatment of children.

The antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effect of the infusion is very much appreciated in the treatment of oral diseases - stomatitis, sore throat. Infusions for mouth rinsing must be diluted with water to obtain a weak solution and used regularly throughout the day.

Decoctions

For decoctions, the husk is used, which has an expectorant, diuretic, laxative, antispasmodic, choleretic, vascular-strengthening and antimicrobial effect. Decoctions from the husk are very valuable for hypertension and atherosclerosis.

Important! Onions lose a large amount of vitamins during heat treatment, so vegetable broth is not suitable for stimulating the immune system.

Onion juice and pulp

Onion juice is the main component in the preparation of syrups; it is also used in cosmetology together with onion pulp for masks for the face (for acne, freckles and age spots) and scalp (as an effective remedy for restoring damaged hair). Onion juice is drunk with other auxiliary components in the treatment of colds and viral diseases as an expectorant and anti-inflammatory agent.

Onion tea for a restful sleep

Many people are familiar with the feeling of nighttime leg cramps. The symptom indicates a deficiency of magnesium in the body, the source of which may be onion peels.

For a restful sleep at night, it is recommended to drink a cup of onion tea.

See also on the blog: Liver treatment with folk remedies: effective recipes

How to treat skin problems

To remove calluses, it is recommended to use vinegar tincture of peels. After the tincture is ready, there is no need to get rid of the husks.

The skin around the callus must be softened with a thick foot cream or Vaseline, the peel must be applied to the callus itself, sealed with an adhesive plaster and put on a woolen sock. Repeat until there is no trace left of the callus;

Cracked heels, skin rashes, and boils are treated with onion “cakes.”

To prepare them, onion peels are soaked overnight in water, then mixed with crushed plantain leaves (1:1), add 1 tbsp. l. honey and flour to make a thick “dough”. Pieces of dough are applied to the affected areas, covering the top with a bandage or adhesive plaster.

Onion oil for healthy hair

A decoction of the husk has a beneficial effect on hair health.

It is recommended to rub onion oil into the roots for better growth; rinsing with a decoction of onion peels will make the hair silky, add shine and a golden hue.

Beneficial effect

Golden husk has a wide range of medicinal properties:

1. has a beneficial effect on the immune system, has a general strengthening effect on the body
2. effectively suppresses colds, is considered an excellent preventative against viruses
3. exhibits antihistamine properties, that is, relieves allergy symptoms
4. improves the condition of capillaries and other blood vessels, preventing the development of atherosclerosis
5. Having a diuretic effect, it removes toxins and salts from the body and relieves swelling
6. Thanks to its antiseptic properties, it relieves inflammatory processes in the body
7. stimulates blood circulation
8. tones and rejuvenates the body as an antioxidant
9. lowers blood pressure
10. relieves headaches and pain in women during PMS
11. has a beneficial effect on vision, slowing down the processes associated with its loss

It would not be superfluous to mention the cosmetological effects of onion peel tea:

• stimulating the exfoliation of dead skin cells,
• acceleration of the healing process of abrasions, frostbite or burns (natural antiseptic),
• restoring elasticity to the skin, smoothing out facial wrinkles.

Contraindications

Like all medications, taking the drugs presented has its precautions. Before drinking, you should know that they are contraindicated:

1. Pregnant and lactating women;
2. People with chronic liver diseases, cholelithiasis;
3. Diseases of the stomach and duodenum;
4. People who are allergic to onions;
5. With increased blood clotting;
6. Alcoholism

Reviews of people who have accepted treatment with onion peels and have been cured of various ailments with its help should not serve as a reason to start self-treatment, especially if we are talking about serious diseases. In all cases, consultation with a doctor is necessary.