Medicinal Properties Of The Humble Onion
Studies into its nutritional
value have concluded that they have a number of health benefits and are
effective in:
- Lowering your susceptibility to Colon , Prostrate and Stomach cancers
- Helps your sleep patterns and improve your mood
-
Provides strength and structure for your skin and hair
Eating onions just two or three times a week can make a big difference. They have a number of medicinal and healing properties that can be used to fight various ailments. Onions are packed full with a compound called Quercetin which has both strong anti-bacterial properties and the ability to fight harmful toxins. It is a powerful antihistamine, anti-inflammatory and a lowers of cholesterol levels. The densest concentration of Quercetin is found in the outer rings nearest to the bulb's skin as well as the part of the onion that is closest to the root. This goodness is found in both red and white onions, and both types can be used as part of these natural remedies.1. Onions Heals Cuts Onions are effective in the treatment of cuts to the skin. If you cut yourself with a knife cutting one, apply a slice of the onion to the injured area immediately. The raw onion will prevent infection and cleans the wound. Next, take a piece of the onion's skin and place it over the top of the wound, sealing it with an adhesive. Helps the bleeding to stop quickly and the wound looks clean. For larger cut or graze, use gauze to fix a piece of onion over the top of it. You can keep the onion on the wound for as long as required, just make sure you change the gauze regularly.2. Lowers Fever Here's an odd one for you, but an onion in a sock is a surprisingly successful means of lowering your body temperature when you are suffering from a high fever!Chop up some potatoes and slice an onion in half. Put one half of the onion into one sock, and the other half into another (with some potato slices in each of the socks as well). Next, put the socks on your feet trying to ensure that the mixture is pressed against your soles. You should find that your temperature lowers in a relatively short time - it might sound crazy but there are many examples of success stories!3. Can Cure Earache and Help Remove Wax An onion's anti-inflammatory properties make it a powerful defense against earache and they can also be used to soften ear wax, making the wax easier to remove. If you are suffering from an earache, chop up an onion, take the inner part (that is the hard section at the 'heart' of the onion) and place it in your ear for remedial relief. For best results use it shortly before you got to sleep. If you are someone who suffers from regular, excessive wax build-up, then you might want to perform this trick regularly.
4. Help Fight the Common Cold If you feel you are developing the tell-tale signs of a coming cold (sniffles, sore throat etc) then raid your cupboard for an onion. It is most effective when eaten raw in a salad with salt, pepper powder and lime juice. Alternatively, boil the onion and use it alongside ginger and honey to make a tea. It will raise your defenses and help you fight off the cold.
5. Soothes Burns Onions are incredibly effective in soothing small burns, simply take half a chopped onion and apply it directly to the wound. Hold it in place for a few minutes and the pain should quickly start to ease.
6. Provide Relief From Cough Peel a red or white onion, and cut it into large slices. Layer the slices in a seal-able jar and place brown sugar on top. Close the lid of the jar and let it sit for some time (around 6 hours is optimum). A syrup will form in the jar. Take a spoonful of the syrup as regularly as needed. The brown sugar makes the syrup more palatable and the resulting mixture does not taste too bad. Re-make the syrup every couple of days, replacing the old mixture with new.If you want an alternative, pour honey over the sliced onion instead of the brown sugar (use both if you have a particularly sweet tooth). Add a sprinkling of grated garlic for an extra health boost.
7. Helps Remove Eye Irritations While chopping an onion, the tears that roll down, helps to remove eye irritants, to flush out an unwanted bit of dirt, a pesky fly or any other small irritant before it turns your whole eye red. Simply chop an onion and let nature takes its course! It is important not to touch your eye after chopping the onion though - that will add to your pain. Wash your hands thoroughly before you do so.
8. Can Fight Insect Stings The antihistamine properties of an onion come in handy, when you are stung by a bee or wasp. Applying a bit of crushed or grated onion directly to the skin can be extremely beneficial for pain relief.The antihistamine will prevent an allergic reaction while the anti-inflammatory qualities of the onion will reduce any associated swelling. Keep the onion in place until the pain has subsided by using a breathable bandage that you should replace regularly.
Labels: anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, antihistamines, burns, cold, Colon, cough, cuts, ear ache, fever, insect bites, lowers cholesterol, medicinal value, onion, prostrate and stomach cancers, Quercetin, sleep patterns
posted by G S Iyer at 9:24 AM
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