The Many Benefits of Onions (other than being a tear-jerker)

The Many Benefits of Onions (other than being a tear-jerker)

 

As I was in the produce department of the grocery store today, I was picking out that perfect onion to go home with me and had a flash back about the benefits of raw onions. Sometimes I take the simplest things for granted and forget how important God’s garden can be for us.

When I was in medical school, we had a course in Botanical medicine. I would like to share what a simple little raw onion can possibly do in a big way.

The onion’s real name is Allium cepa and is a member of the Lilliaceae (or Lily) family. They are grown worldwide but my favorite is the Valdalia onion grown in Georgia, US.

It has been said that onions were used for medicinal purposes as far back as 4000 BC as a cure-all for many illnesses. Durning World War 11 the vapors of onions were used to help with pain.  Yes, I know, they didn’t have all the great medicine we have now. But consider this, with the fallen economy and onions are so cheap, why not use them as preventative medicine. Please go to the doctor when needed but lets concentrate on getting healthier and preventing illness before the illness sets in.

The constituents of a raw onion contains volatile oil, allicin, alliin, flavonoids, phenolic acid, and sterols. No wonder they’re so powerful!

In 1/2 cup of chopped fresh onion there is:

Calories   16                          Carbohydrates  4 g              Vitamin A   498 IU

Fat   0 g                                  Protein   1 g                           Vitamin C   10 mg

Saturated Fat   0 g                Dietary Fiber   1 g                 Iron 1 mg

Cholesterol   0 mg                Sodium 8 mg                        Cartenoids   867 mic g

The World Heath Organization (WHO) states that onions can be used for the treatment of poor appetite and to prevent atherosclerosis. Also, the WHO recognizes the use of onion extracts as relieving coughs, colds, asthma and bronchitis.

Some of the things we learned in school was its great uses for:

The Many Benefits of Onions (other than being a tear-jerker) Image

  1. Respiratory problems such as colds. flu, cough, bronchitis, hoarseness, and mild fever.
  2. Skin problems such as suppurating wounds (an onion poultice drains the pus).
  3. Drinking the juice may relieve cystitis.
  4. Good for flatulence or gas.
  5. In general, onions may prevent oral infections and tooth decay.
  6. Onions are suppose to be great as a warm juice in the ear canal for a earache.
  7. For cardiovascular use, onions may help to increase the HDL cholesterol in the blood stream and help decrease the bad cholesterol (LDL). May also help increase the ability of the blood to dissolve blood clots.

Some of the ways in which to use the onions is as follows:

  1. Poultice: Bake the onion, crush and place on a gauze. This can be used on the chest for a cold or cough.
  2. Syrup: Create juice with sugar or press and add honey. This makes a good expectorant for coughs.
  3. Cold extract: Soak a onion in 1 cup water for 24 hours and strain.
  4. Decoction: Boil a medium, chopped onion in 1 1/2 cups of water until 1 cup liquid remains.
  5. Bake a large onion at 400 degree’s for 40 minute. Remove and mix the juice with an equal amount of honey.

There are many advantages in eating raw onions other than just for a food flavor enhancer. Surf the web when you have time and you will be amazed at what these small bulbs can do.

Remember however, never put off going to your doctor. We are talking here about getting healthier while you are still healthy.

Have fun, eat your onions and don’t forget your breath mints!  🙂

  • Nature’s Medicine – Onions (cosmosaic.wordpress.com)
  • Oh the rings of an onion (coleition.com)
  • How to Grow Onions: Growing Onions Organically (growinganything.com)