If vegetables could be superheroes, onions would definitely be at the top of the list. This unassuming root vegetable boasts an impressive host of health benefits. Onions are also endlessly versatile, and the fact that most of us already have a few on hand at all times makes them an ideal home remedy you can whip up when a cold or flu is coming on.

The Powerful Health Benefits of Onions

Onions and garlic are both in the allium family and share many of the same health benefits. The word allium literally means “I smell,” and we all know onions are certainly known for their pungent scent.

Onions are potent in other ways too. They contain high levels of vitamin C, folate, potassium, phosphorous, magnesium, potassium, and calcium. They are also high in the antioxidant quercetin.

Quercetin has been shown to protect against many different types of cancer in the body, boosts immune response, and is even used to help with cataracts. The quercetin in onions has also been studied for its ability to improve heart health, prevent heart disease, and keep blood flowing freely throughout the body when used daily.

Yellow onions generally have more quercetin than red or white onions (and are usually the most affordable anyway!).

Other Interesting Facts about Onions

• Onions are high in sulfuric compounds that have been shown to kill even salmonella and E. coli. These compounds also help prevent cancer and heart disease.
• In the past it was recommended to place bowls of onions around the room so they would absorb any germs around.
• Onions build both bone and mineral density to help prevent osteoporosis.
• Onions are so healthy, that even in this study when they were fried, they increased blood quercetin from 28.4 ng/ml to 248.4 ng/ml. It also increased participants’ overall antioxidant ability.
• Chewing on raw onion will relieve a toothache, kill germs, and help prevent tooth and gum disorders. Just be sure to brush your teeth really well afterward!
• Onions are full of fructooligosaccharides that encourage beneficial bacteria, yet target harmful bacteria in the gut.
• Onions lower blood sugar levels and improve insulin levels.

7 Onion Home Remedies You Can Count On

Onions can be used in many different home remedies. Here are seven of my personal favorites:

1. Onion Poultice to Relieve Congestion and Coughing

Onions work like an expectorant. They help break up mucus and congestion in the chest and reduce spasmodic coughs.

Onions work best for a chest poultice if they’re heated first. To break up chest congestion and soothe a spastic cough, you can apply a poultice externally, or take an onion syrup or tincture internally.

How to make an onion poultice:

• Slice or dice an onion, add 1 tablespoon of water, and cook until the water evaporates.
• Allow the onion to cool to a comfortable temperature, then wrap the onion in a small towel, like a tea towel. Gather the ends of the towel together and secure with a rubber band.
• Place the poultice on the chest or back and leave it for 30 minutes, repeating the process every 3 hours or until the symptoms are gone.

An onion poultice is smelly for sure. To help with this I sometimes apply the poultice to the feet, wrap them in cloth or plastic, and cover with socks.

2. “Fire Cider” Immunity Booster

Fire cider is an age-old remedy made from onions, horseradish, garlic, cayenne pepper, and other aromatic plants steeped in apple cider vinegar. Onions are used in this recipe because of their potent antiviral and antibacterial compounds and their ability to support the immune system. You can get my easy recipe for fire cider (I call it “Spicy Cider”) here.

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