Onion is a bulb of the onion plant, Allium cepa L., of the botanical family liliaceae. It is formed from an underground thickening of the stalk.
Onion is one of Nature’s most potent food when it comes to considering its nutritional properties. Also, it is a highly potent medicine for both internal and external ailments. This has been found since the ancient times of the Israelites, about 3500 years ago.
The idea that onions may ward off disease through their potent therapeutic properties extends back thousands of years. Ancient Ayurvedic and Chinese Medicine revered onions for their congestion-relieving properties. The Ancient Greeks rubbed onions on sore muscles and the Native Americans used them to ward off the common cold and flu.
In fact, the World Health Organisation has even recognised onion for its ability to help relieve flu symptoms including coughs, congestion, respiratory infections and bronchitis.
Onions contain about twenty-five active compounds that appear to inhibit the growth of cancerous cells.
Onion has been found to help combat heart disease, inhibit strokes, lower blood pressure and cholesterol, and stimulate the immune system.
The potassium salts and flavonoids that are present perform an anti-inflammatory action. The essential oil found in onions is an expectorant, antiseptic, antifungal, anticoagulant, antihypertensive, antithelmitic, balsamic, rubefciant, and has analgesic properties.
Onions can be taken raw or cooked with food.
Another interesting property of onion is its ability to draw to itself the toxins present in any environment where it is placed. This is why onions can be cut and placed face down on boils to draw out the toxins, or cut into four and placed in a room where a chronically ill person is recuperating. This is why left over onions should not be used, because from the moment they are cut, they draw in toxins from the atmosphere.
Research shows that onions may help guard against many chronic diseases. That is probably because onions contain generous amounts of the flavonoid quercetin. Studies have shown that quercetin protects against cataracts, cardiovascular disease, and cancer.
In addition, onions contain a variety of other naturally occurring chemicals known as organosulfur compounds (alliums), that have been linked to lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
The sulphur in onion is also very essential for the detoxification function of the liver, as most of the toxic impurities formed by the deamination process in the liver needs to be bonded to sulphur compound, for them to be moved out of the body.
Onions are thus highly recommended in cases of liver disorders as they help stimulate the detoxifying effect of the liver. They are therefore highly indicated in cases of liver failure.
Onions are also very essential for the kidneys to perform their excretory functions maximally.
The alkalizing effect of onion explains this. It facilitates the elimination of waste products from the body. This elimination can be in the form of an increase in urine production. Thus, those suffering from kidney related disorders such as kidney stones and renal failure, should increase the consumption of onions in their diets.
Onion possesses both antibacterial and antiviral properties.Those suffering from chronic bacteria or viral infection like hepatitis will find in onion an additional help towards healing.
The onion\’s ability to relieve congestions especially in the lungs and bronchial tract is hard to believe until you have actually witnessed the results. The drawing of infection, congestion and colds out of the ear is also remarkable.Two drops of onion juice placed into an aching ear will give a near instant relief.
Onion relieves stomach upset and other gastrointestinal disorders. It also strengthens appetite.
Onions also help prevent thrombosis by reducing formation of clots within the blood vessels.
Onion relieves headaches, clears up stuffed nose with discharges , toothache, especially in the molar area, hoarseness and the early stages of laryngitis; abdominal colic in babies.
The smell from the breath of the user of onions may not be desirable, just as the eyes and nose of the user may riot and shed tears while cutting the onions; but the advantages it gives to the body far outweigh its irritating inconveniences.
Therefore, to make your food your medicine, and your medicine your food, use more onions .
Oseni, a Naturopath, is the CEO of Alayo Health and Wellness Centre,
100, Ibadan – Abeokuta Road, Adatan – Car Wash,
Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria
08034170747,
osenialayo@gmail.com
