Natural remedies: 10 alternative uses of the onion

The onion is commonly used both raw and cooked, to enrich salads, risottos or soups, but also in many other recipes, according the tastes of each one. However, the onion is not only a food, but also a real medicine, which for centuries has been used in popular therapeutic practice.

Onion has anti-anemic and anti-bacterial properties. It also helps the work of the kidneys and promotes the lowering of the level of glucose in the blood, which makes it very useful for diabetics. It is considered a real natural antibiotic, able to fight the symptoms of colds and flu. We try to suggest you some alternative uses of this portentous herbaceous plant.

1. Cough syrup

For the preparation of this syrup you will simply need an onion and some sugar. Peel and chop the onion; put everything in a bowl and sprinkle with two or three tablespoons of sugar. Let the preparation rest for 12 hours. Then filter the liquid you have obtained and take a teaspoon diluted in half a glass of water three times a day.

2. Poultice against colds

It is an effective grandma’s remedy that will help you to decongest the airways. Slice and stew an onion for about ten minutes. Let it cool and wrap it in a cotton cloth. Lie down and apply the poultice on the chest for at least half an hour.

3. Against hair loss

If against hair loss by now you have experienced every remedy known to you, why not give it a try with the onion? Tradition has it among the most effective natural remedies to stimulate the microcirculation of the skin. You just have to add chopped onion on the scalp for at least 20 minutes before make a shampoo.

4. Insect bites

To alleviate the itching and burning caused by insect bites, rub a slice of raw onion on the affected area. This remedy is especially effective if you are bitten by a mosquito.

5. Alleviate the scars

Our grandmothers and great-grandmothers applied a slice of raw onion on the scars left by cuts and wounds so that they disappeared as soon as possible without leaving any mark on the skin. In this case the onion can be kept in contact with the skin for a longer time by applying a plaster or with the help of gauze.

6. Fight cholesterol

If you have high cholesterol, try adding regularly the onion to your diet, as if it were a real medicine. According to recent studies, red onions are the most effective for reducing bad cholesterol, keeping the good one intact, and keeping away the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases.

7. Wellness of the intestine

With its antibacterial and antifungal properties, raw onion is an effective remedy to fight intestinal parasites without altering the bacterial flora. The sulfur contained in it helps to prevent and fight intestinal fermentations. The onion, when cooked, has digestive and laxative effects and acts by promoting intestinal regularity.

8. Against toothache

In case of toothaches, abscesses, ulcers or gum inflammations, it is useful to apply on the painful part some minced raw onion. It will release substances with antiseptic properties that will help you fight infections and relieve pain.

9. Cleaning of shoes

To facilitate the cleaning of shoes, it may be helpful to rub mud or grass stains with a slice of raw onion. You can then complete the cleaning with a cloth soaked in beer or vinegar.

10. Ash stains

If you want to remove an ash stain from a garment or a fabric, the most effective remedy is to pre-treat the affected area by applying on it some raw onion for at least half an hour, before washing.