How to properly use onion juice for medicinal purposes
Onions are popular not only in cooking, but also in folk medicine. The juice obtained from it contains many useful components that have a beneficial effect on health. It is used to treat diseases and in cosmetology. In this article we will tell you in detail about the benefits and harms of onion juice.
Composition of onion juice
Onion juice contains many biologically active components. Among them are phenols and flavonoids - natural antioxidants and phytoncides that have anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects.
Concentration of vitamins per 100 g of product:
- A - 2.0 IU;
- C - 7.4 mg;
- PP - 0.1 mg;
- E - 0.02 mg;
- B4 (choline) - 6.1 mg;
- K - 0.4 mcg;
- B6 - 0.12 mg
- folic acid and its derivatives - 19.0 mcg;
- pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) - 0.1 mg;
- betaine (amino acid) - 0.1 mg.
Concentration of macro- and microelements per 100 g:
- calcium - 23 mg;
- iron - 0.2 mg;
- potassium - 146 mg;
- sodium - 4 mg;
- chromium - 2 mcg;
- selenium - 0.5 mcg;
- zinc - 0.2 mg;
- magnesium - 10 mg;
- manganese - 0.1 mg;
- copper - 0.039 mg;
- phosphorus - 29 mg;
The product also contains:
- essential oils;
- polysaccharide inulin;
- alkaloids;
- organic acids;
- enzymes;
- sugars (fructose, sucrose, maltose).
100 g of product contains 23 kcal.
Reference. The energy value of onion juice is low, which allows it to be used in dietary nutrition.
Beneficial properties of onion juice
Onion drink has the following healing properties:
- anti-inflammatory and antiseptic;
- antimicrobial and antiparasitic;
- antioxidant;
- regenerating;
- anticarcinogenic;
- immunomodulatory;
- cleansing;
- decongestant, etc.
For digestion
Due to the content of fiber, enzymes, and inulin, onion drink stabilizes metabolic processes. Regular consumption of the product stimulates the digestive glands and activates the gastrointestinal tract. This helps cleanse the body, eliminate constipation, flatulence, and bloating.
Onion juice reduces cholesterol levels in the blood, its antiseptic properties prevent the development of pathogenic microflora in the digestive tract.
For allergic reactions
Onions are a natural antihistamine and are used against allergies. The drink is taken internally or externally. Local application for insect bites is common - lotions eliminate swelling, itching, redness, and accelerate wound healing.
Attention! The product is effective against cold allergies. If, after returning from the cold, the skin itches, turns red, flakes and cracks, it is advisable to combine onion juice with honey and treat the affected areas.
For the skeletal system
Onion juice prevents osteoporosis. Calcium and other minerals in the drink prevent the destruction of bone tissue and strengthen the skeleton.
The anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of the product are used to relieve symptoms of gout and arthritis. In this case, it is used topically in the form of lotions.
Reduces blood sugar levels
Chromium in onion juice reduces blood glucose levels. In this case, the product is consumed in courses. This property is used for the prevention and treatment of diabetes.
For the cardiovascular system
Onions are on the list of foods that lower blood cholesterol. This has a beneficial effect on blood vessels and prevents the development of atherosclerosis and thrombus formation. Sulfur, chromium, B vitamins, antioxidants in onion juice strengthen the cardiovascular and nervous systems.
Important! Onion juice reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Fights cancer cells
Due to the content of antioxidants (quercetin) and sulfides, onion drink slows down the aging process and reduces the risk of developing cancer pathologies. The product is useful for the prevention of cancer of the larynx, esophagus, intestines, kidneys, breast, and prostate.
When losing weight
Onion drink activates metabolic processes, which allows you to burn fat faster. It is useful to include the product in small quantities in the diet when losing weight, but you should not consume it on an empty stomach. This will cause inflammation of the gastrointestinal mucosa.
Attention! Onion juice improves the motility of the digestive organs and eliminates constipation.
Mouth rinse
The antiseptic properties of onion juice are used to sanitize the oral cavity. The product prevents the development of infectious processes, caries, and the formation of tartar. The minerals in its composition have a general strengthening effect on the gums and teeth.
A side effect of rinsing is bad breath, so it is recommended to carry out the procedure at night.
For beauty
Onion juice is widely used in cosmetology to treat weakened hair and improve skin condition. The product is used topically in the form of masks, lotions, and tonics. The juice restores and strengthens damaged hair and prevents hair loss.Local application of the product on the skin of the face increases blood circulation in the tissues, disinfects, whitens and nourishes the treated area.
For men
Onion drink has a beneficial effect on male potency and significantly increases sexual activity, which is why it was forbidden to drink it in monasteries. The product improves sperm quality and testosterone production. The juice prevents prostatitis and impotence.
For women
For the treatment of gynecological pathologies, onion juice is used topically and orally. Drinking the drink is useful for normalizing the menstrual cycle, and during menopause - for the prevention of osteoporosis. Locally, the product is used to treat erosion and inflammation of the cervix, soaking a tampon with juice.
During pregnancy, the product becomes a source of folic acid, necessary for the proper formation of the fetus. For constipation, the drink will help cleanse the intestines.
Application of onion juice
Freshly squeezed vegetable juice is considered the most useful. It is recommended to use the product within 6-8 hours after preparation. The exception is tincture with alcohol - it retains its healing properties for a long time. Decoctions and infusions are used within 24 hours after preparation.
In cosmetology
Onion juice cosmetics are used for:
- treatment of hair loss, restoration of structure, strengthening, acceleration of growth;
- elimination of freckles, age spots, warts;
- skin nutrition;
- fight against acne, pimples;
- elimination of calluses, corns;
- accelerating the healing of bruises, scratches, abscesses.
To enhance the therapeutic effect, the use of onion juice orally is combined with its local use.
In folk medicine
Indications for using onion juice:
- colds and accompanying symptoms (runny nose, cough, sore throat);
- urolithiasis disease;
- kidney pathologies accompanied by edema;
- candidiasis of the digestive tract, oral cavity;
- helminthic infestation;
- eczema;
- allergies, including insect bites;
- frostbite;
- dysfunction of the digestive system, accompanied by bloating, constipation, flatulence;
- headache, toothache;
- hypertension, atherosclerosis;
- osteoporosis;
- gynecological pathologies (thrush, cervical erosion);
- decreased sexual activity in men;
- diabetes.
Using onion drink increases the effectiveness of medication treatment. It is advisable to use the product for the prevention of diseases.
How much onion juice can be consumed without harm to health?
If a person has no contraindications to taking onion juice, there are no restrictions on the amount of consumption. However, it is not recommended that a single dose of the drink exceed 50 ml (fresh).
It is believed that eating 100 g of onion per day covers the body's daily need for essential minerals and vitamins. This corresponds to 2 small onions. It is not recommended to consume more than 7 vegetables per week.
Attention! When using the juice for the first time (internal and external), it is better to limit it to a small volume in order to check whether there is any individual intolerance to the product. This is especially true for children. When instilling onion juice into the nose for a runny nose, it is diluted with water in a 1:1 ratio.
Possible harm and contraindications
Onion juice should not be used if you have:
- gastritis and ulcerative lesions of the digestive tract;
- colitis;
- irritable bowel syndrome;
- individual intolerance;
- exacerbation of liver pathologies.
Contraindications are due to the risk of irritation of the mucous membranes, the development of inflammatory processes, itching and burning. Before using the product, it is recommended to consult with your doctor. Treatment with onion juice is contraindicated for children under 3 years of age.
Recipes with onion juice and application diagrams
To get an effective result, it is important to prepare the drink correctly:
- Grind the vegetable in a meat grinder, blender or grater;
- squeeze the pulp through cheesecloth.
To prepare medicinal and cosmetic products, the juice of 1-2 onions is enough.
In cosmetology
Hair strengthening mask:
- Combine 40 ml of beer and 20 ml of onion juice.
- Rub the composition into the scalp and wait half an hour. Then wash off the mask.
- Repeat 1-2 times a week for 2 months.
Nourishing face mask:
- Combine onion juice and liquid honey in the same ratio and mix.
- Apply the product to your face and wait 20 minutes.
- Wash off the mask with warm water.
Toner for acne and acne:
- Combine onion juice, fresh yeast and milk in equal proportions.
- Wipe the affected skin with toner every morning and evening.
In folk medicine
For colds:
- 10 tbsp. l. combine onion juice with 20 tbsp. l. honey
- Consume 2-3 tsp three times a day.
To reduce pressure:
- Squeeze juice from 3 kg of onion, add 500 g of honey and 30 walnut membranes.
- Pour 500 ml of vodka into the mixture.
- Leave for 10 days in a darkened room.
- When blood pressure rises, take 1 tbsp. l. funds three times a day.
For edema:
- Boil 2 liters of water, after cooling, squeeze the juice of 2 onions into it.
- Add 3 bunches of chopped parsley and the juice of 3 lemons.
- Stir and leave for 2-3 hours.
- Divide the product into 5-6 doses and drink throughout the day. The course of therapy is 3 days.
This is interesting:
Features of treating hemorrhoids with onions
Conclusion
Onion drink has an impressive list of healing properties, which explains its widespread use in cosmetology and folk medicine. However, the product can be used to treat diseases only if there are no contraindications. It is recommended to use onion juice in combination with drug therapy. This will increase its effectiveness and speed up recovery.