Saving children from runny noses: nasal drops from onion juice

Rhinitis, or in common parlance a runny nose. is a common respiratory disease that often occurs in children. This inflammation of the mucous membranes of the nasal cavity can be caused by various reasons: allergies, viruses, colds. As a rule, when parents notice a severe runny nose in a child, they begin to fight it with all available means. Syrups and cold tablets, warming ointments, and nasal drops are used.

Traditional medicine offers an effective but safer way to treat rhinitis at home - onion juice.

Beneficial properties of onion juice

Onions are a popular medicinal raw material in many countries around the world. It is recommended to be used for the treatment and prevention of diseases of the upper respiratory tract, constipation, skin diseases, weakened immunity, to strengthen hair, accelerate the healing of wounds and burns.

This is a good vitamin supplement that the body needs all year round, especially in the winter-autumn period. The bulbs contain a lot of vitamin C (11.1% of the norm in 100 g). It protects well against flu and infections, strengthens the immune system, has an anti-allergic effect, and stops the inflammatory process.

It is an indisputable fact that people whose diet includes fresh onions have better health and are less likely to experience cardiovascular diseases. This is explained by the presence of B vitamins in the composition.They are important for the normal functioning of the body, ensure proper functioning of the heart muscle, and normalize hematopoietic processes.

B vitamins together with ascorbic acid have a beneficial effect on the condition of the walls of large vessels and capillaries: they increase their strength and elasticity, reduce permeability, and regulate cholesterol levels in the blood. This serves as a good prevention of atherosclerosis and related complications - stroke, myocardial infarction, rupture of arterial aneurysm.

One of the most important effects of onions in relation to the human body is cleansing the digestive system of various types of waste, toxins, and heavy metal salts. Active substances, dietary fiber, perform a number of functions:

• activate metabolism;
• improve digestion;
• accelerate the process of fat breakdown and ensure their removal from the body;
• normalize water-salt balance;
• stimulate weight loss;
• have a mild laxative effect.

Onions are a source of vitamin A (beta-carotene). This powerful antioxidant inhibits inflammation, plays an important role in the formation of new cells, and slows down the aging process. In addition, it protects against cancer formation, maintains eye hydration, preventing drying out of the mucous membrane, and ensures the proper functioning of the sebaceous and sweat glands.

Onions are valued for their anti-inflammatory, diuretic, analgesic, and antimicrobial effects. This is a popular cosmetic product. Onion juice is used to lubricate the scalp for seborrhea, baldness, to strengthen the roots and stimulate hair growth.Onion masks and taking onions internally improve the condition of the skin: refresh, tone, prevent the appearance of wrinkles, neutralize freckles and age spots.

How does it help with a runny nose?

Onion drops for children are an effective remedy against a runny nose, which is explained by the rich chemical composition and versatile effects of onion juice.

Onion juice for a runny nose has a wide spectrum of activity:

• neutralizes swelling of the mucous membrane;
• thins and reduces the amount of nasal mucus secretions;
• restores breathing;
• provides adequate ventilation and blood supply to the paranasal sinuses;
• stimulates powerful antimicrobial immunity;
• prevents the development of sinusitis, sinusitis, otitis media;
• inhibits inflammatory processes.

The obvious advantage of onions over medications is its low cost and availability. In addition, onion juice is not addictive, rarely causes side effects, and has virtually no contraindications.

How it works for nasal congestion

The bulbs contain volatile substances (phytoncides) that kill or suppress the growth and reproduction of viruses, bacteria, whooping cough pathogens, and Staphylococcus aureus microbes.

In addition, phytoncides remove heavy metals and toxic substances from the body, have pronounced tonic properties, and have a beneficial effect on the general condition of the immune system.

Vitamin C has a positive effect on the body’s protective function:

• strengthens specific and nonspecific types of immunity;
• prevents the strengthening and proliferation of pathogens on the surface of the mucosa;
• serves as a good prevention of damage to the lower respiratory tract.

Nicotinic acid normalizes blood circulation in the nasal mucosa, regulates blood viscosity and fluidity, and improves the condition of capillaries. Thiamine (vitamin B1) accelerates the regeneration of nerve endings and damaged epithelium of the nasal mucosa. Potassium and sodium in onion juice thin out thickened mucus and facilitate its secretion; retinol increases the protection of mucous membranes.

For reference. Onions also have a pronounced effect on the secretory activity of the nasal mucous membranes. Volatile substances and amino acids upon contact with the mucous membrane irritate it, thereby activating vibrations of the villi of the ciliated epithelium, due to which microbes and viruses are removed from the nasal cavity.

How to make nasal drops from onions

Let's start with the fact that the effectiveness of the product directly depends on the quality of the product itself. Ideally, it is better to use onions from your own harvest or grown in guaranteed safe conditions without the use of nitrates.

There are many recipes with onions for the treatment and prevention of rhinitis. Fresh vegetable juice is used separately as a medicinal raw material or combined with other products.

The most effective onion nasal drops for children are described below. Any prescription must be agreed upon with the attending physician, taking into account the severity of the symptoms, the causes of the runny nose, the age of the child, and the individual tolerance of the components of the composition.

For reference. To get 50 ml of onion juice, half a medium-sized onion is enough.

With water

This is a universal remedy for the common cold. Suitable for both children and teenagers, as well as adults. For cooking you only need onions.

Recipe:

1. Peel half the onion and chop finely.You can grind it in a blender or grate it.
2. Transfer the mushy mixture into gauze folded in several layers and squeeze out the juice.
3. Mix onion juice with distilled water at room temperature in equal proportions.

With honey

Honey, like onions, has pronounced bactericidal properties. In addition, it inhibits the activity of inflammation, thins mucus and facilitates its evacuation to the outside; has a softening effect, thereby eliminating discomfort in the nasal cavity.

How to prepare onion-honey drops for a child’s nose:

1. Grind the peeled onions in a blender.
2. Place 3 tbsp into a container. l. onion gruel, add 1 tbsp. l. honey, 50 ml of cooled boiled water, mix.
3. Leave the mixture at room temperature for 30-60 minutes.
4. Place the strained infusion into each nasal passage, one drop every two hours, but no more than five times a day.

Oil drops

Due to the presence of vegetable oil in the composition, this product acts more gently, protects the mucous membrane from irritation by chemical factors, moisturizes well, and softens crusts in the nose.

The recipe for making drops is simple:

1. Peel one medium onion and cut into half rings.
2. Place the onion in a ceramic bowl, pour in 50 ml of vegetable oil and stir. Leave overnight to infuse.
3. In the morning, strain the mixture through several layers of gauze. Place one drop in each nostril three times a day.

There is another option for preparing oil drops with onions. This recipe will be ideal if you need to start treatment as soon as possible, ease your breathing, and eliminate nasal congestion.

Recipe:

1. Chop a medium onion without peel and fry in a small amount of vegetable oil until golden brown.
2. Transfer the onion to a clean container, add 30 ml of sunflower oil, mix everything. The strained product is ready for use.

Garlic and onion

Garlic juice contains active components that have anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, and antiviral effects. Garlic phytoncides kill and inhibit the growth of bacteria, and the product itself increases resistance to colds and strengthens the immune system.

Recipe:

1. Peel and chop 4 cloves of garlic using a garlic press.
2. Grind a quarter of a medium onion in a blender.
3. Mix onion and garlic in a clean bowl, pour in 50 ml of hot vegetable oil. Mix everything.
4. Leave the onion-garlic mixture uncovered for two hours.
5. Place the strained drops into the nose, 1-2 drops three times a day.

For babies

To soften the aggressive effect of onion juice on the mucous membranes, onions are pre-cooked. The recipe contains vegetable oil as a softening and enveloping agent.

Recipe for onion drops for little ones:

1. Cut half the onion into half rings. Fry in a dry frying pan until juice appears.
2. Place the onion in a bowl and pour in 2 tbsp. l. olive oil. Leave for two hours to reduce the concentration of active ingredients.
3. Instill the strained infusion one by one into each nasal passage, 1-2 drops at intervals of 2-3 times a day.

How to store homemade onion drops

Fresh onion juice is effective for the first 12 hours after preparation. Then the active components evaporate, and the onion loses its medicinal properties.Therefore, you need to prepare fresh drops every day. However, for small children, it is recommended to infuse the juice for 2-3 hours before use. This allows you to reduce the saturation of the product, act on the mucous membrane more gently, and avoid unpleasant sensations.

The product should be stored in a cool place with a temperature of +3...+7⁰С or in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Ideally, use glass containers - they do not absorb odor and do not oxidize.

At what age can children be treated with onion juice?

You can use onion juice to treat a runny nose after your child reaches the age of six. Although some pediatricians allow the product to be used with caution for younger children, starting from two years of age.

At this age, it is recommended to use cotton pads soaked in onion juice. After 6 years, you can already drip juice into your nose.

Read also:

Does beet juice help with a runny nose and how to prepare natural drops for children and adults.

How to breathe over potatoes correctly when you have sinusitis and is it possible to do it?

What is the difference between millet and millet.

How to properly put drops on a child's nose

It’s worth mentioning right away that onion juice in the nose of children is not such a harmless remedy as many believe, and can be harmful to health. In order not to take risks and not provoke unwanted side effects, all actions must be coordinated with the pediatrician. The fact is that onion juice contains many amino acids and volatile substances that have a chemical effect on the nasal mucosa. They can intensify the inflammatory process or provoke allergic swelling.

Advice. Before using onion juice in the nose of children, it is necessary to determine the cause of the runny nose.This will help you choose adequate treatment and eliminate the need for uncontrolled use of the medicine.

Onion drops for children are recommended to be used at the first symptoms of rhinitis. The procedure should be carried out 3-4 times, instilling the juice alternately into each nasal passage. If necessary, more frequent use is allowed in children over 6 years of age and adults. In order to prevent ARVI, the number of procedures is reduced to two per day for 2-3 days.

Before using nose drops, it is necessary to remove mucus, sputum, and pathogenic microflora. This will open up access to the active components and enhance the effect of the medicine. For infants, a nasal aspirator is used; older children are asked to clear their nose with a sharp exhalation.

How to properly put drops on a child’s nose:

1. In a lying position with your head turned to one side, slightly raise the tip of your nose and drop 1-2 drops into one nasal passage.
2. Use your thumb to press the nostril to the nasal septum.
3. Fix your head in this position for 30-60 seconds. Turn your head in the opposite direction and treat the second nostril in the same way.

Another method is possible: apply the required number of drops to a cotton swab and wipe the nasal passages. Use a new gauze pad for each nostril.

The duration of treatment depends on the complexity of the disease, the individual characteristics of the child, and the body’s response to the treatment. On average, to relieve the severity of symptoms, it is necessary to complete a course of 3 to 5 days. It is important to follow specific instructions for using onion drops. Unsystematic use of onion drops can cause atrophy of the mucous membrane, swelling, breathing problems, burning and itching sensations, nosebleeds, and provoke a burn.

If during treatment the child complains of constant pain, burning, itching, or pain in the nasal cavity, it is necessary to stop using the product and monitor the child’s condition. In cases where symptoms remain after stopping onion drops, you should seek medical help.

Contraindications

Before starting treatment for a runny nose with onions, you must consult a pediatrician or otolaryngologist. This approach will best preserve the child’s health, ensure satisfactory well-being and prevent side effects.

Onion for snot in a child has a number of contraindications, including:

• individual intolerance to the component(s) of onions, other ingredients in the composition;
• atrophic rhinitis;
• thinned and damaged nasal mucosa;
• benign neoplasms in the nose;
• age under six years.

This is interesting:

How to make parsley ice for the face: beauty and health of the skin.

We distinguish hot fruits easily and simply - cayenne pepper and chili.

Conclusion

Onion drops for children are highly effective and have a wide spectrum of action. Their main function is to destroy bacteria, viruses and microbes, to prevent the infection from multiplying and entering the lower respiratory tract. In addition, onions have anti-inflammatory, vasoconstrictor, and immunostimulating effects.

Onion juice in the nose of children, if the recipe and dosage regimen is strictly followed, usually does not cause side effects. However, one should not exclude allergic reactions, local manifestations in the form of dryness, burning, irritation of mucous membranes, and frequent sneezing.To avoid complications and not harm the child’s health, methods of treating a runny nose should be selected individually with mandatory consultation with a pediatrician.