Do onions actually help with colds and flu?

For hundreds of years, onions have remained the most popular folk remedy for colds and viral diseases. It is eaten and used as compresses, and inhalations, ointments and drinks are created based on it.

But does this vegetable have the beneficial properties attributed to it? Does chopped onion help against viruses in the room, against colds and flu, and does it kill germs in the air? We will talk about this and much more in our article.

Beneficial properties of onions for the human body

A conversation about the qualities of onions should start with its composition - this is where the secrets of its beneficial properties lie. The vegetable contains a large amount of vitamins, macro- and microelements:

1. Vitamin A, or beta-carotene. An antioxidant that has a beneficial effect on the immune and nervous systems, renews the skin and improves vision. Takes part in the formation of bone tissue and the production of hormones.
2. Vitamin E, or tocopherol. It has a positive effect on the immune system and the functioning of the gonads, protects the body from harmful external influences. Participates in the process of digestion of fats and proteins, accelerates healing processes and normalizes blood clotting.
3. Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid. Antioxidant involved in collagen production. Supports the immune system and redox processes in the body.
4. Vitamin B1, or thiamine. Normalizes metabolic processes, forms and ensures the formation of the central nervous system.
5. Vitamin B2, or riboflavin. Promotes the synthesis of nerve and skin cells in the body. Takes part in the formation of red blood cells, stimulates the adrenal glands and protects the eyes from ultraviolet rays.
6. Vitamin B9, or folic acid. It has a beneficial effect on female fertility and the process of DNA formation, and helps in protein absorption.
7. Vitamin PP, or niacin, also known as niacin. Responsible for energy production, normalization of sugar and cholesterol levels. Used for preventive purposes for osteoarthritis and diabetes.

Among the active microelements of onions, the following are distinguished:such as fluorine, copper, cobalt, iron, sodium, phosphorus, ash, manganese, iodine, zinc, magnesium, calcium and potassium.

Important! Onions contain special substances - phytoncides, thanks to which the product has its antiviral properties.

The beneficial properties of the vegetable are not limited to those indicated in the composition. It acts as a natural antibiotic and helps with vitamin deficiency, improves metabolism and helps remove excess fluid from the body, its juice increases potency.

Among the main beneficial properties of the product are the following::

• activation of metabolism;
• antimicrobial effect;
• decreased blood pressure;
• removal of harmful substances from the body;
• anthelmintic and diuretic action.

Do onions help with colds and flu?

Thanks to a composition rich in vitamins, iron, organic acids, minerals and essential oils, onions can really be useful for the prevention and assistance in the treatment of viral and colds.

Important! The immunostimulant selenium contained in onions will help prevent cold complications such as pneumonia.

Due to the presence of phytoncides, immunostimulants and essential oils an environment is created in the body that is not suitable for the development of viruses. Vitamin C protects mucous membranes. Onions cannot act as an independent medicine, but they support the immune system and help the body fight viruses.

This the product can become a powerful prophylactic agent, which supports immunity during epidemics in the autumn-winter period, will help the body in the fight against viruses if it is not possible to avoid the disease.

How does onion work against colds and flu?

For colds and flu, onions affect the body in this way:

• increases immune resistance;
• acts as a strong antioxidant;
• fights pathogenic microflora in the body;
• has a bactericidal effect;
• stop dysbacteriosis;
• activates healing processes.

Zinc, iron and vitamin B increase hemoglobin and activate the body's natural resources. Phytoncides can cope with unpleasant symptoms of the disease.

Important! Onions will help cope with headaches - just cut a slice and smell it for a couple of minutes.

Medical experts are divided on whether onions can kill viruses and germs. Some believe that the vegetable can only strengthen the immune system, while others endow the product with antimicrobial properties.

It is believed that the bactericidal and antiseptic effects of onions are associated with phytoncides that stimulate the immune system and fight viruses. These substances are capable of destroying not only the causative agents of influenza and colds, but also other pathogenic microbes, including diphtheria, tuberculosis and dysentery viruses.

Which onion is best to take for a cold and how?

The most effective against colds is onions.. The concentration of nutrients in its composition is much higher, making its effect on the body more noticeable.

Nevertheless, red onion has antibacterial and immune-supporting effects, therefore, in case of viral diseases, its use is possible. In addition, it has a more pleasant and mild taste, allowing it to be eaten raw.

Methods of application

There are various ways to use onions - it is eaten, inhaled and laid out in slices around the room. Here are recipes proven by generations that will help fight colds.

Gruel

Finely chopped onion relieves inflammation, has a bactericidal and wound-healing effect, relieves pain and blocks the inflammatory process. To prepare the pulp, pass the onion through a meat grinder or chop it with a blender.

Application: treatment of abscesses, burns and purulent wounds.

Inhalations

Onions are good for the respiratory tract and mucous membranes. For inhalation, finely chop two large onions (you can pour boiling water over them) and place the pulp in a small container. The patient is recommended to inhale onion vapor for 10-15 minutes, covered with a towel.

Application: sore throat, flu, ARVI, cold.

Drink

Onion juice will strengthen the immune system and help treat colds and flu. To prepare, chop the onion and strain through a fine sieve or cheesecloth. Take the juice 2-3 tablespoons with meals.

Application: prevention, treatment of herpes on the lips, strengthening the immune system, viral and colds.

Onion and honey mixture

Popular cough recipe – onions with honey. Onion (500 g) chopped with a blender or meat grinder is mixed with sugar (400 g) and honey (50 g). The mixture is placed on the fire and brought to a boil, stirring regularly. A tightly closed container and a cool place are suitable for storage. Apply 2 tbsp half an hour before meals. l. three times a day.

Application: bronchitis and cough, sore throat.

Tincture on water

A drink made from onions and water has an antiviral and immune-strengthening effect.. The chopped onion is poured into a glass of warm clean water and left for 9-12 hours, after which it is filtered. The product is taken on an empty stomach twice a day, 0.5 cups for 3 to 5 days.

Application: strengthening the immune system, accelerating metabolism, helminths.

Milk tincture

Helper in the fight against viruses - onion-milk drink. The chopped onion is poured into a glass of milk and boiled for 15 minutes in a water bath, then left for an hour and filtered. The product is used 1 tbsp. l. every 3 hours.

Application: viral and colds.

Onion mustard plasters

Onion compress is a worthy alternative to traditional mustard plasters. The onion is cut into rings, garlic is added if desired, after which, before going to bed, the rings are applied to the feet and tightly fixed with warm socks. In the morning, rinse your feet with clean water.

Application: colds, liver disease.

Healing recipes for treating colds and flu from onions

It is recommended to use fresh onions to treat colds and flu. During heat treatment, only a small proportion of useful substances remains. In addition to the above recipes There are several traditional methods of getting rid of the symptoms of the disease.:

1. Strengthening the immune system. The most important thing during illness is to help the body fight the virus.For this, immunizing agents will help - onion broth and juice, gruel. The vegetable can be added to salads, first and second courses for prevention, or placed sliced ​​​​slices around the apartment - this will disinfect the room.
2. Cough. For coughs, effective remedies are inhalation and a mixture of onions with milk or honey. For dry cough, the following remedy is used: 7-10 chopped onions and a head of garlic, pour milk and cook until the vegetables soften. The broth is ground to a pulp, supplemented with mint oil and 2 tbsp. l. honey Take it one spoon every 2 hours.
3. Runny nose. Nasal congestion considered one of the most unpleasant symptoms. Onion juice will help you cope with it - just drip it into your nose 3-5 times a day, 5 drops. Onion infusion is also used: chopped onions are placed in 30 g of boiled oil. Leave for 2-3 hours, after which you lubricate the inside of the nose with the resulting product.

Precautionary measures

Despite all the beneficial properties of onions, It should be used with caution for influenza and ARVI. Not recommended exceed doses and overdo it with onion-based products - like any product, if used in excess, it can do more harm than good.

Interesting. Onions were used as a medicine back in Ancient Greece.

To prevent diseases, it is recommended to consume onions in moderation., having previously consulted with your doctor.

Possible harm and contraindications

With uncontrolled use onion may cause exacerbation of gastritis and ulcers, disrupt the functioning of the biliary tract. The product should be used with caution by people suffering from intestinal and stomach diseases, nervous irritability and pancreatitis.It is also no secret that after eating onions, communication can cause some discomfort.

It is not recommended to eat onions if you are sick.x kidneys and liver, heart, gastrointestinal tract, diabetes.

Be careful with certain onion recipes (for example, with honey) and consult a specialist about intolerance to their individual components.

Advice and recommendations from doctors

Experts advise consuming the product in moderation during the season of viral diseases.. Thanks to a large number of bioactive substances, trace elements and vitamins, it will help protect the body during an epidemic.

Doctors note that with dosed use of the product a slight antiviral effect appears. But you should use onions only as an additional remedy to medications.

His It is recommended to use it not as a monoproduct, but as one of the ingredients in the composition. Its effect is enhanced by honey, milk and garlic.

Conclusion

If consumed correctly and following the recommendations, onions will help to avoid diseases during the epidemic season or significantly shorten the course of treatment. Thanks to its composition, rich in vitamins and beneficial elements, the product can become not only an addition to your favorite dishes, but also a preventive measure for many infectious diseases.