How to cure 100 diseases: the use of onion peels in folk medicine
Onions are an important vegetable crop; their bulbs and leaves are widely used in cooking, as an appetizer and a flavoring addition to first and second courses, salads, vegetables, and meat. Onion peels are also considered a valuable remedy. It has a chemical composition no less rich than the bulbs themselves, which allows it to be used as a medicine for the treatment and prevention of various diseases.
Chemical composition of onion peels
Nature has generously endowed onion peels with useful substances. It includes:
- B vitamins: thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), choline (B4), pantothenic acid (B5), pyridoxine (B6), folate (B9);
- vitamin C (ascorbic acid);
- vitamin E (alpha tocopherol);
- vitamin H (biotin);
- vitamin PP (nicotinic acid);
- potassium;
- calcium;
- iron;
- silicon;
- phytoncides, including quercetin.
Useful properties for humans
The fact that onion peels have medicinal properties has been known since the time of Hippocrates. This is a good vitamin remedy, especially in the autumn-winter period, protects against flu, colds, and infections.
It helps in the treatment of allergies, rheumatic, immune, skin, cancer, endocrine diseases, cosmetic problems, diseases of the teeth, respiratory system, digestion, veins and lymph nodes, ear, nose and throat.
Useful properties of onion peel:
- activates digestion, stimulates intestinal motility, improves gastrointestinal functions;
- normalizes metabolism;
- cleanses the intestines well of toxins, toxins and other harmful components;
- reduces gas formation, helps cope with existing constipation;
- reduces the intensity of inflammatory processes;
- reduces the severity of pain;
- disinfects;
- slows down the aging process;
- prevents the growth and development of cancer cells;
- ensures proper functioning of the nervous system: reduces tension, reduces symptoms of depression;
- stabilizes blood pressure to normal levels;
- accelerates the process of fat breakdown;
- dilates blood vessels, stimulates blood circulation;
- neutralizes dangerous free radicals;
- has a diuretic and choleretic effect;
- serves as a good prevention of cardiovascular diseases: atherosclerosis, ischemia, stroke;
- accelerates the healing process for wounds and burns;
- exhibits antiallergic activity;
- regulates cholesterol and glucose levels in the blood;
- relieves muscle spasm;
- cleanses the liver;
- restores physical and mental strength;
- prevents the development of tissue edema;
- reduces the permeability of capillary walls, increases their strength and elasticity.
In addition, onion peels are popular in cosmetology and dermatology. A decoction and infusion helps with seborrhea, baldness, dandruff, and for strengthening and growing hair.
Decoctions and infusions of onion peels for the face help improve the appearance of the skin and improve the health of:
- stop premature aging;
- moisturize;
- nourish;
- lighten freckles, age spots;
- tone;
- eliminate dryness and tightness;
- neutralize swelling;
- protect from the negative effects of sunlight.
Medicinal properties of onion peel and its use in folk medicine
There are dozens of onion varieties, differing in taste, nutritional and medicinal properties. The most popular varieties are white, yellow, and Crimean onions. It is their husks that are used as medicinal raw materials.
Important! It is better to take onions from your own harvest or grown in guaranteed safe conditions without the use of pesticides.
Since the medicinal properties of onion peel are varied, it is used for various diseases and conditions. Used in the form of infusions, decoctions, tinctures, extracts, ointments and oils. Depending on the causes and characteristics of the course of the disease, it is usually recommended in combination with drug treatment.
For vitamin deficiency
A decoction or infusion is taken to prevent and replenish the deficiency of vitamins and minerals in the body, normalize metabolism, in the period after illness, during intense mental and physical stress.
Due to the presence in the composition of a number of vitamins, essential oils, micro- and macroelements, the product has a pronounced general strengthening effect, helps to more easily endure the symptoms of vitamin deficiency, increases endurance and performance, improves the condition of the skin and the function of internal organs and systems.
There are several ways to prepare medicine for vitamin deficiency at home.
First recipe:
- 2 tbsp. l. onion peels pour 2 tbsp. boiling water, boil in a water bath for 10-15 minutes.
- Leave covered for about an hour, strain.
- Squeeze the juice out of the lemons to make 100-125 ml.
- Add lemon juice to the cooled infusion and stir.
- Take 100 ml orally after meals 2-3 times a day. The course of treatment is three weeks.After a break of 10 days, repeat the course.
Second recipe:
- Pour 2 tbsp into an airtight container or thermos. l. onion peels, 1 tbsp. l. rose hips and 1 tbsp. l. red rowan fruits.
- Pour all ingredients into 400 ml of hot water. Leave for 2 hours.
- Take the strained infusion a quarter glass half an hour before meals three times a day. Treatment is carried out for 10-14 days.
For varicose veins
For varicose veins, taking a decoction of onion peels orally has a good effect. Due to the presence of flavonoids and vitamin C, onion peel has an angioprotective effect - dilates blood vessels, improves microcirculation, normalizes blood viscosity and fluidity, increases the strength and elasticity of vascular walls and small capillaries, activates metabolic processes in blood vessels, and eliminates swelling.
For the treatment and prevention of varicose veins, and to prevent possible complications, an infusion, decoction, or extract based on onion peels is used. Below we will consider a universal recipe - infusion. It can be taken orally or applied externally as a compress.
Recipe:
- Pour boiled water over the dry husk in a ratio of 1:10.
- Cook in a water bath, covered, for 10-15 minutes from the moment it boils.
- Leave the infusion to infuse for 2 hours, strain.
- Take 50 ml with plenty of water three times a day half an hour before meals. The course of treatment is 5-7 days.
For chronic gastritis
Onion peel helps with diseases of the digestive system, in particular gastritis acute and chronic course. The active components of the composition solve several problems simultaneously:
- inhibit inflammation;
- strengthen the walls of the stomach;
- normalize the digestion process;
- regulate the secretory activity of the mucous membrane;
- relieve spasms and normalize peristalsis;
- cleanse the body of waste and toxins.
To prepare the medicine you will need:
- 100 g honey;
- 100 g of freshly squeezed aloe juice;
- 2 tbsp. l. infusion of onion peels.
Recipe:
- First prepare an infusion of 1 tbsp. l. chopped onion peels and 200 ml of water, boiling it over low heat for 15 minutes. Afterwards, the infusion is cooled under the lid for two hours and filtered.
- In a separate bowl, mix the infusion, juice from aloe leaves and natural honey.
- Take 1 tsp orally before meals. at intervals three times a day. Treatment is carried out for three weeks.
For allergies
The active component of the outer shell of onions - quercetin - acts as an antipruritic, anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic agent. In combination with ascorbic acid, it reduces the permeability and fragility of capillaries, and prevents the production of histamine (a mediator of allergic reactions).
This infusion, when applied to the skin, reduces the severity of itching and irritation, has a slight analgesic effect, neutralizes swelling, moisturizes and softens the skin.
For reference. Onion peel is a good preventative against allergies. Flavonoids strengthen specific and nonspecific types of immunity, increase its resistance to irritating factors of the external and internal environment.
The recipe for making onion skins for allergies is simple:
- 5 tbsp. l. dry onion peels pour 2 tbsp. hot water. Bring to a boil and cook for another 5-10 minutes.
- Cool the broth to 60-70°C.
- Place the container with the broth on a hard, flat surface, lower your head, cover the top with a napkin or paper towel and inhale the hot steam.
- The duration of the procedure varies between 3-7 minutes.Treatment is carried out until symptoms disappear completely.
Externally for allergies, use an infusion or decoction of onion peels, wiping the skin at the site of the allergy every morning and evening.
For constipation and flatulence
A decoction of onion peels helps to cope with existing constipation, improve intestinal function, reduce gas accumulation. In addition, the product changes the nature of stool and helps soften stool, which is especially important for people suffering from hemorrhoids.
To restore the physiological rhythm of intestinal release, you need to take half a glass of decoction every day an hour before meals until the symptoms completely disappear. For the purpose of prevention, the infusion is taken in a course of two weeks, every six months.
For prostatitis
Onion peel for treatment and prevention prostatitis valued due to the presence of flavonoids, minerals and vitamins, including:
- Quercetin. Relaxes smooth muscles, neutralizes the effects of free radicals, lowers cholesterol, cleanses blood vessels, and has an anti-inflammatory effect.
- Allicin. It has bactericidal properties against gram-positive and gram-negative microorganisms, which is valuable when prostate inflammation is caused by infection.
- Zinc and potassium. They regulate the level of testosterone in the blood, improve the function of the prostate gland, and are necessary for the development of the sex glands.
There are many recipes for using onion peels for prostatitis. The easiest and fastest to prepare is a decoction:
- Pour 100 g of onion peel into 1 liter of water and place on low heat. After boiling, cook for another 15-20 minutes with the lid closed.
- Cool the broth to room temperature, strain through a sieve or gauze folded in several layers.
- Take 50 ml three times a day after meals for a week. After a break, repeat treatment after 10-14 days if necessary.
To strengthen hair
When hair for some reason they begin to fall out intensively, a decoction of onion peel will help. Biologically active components nourish follicles, stimulate blood circulation, and dilate blood vessels in the head.
As a result, the skin is restored, hair begins to grow more actively, each hair becomes stronger and healthier.
How to prepare a decoction to strengthen hair:
- 1 tbsp. Mix l of husk with the same amount of birch leaves, pour in 300 ml of hot water. Bring to a boil, simmer over low heat for about 40-50 minutes. Cool.
- Apply warm, strained broth to the scalp, paying special attention to the root zone. Repeat the procedure daily for two weeks.
Treatment of oral diseases
In case of inflammatory processes of the oral mucosa, dental diseases - caries, periodontitis, periodontal disease, pulpitis - it is recommended to rinse with a decoction or infusion based on onion peels.
The beneficial properties of the product include the ability to inhibit inflammation, destroy viruses, bacteria, microbes, and accelerate the healing process of mucous membranes and tissues. In such cases, sanitation leads to recovery, reducing the intensity of pain, swelling, and redness.
An effective remedy against periodontitis:
- 1 tbsp. l. Mix dry onion peels with 1 tbsp. l. dried saffron, pour a glass of hot water, after boiling, cook over low heat for 5 minutes.
- Leave covered for 2 hours.Use the strained broth to rinse the mouth. Carry out the procedure in the morning and evening for 5-7 days.
For a runny nose
This infusion and decoction is prescribed for rhinitis of viral, bacterial, allergic origin, rhinopharyngitis, ARVI, to reduce the severity of swelling of the nasopharynx. Under the influence of the active components of the onion peel, a narrowing of blood vessels occurs, as a result, swelling of the mucous membrane and the amount of nasal discharge decreases.
Onion peels for a runny nose are useful as an antimicrobial agent. Flavonoids, together with vitamin C, resist bacteria, prevent their growth and reproduction, and, accordingly, reduce the risk of possible complications. The product strengthens the body's immune defense and relieves inflammation.
How to use onion skins from runny nose:
- Chop the husks of several onions, pour in olive oil (you can use any other oil - castor, flax, pumpkin).
- Leave the mixture in a cool, dark place to infuse for 2-3 weeks.
- Strain the oil through several layers of gauze or a sieve. Pour 10 drops of this oil into a small container and add 2-3 drops of eucalyptus oil. Pour the remaining onion oil into an airtight container and store in the refrigerator.
- Do inhalations twice a day - morning and evening until breathing becomes easier and nasal discharge stops.
Against cough
Onion juice is recommended to be used as a symptomatic remedy for dry and wet cough. The peel contains alkaloids that have an expectorant effect - they stimulate the bronchial glands and ensure rapid removal of mucus.
Additional effects of the product are antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, bactericidal.Essential oils soothe an irritated throat, reduce pain, and make swallowing easier.
Recipe:
- Mix 1 tbsp. l. onion peels with 0.5 tbsp. l. crushed marshmallow root and 0.5 tbsp. l. oregano herbs. Mix all ingredients well.
- Pour two cups of boiling water over the dry mixture. Leave covered for 2-3 hours.
- Take the strained infusion an hour before meals in an amount of 50 ml in the morning and evening. The course of treatment is 5-7 days.
From barley
A purulent process on the eyelids usually occurs against the background of a weakened immune system, when a hair follicle or sebaceous gland is infected. Using onion peels you can not only get rid of barley, but also prevent the further development of complications and the formation of new abscesses.
Onion infusion has a pronounced anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effect, making further renewal and growth of pathogens impossible. It reduces the severity of symptoms of stye, such as itching, redness of the eyelid, swelling, pain.
Important! During the treatment of barley, it is recommended to strengthen the immune system. Here a decoction of onion peels will come to the rescue. The peel satisfies human needs for ascorbic and nicotinic acids, B vitamins, iron, potassium, and calcium. They create a barrier against various pathogens and support the immune system.
Recipe for onion peel against barley for external use:
- Prepare a concentrated infusion of one part onion skin and three parts boiling water.
- Put the mixture on the fire, bring to a boil, simmer over low heat for another 15 minutes.
- Cover with a lid and leave in a dark place to infuse. Strain.
- Soak a cotton pad in a small amount of infusion, squeeze lightly, and apply to the sore eye for 5 minutes.
- Repeat the procedure 2-3 times a day for 3-4 days.
As an immunomodulatory agent, a weakly concentrated infusion of onion peels is used orally, prepared from 2 tbsp. onion peels and 400 ml of water. Take 50 ml three times a day before meals. On average, treatment lasts 7-14 days.
For atherosclerosis
Traditional medicine suggests using the shell of the bulbs for the treatment and prevention of atherosclerosis. This remedy directly affects the causes of the disease, alleviates the severity of symptoms, and prevents the development of complications.
Onion peels reduce the amount of fat and cholesterol in cells, the accumulation of which causes damage to the arteries, disruption of hemodynamic processes, and blockage of blood vessels.
In addition, the active components, in particular quercetin, have a beneficial effect on the walls of blood vessels and small capillaries - they increase their strength and elasticity. B vitamins take part in the formation of new blood cells and normalize the viscosity and fluidity of the blood.
How to use onion peel for atherosclerosis:
- Wash the onion skins, dry them, and chop them.
- Pour in vodka or alcohol in a ratio of 1:5 (five parts of alcohol per one part of the husk).
- Infuse in a cool, dark place for 7-10 days. Strain the infusion and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Mix 20 drops of tincture with 1 tbsp. sunflower oil. This is a one-time dosage.
- Take half an hour before meals, three times a day for 14 days. If necessary, repeat the course of treatment after 10 days.
The following recipe based on onion peel helps to reduce the severity or completely eliminate the symptoms of atherosclerosis - muscle pain in the limbs, compressive pain in the heart and behind the sternum.
Recipe:
- Prepare herbal mixture from 1 tbsp. l. onion peels, hawthorn flowers, horsetail and yarrow. Mix.
- Pour 400 ml of boiling water over the dry mixture. Boil over low heat for a quarter of an hour.
- Leave for 1-2 hours covered to infuse.
- Take the strained decoction orally, 2-3 tbsp. l. every 3-4 hours before meals.
The husk is also used to treat dermatitis, acne, nail fungus, calluses and other diseases.
Possible harm and contraindications
Onion peel has virtually no contraindications, with the exception of individual intolerance to one or more components. External use makes it difficult to have open wounds, ulcers and other skin lesions at the intended site of application.
Compliance with the dosage and frequency of taking products prepared from onion peels will not cause harm to the body. Side effects are rare. When consuming excessive doses, the body reacts with nausea, vomiting, headache, and malaise. It is possible to develop allergies in the form of a rash, itching on the skin, peeling and redness. Adverse reactions will disappear after stopping treatment.
Conclusion
Onion peel is a universal remedy that is used in the treatment of 100 diseases. Thanks to its rich chemical composition, it has a diverse effect on the body, the functions of individual organs and systems, and has a wide range of actions: anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antiallergic, vasodilator, antispasmodic, analgesic, bactericidal, antioxidant and others.
Despite the fact that onion peel is popular in folk medicine, its beneficial properties are not unlimited, and it would be wrong to ignore traditional methods of therapy.This is a good preventative measure, but when it comes to an already developed disease, it is imperative to ensure timely and adequate conservative treatment.