There is no definitive cure for the common cold but, according to the Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine, the use of onions has shown promise in relieving cold symptoms. They have been used for generations by the Chinese and by Native Americans to relieve colds, coughs, pneumonia, laryngitis and bronchitis. Onions contain antibacterial properties and they help reduce inflammation, opening airways to alleviate congestion in the lungs.
Raw onion may provide relief from cold symptoms. The Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine recommends that one-quarter to 1 cup of raw onion should be consumed daily or 1 tbsp. of onion juice three times a day. Traditionally a mixture of raw onion juice and honey was taken to relieve the common cold. When combined, these natural elements soothed congestion and inflammation. According to historical reports from those who survived the influenza epidemic of 1918 and from anecdotal accounts shared in Good Housekeeping, peeled or chopped onions are thought to prevent the onset of a cold and relieve cold symptoms when left in a room. This is because they are high in antiviral sulphuric compounds, as indicated by the strong odor and flavor they release. Although controversial, it is thought that chopped onion placed on a plate in a patient's room and replaced daily will both relieve symptoms and prevent the onset of colds in healthy individuals.
Scientific studies indicate that onion does not lose its anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties when cooked. Onion is a key ingredient in chicken soup that relieves cold symptoms, as recommended in the "New York Times Health Guide." The steam from the soup also eases nasal congestion. Chopped onion is added to water or broth, along with carrots, celery and chicken, and then boiled. Once simmered and strained, fat is skimmed off the top of the soup to leave a clear broth which, when consumed, eases the inflammation caused by a cold.
The use of onion to relieve colds is designed to be accompanied by other treatments, such as taking adequate rest, maintaining hand hygiene and drinking plenty of fluids. Capsules containing dehydrated onion or onion extracts can also be purchased and taken to relieve cold symptoms. While it is beneficial to look to natural ways of relieving a cold, care must be taken when self-diagnosing and self medicating. It is important to seek medical advice if symptoms worsen or become prolonged.
Although colds are most commonly treated medicinally using pain killers and decongestant, historical and anecdotal evidence, along with findings presented in the Gale Encyclopedia show that onion may also help to relieve symptoms. However, the vegetable need not be consumed just when a patient is sick. It should be incorporated with other foods as part of a healthy diet. As highlighted by Janet Kurzynske of the University of Kentucky, the more natural the foods, fruits, vegetables, proteins and minerals included in a diet, the quicker it may be for a patient to recover from a cold and the more resilient the patient's immune system to future colds.
- Encyclopedia.com: Onions; Tish Davidson and Rebecca Frey; 2005
- Mayo Clinic: Common Cold: Treatments and Drugs; February 22, 2011
- PBS.org: American Experience: Influenza 1918: Searching for Cures
- "New York Times"; Health Guide: Common Cold; October 1, 2010
- University of Kentucky: Build Your Immune System; Janet Kurzynske; 2006
- Pamela Follett/Demand Media