Onion has been used as medicinal agents for thousands of years. It contains a volatile oil with sulphur-containing compounds such as allicin (an antibiotic and alliin), flavonoids, phenolic acids and sterols.
Onion had been shown to have application as antimicrobial, antithrombotic, antitumor, hypolipidaemic, antiarthritic and hypoglycemic agents. Based upon the studies of guinea pigs outlined in the May-June 1984 issue of Agents Actions, an alcoholic extract of onion s seems to be effective in treating asthma or bronchitis attacks.
When used regularly in the diet, onions offset tendencies towards angina, arteriosclerosis and heart attack and also useful in preventing oral infection, and toothy decay.
Baked onions can be used as a poultice to remove pus from sores and warmed onion juice can be used as eardrop to treat earache. Onions are taken the world over for cold, flu and coughs, much like garlic. Onion has a long standing reputation as an aphrodisiac, and it is also used cosmetically to stimulate hair growth.
Allium cepa in herbal medicine
