Allium cepa in herbal medicine

Onion (Allium cepa) is among the oldest of all cultivated plants with their origin in central Asia.

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

Coconut oil

The oil of coconut has been used for centuries as a source of food for health and general well being in many traditional communities around the world. Historically, coconut oil is one of the earliest oils to be used as a food and as a pharmaceutical. Virgin coconut oil has an important role to play in maintaining a well balance, nutritious diet.

Coconut oil has antiviral antibacterial, antimicrobial and anti-protozoal properties which are needed for a healthy body. In addition to containing saturated fats (92%), triglycerides (62%), it also has lactic acid (50%)m which is essential in maintaining the body’s immune system.

In India, coconut oil is an important ingredient in some of the Ayurvedic medical formations. Ayurvedic medicine has been practiced in India for thousands of years and is still used as the dietary form of medical treatment by millions of people. The oil is valued for its antimicrobial properties, and the use of the oil in combination with herbs is widespread.

In Panama, Central America, people are known to drink coconut oil by cup to keep themselves overcome sickness. In Jamaica, coconut is considered a health tonic good for the heart. In the Philippines coconut oil is side to speed the healing of burns, cuts and bruises.
Coconut oil

The health benefits of burdock

Burdock botanically name, Arctium lappa Linn, belongs to the Asteraceae herbs, with English alias being the great burdock, and is a kind of health food of high nutritional value. The root has a sweet, earthy flavor and crunchy texture.

The health benefits of the burdock root make it venerable nature food. It has large concentration of vitamin and mineral, especially iron, and is actually higher in mineral than beets, carrots, potatoes or turnips.

It has more protein, calcium, and phosphorus than carrots and is an excellent source of potassium. Burdock also is an excellent source so inulin, polyphenols, chlorogneic acid, proteins, carbohydrates, amino acids, and unsaturated fatty acid.

Burdock root has great antibiotic qualities. It destroys bacteria; acids in blood circulation; strengthens the liver and soothes the gastrointestinal tract. It helps to eliminate heavy metals from the body.

It also helps to maintain diabetes and hypoglycemia. Burdock functions as a diaphoretic, creating sweat, which is beneficial in neutralizing and eliminating toxins.
The health benefits of burdock