Onions - Do they help fight the flu? Grandma's tips confirmed by scientists & doctors

Onions - Do they help fight the flu? Grandma's tips confirmed by scientists & doctors

What centuries of grandmothers have instinctively known is now confirmed by everyone from modern scientists to naturopathic doctors. Onions can ward off and relieve the symptoms of the flu. And in a world where many Americans get the flu each year, according to the CDC, the simple method of cooking onions into a drinkable broth can be good practice.

In addition, the outbreak of H1N1, generally known as pig ribs, caused many people to think about flu vaccinations that I think more harm than benefit. Prevention is the best method and this article offers an insight into this old technique of using onions to indicate the flu.

How onions help with the flu

The idea that onions and their powerful therapeutic properties can ward off disease dates back thousands of years. Ancient Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine revered onions for their congestion-relieving properties. The ancient Greeks rubbed onions on sore muscles, and Native Americans used them to ward off colds and flu. In fact, the World Health Organization has even recognized the onion for its ability to relieve flu symptoms such as coughs, congestion, respiratory infections, and bronchitis. (Source)

Some traditions have even recommended cut onions at night or even directly around the house next to the bed to prevent them from falling through flu. The theory was that the raw onion would absorb germs in the air and prevent it from penetrating the body. Although one of the most common ways to develop the flu, the contact with contaminated surfaces or people is. So remember to wash your hands, especially before you eat or scratch your eyes.

In an early 20th century Los Angeles Times article, the following suggestion was made to the public:

"In a hospital room there is no better disinfectant than the onion. It has the wonderful ability to absorb germs. A bowl of cut onions placed in a hospital room will filter the germs. They must be removed as soon as they lose their smell and when they change color they should be replaced."

Why are onions effective?

Onions are rich in sulfur -containing compounds such as thiosulfinates, sulfoxids and other odor -intensive cysteine ​​sulfoxids. These connections give onions their sharp taste and make them cry when they cut them. Studies show that thiosulfinates for shame organisms are toxic. Sulfur compounds also play a role in the prevention of cancer and heart disease. They are a great immune -strong food for general well -being.

Onions are also extremely high in the antioxidant quercetin. Quercetin helps the body fight free radicals and strengthen the immune response. A recent study by the British Journal of Nutrition showed that people who ate foods high in quercetin (onion soup was used in the study) had better immune responses and a lower likelihood of cardiovascular disease. (Source)

In Delmar integrative Herb Guide it says: "Onion helps, mucus and other substances that prevent the immune system from working, breaking out or eliminating." (Source)

Onion soup: simple, health -promoting recipe

If you feel a cold or flu this season, make a large pot of soup according to this simple recipe.

• 3 große organische gelbe Zwiebeln
• 3 Bio-Knoblauchzehen
• 1/4 Tasse frischer, fein gehackter Bio-Oregano
• 4 Tassen gereinigtes oder destilliertes Wasser
• Fügen Sie nach Ihrem Geschmack (Himalaya)-Salz hinzu.

Cut onions and garlic into cubes. Bring water to a boil and add onions, garlic and oregano. Simmer for 15 minutes or until you notice the onions are translucent and soft. Drink the hot soup and allow your body temperature to rise to the point where you sweat slightly.

Additionally, here is a list of flu remedies that can also help you get relief.