Healing effects of some vegetables: Onion

Vegetables are essential components of good nutrition. They provide us with the necessary vitamins, minerals, enzymes and cofactors to build and maintain the body, nourish the skin, cleanse the system, digest food, and protect us from infections, bacteria, viruses, yeasts and other harmful microorganisms. For example, to detoxify the blood, beets are recommended, asparagus for the kidneys, and artichoke for the liver. Some have more importance than others due to their abundance in nutrients and digestibility. To achieve a wholesome nutrition, they should be served with a variety of whole grains and legumes. Such a meal provides healing, cleansing, nourishment and satisfaction. Grains and legumes build the body and give it energy while vegetables purify the system, renew the blood, protect against harmful microorganisms, and replenish beneficial bacteria, the intestinal micro flora.

Vegetables grown in colder climates have nutrients that protect from disease even during harsh weather conditions. They retain their nutrients for a long period. For example, vitamin C in cabbage, stored in the center of the plant, resists cooking or pickling. Winter vegetables are carrot, parsley, watercress, turnip, winter squash, kale, the cabbage family and dark leafy greens. All vegetables and fruit are best eaten fresh and in season; and should be organically grown and free of pesticides, herbicides, insecticides, and bioengineering.

Healing Propieties of Onion

Onion is being used for centuries not just to add flavor to foods but also for its therapeutic properties. Onion have an antibacterial and antifungal properties. Some people mixed vinegar with onion juice and apply it in their freckles and warts, it is believed that it can remove/reduce this skin problems.

The Onion (Allium cepa) is one of the oldest and most versatile herbal remedies. Long before commercial cold treatments, herbalists used a syrup made from the juice of one onion, mixed with honey, to alleviate congestion. This worked as well as today’s over-the-counter cough medicines without some of the negative side effects such as drowsiness or nervousness.

Onion is also excellent for indigestion. Onion is believed to be a natural source of energy and some people swear that an Onion a day can prevent hair loss. According to folklore, Onion also helps restore sexual potency.

Applied directly to the skin, Onion has special healing properties. A roasted Onion can be used as a poultice for earaches. Salted Onions are useful for troublesome warts. Onion juice rubbed between the toes 2 to 3 times daily can cure athlete’s foot. A mixture of 1 to 2 teaspoons of Onion juice with 1 teaspoon of vinegar can fade unsightly liver spots or dark blemishes.

An Onion a day may also keep the cardiologist away. Studies show that people who eat a medium-sized Onion daily can lower their overall cholesterol and raise their HDL, or “good” cholesterol. Onion has also been shown to lower blood pressure and help prevent blood clots. A recent study by the National Cancer Institute showed that people who eat diets high in allium vegetables such as Onion (and garlic) suffer from less stomach cancer that those who don’t .

A word of caution for nursing mothers: if you’re breast-feeding an infant, stay clear of Onions, because they could cause the baby to suffer colic.

Onion reduces cholesterol levels and blood pressure, blocks allergic responses, kills parasites and treats the cold virus. Clear chicken stock cooked with lots of onions and one head of garlic rapidly clears a cold. Simmered onions in hot water and sweetened with honey makes a good cough medicine. Raw onion packs reduce swelling caused by insect bites.

Nutritive Values of Onions : Per 100 gm.

Vitamin A : 50 I.U.
Vitamin B :
Vitamin C : 9 mg.
Calcium : 32 mg.
Phosphorus : 44 mg.
Potassium : 300 mg.
Carbohydrates : 10.3 gm.
Protein : 1.4 mg.
Calories : 45

Onion is Benenificial in the following conditions:

Asthma
Influenza
Colds
Tuberculosis
Insomnia
Pneumonia
Antiallergy
Obesity
Reduce inflammation
Slightly laxative
High Blood Pressure
Lowers cholesterol
Prolong longevity
Helps destroy worms and other parasites.
Bronchitis (inflammation of the bronchial tube)
Neuritis (inflammation of the nerves)
Vertigo (inflammation of nerves)
Diuretic (increases the secretion of urine)
Diabetes mellitus - lowers blood sugar.
Valuable for the hair, nails of the fingers and toes, and for the eyes.
Sinus conditions - helps to drain mucus from the cavities and loosen phlegm.
Whether fresh or cooked onions have antiplatelet, adhesiveness, thus preventing thrombosis.

Therapeutic uses:

Internal use:

It is often used for minor digestive disturbances and is also used for bronchial and gastric infections. Furthermore it also shows good results in preventing age-related changes in blood vessels - arteriosclerosis, as well as to treat loss of appetite.

External use:

Externally, poultices can be made from raw onion for acne and boils. These are used for wounds and scars as well.