Synonyms and common names
Allium cepa, Zwiewel, Bolle, Zippel
Plant description
There are basically two types of onions, the summer and the winter onion. The latter is hardy and not very sensitive to frost and has a somewhat milder taste. Many different onion varieties are derived from the two main types, which all differ in appearance and taste.
Medicinally used plant parts
the onion
Ingredients
alliin, allicin, polysulfides, propanthial oxide, flavonoids
Curative effects and application
The ingredients of the onion stimulate secretion, promote digestion, increase appetite and water retention. They also have a preventive effect against colds and soothe coughs. Of course, onions are also an important vegetable and spice for various dishes in the kitchen. It can be used in many different ways, for example as soup.
Preparation
In naturopathy one knows and uses an onion syrup: You chop a whole fresh onion very fine and mix it with 3 tablespoons of sugar. Then add 1/8 l of water and boil for 5 minutes, let it stand for a while and then squeeze it. From this juice you can take 1 to 2 teaspoons of it several times a day for colds and coughs.
Application in homeopathy
Allium cepa is prepared from fresh onions. It is used for earache, runny nose with burning eyes, hay fever, hoarseness, bronchitis, asthma. Also pain with injured nerves or so-called “phantom pain” on limbs that are no longer present and rheumatism can be favorably influenced with Allium cepa.
Side effects
Side effects are not uncommon in sensitive individuals and with large quantities of fresh onions. Affected persons often complain of flatulence and stomach cramps. Cooked onions are generally better tolerated. Occasionally, so-called contact eczema occurs when processing fresh onions.
