Onion
Onion
Onion or Pyaaz have a strong pungent smell and imparts flavor to dishes. There are various types of Onions such as white, red and spring Onions and can also be used raw in salads.
Onions when chopped produces a volatile, sulphur-rich oil that causes teary eyes. It activates the lacrimal glands (tear glands ) in our eyes and produces tear.
The therapeutic properties of Onion are anti-inflammatory, anti-cholesterol, anticancer and antioxidant. Onions are also a rich source of zinc.
It eases bowel movement and helps in various digestive disorders. Onion also has aphrodisiac properties and helps improve erection time. External application of Onion juice or paste prevents hair fall as well as helps in case of sunstroke[2].
Onions when chopped produces a volatile, sulphur-rich oil that causes teary eyes. It activates the lacrimal glands (tear glands ) in our eyes and produces tear.
The therapeutic properties of Onion are anti-inflammatory, anti-cholesterol, anticancer and antioxidant. Onions are also a rich source of zinc.
It eases bowel movement and helps in various digestive disorders. Onion also has aphrodisiac properties and helps improve erection time. External application of Onion juice or paste prevents hair fall as well as helps in case of sunstroke[2].
What are the synonyms of Onion?
Allium cepa, Plandu, Yevnesth, Sukand, Piyaaz, Pyaj, Piyas, Kando, Nirulli, Dungali, Ullipaya, Vengayam, Venkayam, Peyaj, Ganda, Piyaz, Kanda, Bawang, Cuvannulli, Garden Onion, Common Onion, Besala[1].
What is the source of Onion?
Plant Based
Benefits of Onion
Modern Science View
Onion might be beneficial in managing diabetes. Onion has anti-diabetic and antioxidant properties. It improves glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity. Onion reduces the sudden increase in glucose levels after meals. Quercetin in Onion fights against the free radicals to reduce the risk of diabetic complications[2][3].
Ayurvedic View
Diabetes also known as Madhumeha is due to an aggravation of Vata and impaired digestion. Impaired digestion leads to an accumulation of Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion) in the pancreatic cells and impairs the function of insulin.Onion calms an aggravated Vata and improves digestive fire. It improves metabolism and maintains the insulin level. This helps maintain your blood glucose level.
Modern Science View
Onion might be beneficial in managing high blood pressure. Onion has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-hypertensive property. Quercetin in Onion decreases blood pressure and protects the blood vessels from the damage caused by the free radicals. Thus, Onion has cardioprotective activity[2][3].
Modern Science View
Onion might be beneficial in reducing the risk of prostate cancer. Quercetin, apigenin and fisetin in Onion have good anticancer and anti-inflammatory properties. It inhibits the multiplication and growth of cancer cells. It also induces apoptosis of cancer cells. Onion consumption controls the enlargement of prostate and lowers the risk of prostate cancer[2][3].
Modern Science View
Onion might be beneficial in managing asthma. Onion has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antihistaminic properties. Quercetin in Onion reduces inflammation and allergy[2][3].
Ayurvedic View
Onion helps to control the symptoms of asthma and gives relief in case of breathlessness. According to Ayurveda, the main doshas involved in asthma are Vata and Kapha. The vitiated ‘Vata’ combines with deranged ‘Kapha dosha’ in the lungs causing obstruction in the respiratory passage. This results in difficulty in breathing. This condition is known as Swas Roga (Asthma). Eating Onion helps to calm Vata and remove excess mucus from the lungs. This gives relief from the symptoms of asthma.
Modern Science View
Onion might be beneficial in managing atherosclerosis. Onion has hypolipidemic, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Onion lowers the level of bad cholesterol. Onion reduces the damage caused by lipid peroxidation and protects blood vessels[2][3].
Ayurvedic View
Cough is commonly known as Kapha disorder in Ayurveda which is caused by accumulation of mucus in the respiratory tract. Onion helps to reduce cough when used after frying with Ghee because it removes accumulated mucus from the lungs.
Tips:
1. Take 1-2 raw Onion.
2. Peel and slice in small pieces.
3. Take 1/2 teaspoon Ghee and fry the Onion in it
4. Have it with meals to get rid of cough.
Tips:
1. Take 1-2 raw Onion.
2. Peel and slice in small pieces.
3. Take 1/2 teaspoon Ghee and fry the Onion in it
4. Have it with meals to get rid of cough.
Ayurvedic View
Anorexia or loss of appetite means the loss of desire to have food even when one is hungry. In Ayurveda, anorexia is known as Aruchi which is due to accumulation of Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion). Ama blocks the gastrointestinal channels of the body and thus leads to anorexia. Eating Onion helps to improve Agni (digestive) and reduce Ama which is the prime reason of loss of appetite. This is due to its Anushna (not very hot) property.
Ayurvedic View
Diarrhea is known as Atisar in Ayurveda. It is due to improper food, impure water, toxins, mental stress and Agnimandya (weak digestive fire). All these factors are responsible for aggravating Vata. This aggravated Vata brings fluid in the intestine from various tissues from the body and mixes with the stool. This leads to loose, watery motions or diarrhea. Onion helps to balance aggravated Vata, control the frequency of motion and correct upset stomach. But Onion is heavy to digest due to its Guru (heavy) nature so it should be used in small amount.
How effective is Onion?
Insufficient evidence
Appetite stimulant, Asthma, Atherosclerosis (plaque deposition inside the arteries), Common cold symptoms, Cough, Diabetes, Diarrhoea, Fever, Hypertension (high blood pressure), Inflammation of the airways (bronchitis), Obesity, Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), Prostate cancer
FAQs about Onion benefits
Precautions when using Onion
Advice from Experts
Modern Science View
1. Sulfur compounds present in Onion have potential antithrombotic activity. Patients who have to undergo surgery are advised to avoid consuming Onion as it can increase the risk of excessive bleeding[9].
2. Although Onion is safe if taken in food amount, Onion supplements might cause thinning of blood. So it advisable to take Onion supplements only after consulting a doctor if you are taking anticoagulants or blood thinners[3][12].
3. Onion contains indigestible carbohydrates that can contribute to various digestive problems. People prone to IBS are advised to avoid consuming Onion[8].
2. Although Onion is safe if taken in food amount, Onion supplements might cause thinning of blood. So it advisable to take Onion supplements only after consulting a doctor if you are taking anticoagulants or blood thinners[3][12].
3. Onion contains indigestible carbohydrates that can contribute to various digestive problems. People prone to IBS are advised to avoid consuming Onion[8].
Breastfeeding
Modern Science View
It is safe to take Onion in food amounts. However, it is advised to consult your doctor before taking Onion supplements during breastfeeding[12].
Moderate Medicine Interaction
Modern Science View
1. Onion may interact with CNS drugs. So it is advisable to consult your doctor before taking Onion or Onion supplements along with CNS drugs[3].
2. Onion may slow blood clotting. So it is advisable to consult you doctor before taking Onion or Onion supplements along with anticoagulants/antiplatelet drugs[3].
2. Onion may slow blood clotting. So it is advisable to consult you doctor before taking Onion or Onion supplements along with anticoagulants/antiplatelet drugs[3].
Patients with diabetes
Modern Science View
Onion may lower blood glucose level. So, it is advised to monitor the blood glucose level while taking Onion supplements along with anti-diabetic drugs[3][12]. However, Onion is safe to be taken in food amounts.
Patients with heart disease
Modern Science View
Onion may lower blood pressure. So, it is advised to monitor the blood pressure while taking Onion supplements along with antihypertensive drugs. However, Onion is safe to be taken in food amounts[12].
Pregnancy
Modern Science View
It is safe to take Onion in food amounts. However, it is advised to consult your doctor before taking Onion supplements during pregnancy[12].
FAQs about Onion precautions
Recommended Dosage of Onion
- Onion Capsule - 1-2 capsules twice a day.
- Onion Powder - ¼-½ teaspoon twice a day.
How to use Onion
1. Onion Capsule
a. Take 1-2 Onion capsules.
b. Swallow it with water after taking lunch and dinner.
2. Onion Powder
a. Take ¼-½ teaspoon Onion powder.
b. Mix with water or honey and have it after lunch and dinner.
3. Onion Salad
a. Peel and slice the Onion.
b. Slice cucumbers and tomatoes.
c. Add Onions, cucumbers and tomatoes together.
d. Add few drops of lemon juice as per your taste.
e. Store in refrigerator for a few minutes.
f. Garnish with coriander and black pepper before serving.
4. Onion Juice
a. Wash and peel 2-3 Onions.
b. Chop them finely.
c. Put the finely chopped Onion in a juicer or blender.
d. Sieve the blended Onion using a muslin cloth to strain its juice.
e. Store the Onion juice in a glass container
f. Take 2-3 teaspoon twice a day after diluting in water for better digestion.x
a. Take 1-2 Onion capsules.
b. Swallow it with water after taking lunch and dinner.
2. Onion Powder
a. Take ¼-½ teaspoon Onion powder.
b. Mix with water or honey and have it after lunch and dinner.
3. Onion Salad
a. Peel and slice the Onion.
b. Slice cucumbers and tomatoes.
c. Add Onions, cucumbers and tomatoes together.
d. Add few drops of lemon juice as per your taste.
e. Store in refrigerator for a few minutes.
f. Garnish with coriander and black pepper before serving.
4. Onion Juice
a. Wash and peel 2-3 Onions.
b. Chop them finely.
c. Put the finely chopped Onion in a juicer or blender.
d. Sieve the blended Onion using a muslin cloth to strain its juice.
e. Store the Onion juice in a glass container
f. Take 2-3 teaspoon twice a day after diluting in water for better digestion.x
Benefits of Onion
Modern Science View
Onion can be useful in controlling hair loss due to its rich sulfur content. It helps provide extra sulfur for the formation of proteins, especially keratin (the protein component of hair). Onion also promotes collagen production which stimulates hair growth. Applying Onion juice on the scalp can help increase blood circulation to the hair follicles and prevents hair fall.
Ayurvedic View
Onion or its juice helps to control hair fall and promote hair growth when applied on the scalp. This is because hair fall is mainly due to an aggravated Vata dosha in the body. Onion acts on hair fall by balancing Vata dosha. It also promotes new hair growth and removes excessive dryness. This is due to its Snigdha (oily) and Ropan (healing) properties.
Tips:
1. Take 2 tablespoons of Onion juice.
2. Add 2 tablespoons of coconut oil or honey.
3. Add 5 drops of tea tree oil.
4. Make a smooth blend.
5. Apply on the scalp and massage for a couple of minutes.
6. Leave the mixture for about 30 -60 minutes.
7. Wash your hair with a mild shampoo.
8. Repeat this to control hair fall.
Tips:
1. Take 2 tablespoons of Onion juice.
2. Add 2 tablespoons of coconut oil or honey.
3. Add 5 drops of tea tree oil.
4. Make a smooth blend.
5. Apply on the scalp and massage for a couple of minutes.
6. Leave the mixture for about 30 -60 minutes.
7. Wash your hair with a mild shampoo.
8. Repeat this to control hair fall.
How effective is Onion?
Insufficient evidence
Hair loss, Stretch Marks, Wound infection
Precautions when using Onion
Allergy
Modern Science View
Apply Onion extract gel or juice to a small area first to test for possible allergic reactions[6][7].
Side Effects
Important
Modern Science View
1. Eye irritation[10]
2. Skin rash[12]
2. Skin rash[12]
Recommended Dosage of Onion
- Onion Oil - 2-5 drops or as per your requirement.
How to use Onion
1. Onion Oil
a. Take 2-5 drops of Onion oil or per your requirement.
b. Apply on the scalp once before sleeping at night.
c. Wash your hair with a mild shampoo the next morning.
d. Repeat this once a week to get rid of dandruff and for promoting hair growth.
2. Onion Juice for skin
a. Wash and peel 2-3 Onions.
b. Chop them finely.
c. Put the finely chopped Onion in a juicer or blender.
d. Sieve the blended Onion using a muslin cloth/cheesecloth to strain its juice.
e. Store the Onion juice in a glass container.
f. Dilute the juice with water before using.
3. Onion Juice for hair growth
a. Take 2 tablespoons Onion juice.
b. Add 2 tablespoons of coconut oil or honey.
c. Add 5 drops of tea tree oil.
d. Make a smooth blend.
e. Apply on the scalp and massage for a couple of minutes
f. Leave the mixture on for about 30 minutes.
g. Wash your hair with a mild shampoo.
a. Take 2-5 drops of Onion oil or per your requirement.
b. Apply on the scalp once before sleeping at night.
c. Wash your hair with a mild shampoo the next morning.
d. Repeat this once a week to get rid of dandruff and for promoting hair growth.
2. Onion Juice for skin
a. Wash and peel 2-3 Onions.
b. Chop them finely.
c. Put the finely chopped Onion in a juicer or blender.
d. Sieve the blended Onion using a muslin cloth/cheesecloth to strain its juice.
e. Store the Onion juice in a glass container.
f. Dilute the juice with water before using.
3. Onion Juice for hair growth
a. Take 2 tablespoons Onion juice.
b. Add 2 tablespoons of coconut oil or honey.
c. Add 5 drops of tea tree oil.
d. Make a smooth blend.
e. Apply on the scalp and massage for a couple of minutes
f. Leave the mixture on for about 30 minutes.
g. Wash your hair with a mild shampoo.
Frequently asked questions
Modern Science View
1. Wash and peel the Onions.
2. Finely chop them and spread on a baking tray.
3. Bake them at 150℃ and allow the baked Onion to cool.
4. Crush them with hand or use a mortar and pestle to make powder.
5. Store the Onion powder in an airtight container in a cool and dry place (freeze if excess).
2. Finely chop them and spread on a baking tray.
3. Bake them at 150℃ and allow the baked Onion to cool.
4. Crush them with hand or use a mortar and pestle to make powder.
5. Store the Onion powder in an airtight container in a cool and dry place (freeze if excess).
Modern Science View
Onion can be eaten raw, fried, roasted, baked, boiled, grilled as well in powdered form. Raw Onion can be eaten in the form of a salad or alone. Onion can also be used to cook various dishes.
Modern Science View
Tips:
1. Eat apple, lettuce or mint:
Apples break down the odour-causing compounds and help in getting rid of odour. Lettuce leaves a fresh taste in the mouth and deodorizes Onion breath while the fresh scent of mint masks the pungent Onion odour leaving the mouth refreshed.
2. Drink milk:
Milk reduces the amount of odour-causing compounds and deodorizes Onion breath.
3. Brush and floss after meals:
Odour-causing compounds and bacteria can deposit in the gum line and teeth. This might cause build-up of plaque. This can be removed by brushing and flossing after meals to get rid of bad breath caused by Onion.
4. Lemon:
Lemon is rich in citric acid that can neutralize Onion odour. It also has antibacterial property and can kill odour-causing bacteria.
a. Take 1 tablespoon of lemon juice.
b. Add it to a cup of water and mix well.
c. Rinse your mouth with this lemon water 2-3 times till the bad odour is gone.
5. Diluted apple cider vinegar:
Apple cider vinegar helps the good bacteria to flourish due to the presence of pectin. It helps in getting rid of bad breath due to Onion.
a. Take 1-2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar.
b. Mix it well in a cup of water.
c. Drink or rinse your mouth with it for 10-15 seconds after meals.
6. Sugar:
Sugar granules help get rid of odour-causing byproducts of Onion as well as bad breath-causing bacteria. Put a few sugar granules in your mouth for a few seconds before chewing them.
1. Eat apple, lettuce or mint:
Apples break down the odour-causing compounds and help in getting rid of odour. Lettuce leaves a fresh taste in the mouth and deodorizes Onion breath while the fresh scent of mint masks the pungent Onion odour leaving the mouth refreshed.
2. Drink milk:
Milk reduces the amount of odour-causing compounds and deodorizes Onion breath.
3. Brush and floss after meals:
Odour-causing compounds and bacteria can deposit in the gum line and teeth. This might cause build-up of plaque. This can be removed by brushing and flossing after meals to get rid of bad breath caused by Onion.
4. Lemon:
Lemon is rich in citric acid that can neutralize Onion odour. It also has antibacterial property and can kill odour-causing bacteria.
a. Take 1 tablespoon of lemon juice.
b. Add it to a cup of water and mix well.
c. Rinse your mouth with this lemon water 2-3 times till the bad odour is gone.
5. Diluted apple cider vinegar:
Apple cider vinegar helps the good bacteria to flourish due to the presence of pectin. It helps in getting rid of bad breath due to Onion.
a. Take 1-2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar.
b. Mix it well in a cup of water.
c. Drink or rinse your mouth with it for 10-15 seconds after meals.
6. Sugar:
Sugar granules help get rid of odour-causing byproducts of Onion as well as bad breath-causing bacteria. Put a few sugar granules in your mouth for a few seconds before chewing them.
Modern Science View
Raw and cooked Onion both contains about 9-10% carbohydrate content. Carbohydrates in Onion mainly consist of simple sugars, such as glucose, fructose and sucrose, as well as fibers. About 100 grams of Onion has 9.3 grams of carbohydrates and 1.7 grams of fiber, so the total digestible carbohydrate content is 7.6 grams.
Modern Science View
Yes, excess consumption of Onion can elevate the symptoms of indigestion such as upset stomach[3][12].
Ayurvedic View
Yes, Onion can upset stomach if taken in large amounts. This is because Onion is heavy to digest due to its Guru (heavy) nature. It might also cause burning sensation in the stomach due to its Ushna (hot) potency.
Modern Science View
When Onion is cut, it produces a gas known as lachrymatory factor. This gas acts as an irritant that causes a stinging sensation in the eyes. To remove this irritant, tears are produced in the eyes[10].
Ayurvedic View
Chopping an Onion can make you cry because of its Tikshna (strong) nature. It irritates the lacrimal glands (tear glands) and produces tears.
Ayurvedic View
No, you can take Onion at night but if you suffer from heartburn or acid reflux it can worsen your problem. This is due to its Tikshna (sharp) and Ushna (hot) properties. So it is advisable to avoid Onion especially in raw form for a few hours before bed.
Modern Science View
Yes, Onion is good for the management of non alcoholic fatty liver disease. Flavonoids in Onion have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Onion also controls the level of glucose, lipids, cholesterol and liver enzymes in the blood[14].
Tip:
Consumption of Onion should be combined with a healthy diet for the management of non alcoholic fatty liver disease[14]
Tip:
Consumption of Onion should be combined with a healthy diet for the management of non alcoholic fatty liver disease[14]
Modern Science View
Yes, Onion can be used for the management of tuberculosis. Onion has antitubercular and antimicrobial activities. Onion helps to prevent the growth of micro-organisms responsible for tuberculosis[15].
Modern Science View
Onion can be useful in promoting hair growth. Onion is a rich source of dietary sulfur. It helps provide extra sulfur for the formation of proteins, especially keratin (protein component of hair). Onion also promotes collagen production which stimulates hair growth. Applying Onion juice on the scalp can help increase blood circulation to the hair follicles and promote the growth of hair[5].
Ayurvedic View
According to Ayurveda, hair fall is due to an aggravated Vata dosha in the body. Onion acts on hair fall by balancing Vata Dosha and promotes hair growth.
References
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- Sharquie KE, Al-Obaidi HK.Onion juice (Allium cepa L.), a new topical treatment for alopecia areata.J Dermatol.2002;29(6):343-346.
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- Arochena L, Gámez C, del Pozo V et al.Cutaneous allergy at the supermarket.J Investig Allergol Clin Immunol.2012;22(6):437-459.
- Magge S, Lembo A.Low-FODMAP diet for treatment of irritable bowel syndrome.Gastroenterol Hepatol (N Y).2012;9(7):450-452.
- Bordia T, Mohammed N, Thomson M et al.An evaluation of garlic and Onion as antithrombotic agents.Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fat Acids.1996;54(3):183-186.
- Imai S, Tsuge N, Tomotake M et al.An Onion enzyme that makes the eyes water.Nature.2002;419(6908):685.
- Randle W, Lancaster J, Shaw M et al.Quantifying Onion flavor compounds responding to sulfur fertility-sulfur increases levels of Alk(en)yl cysteine sulfoxides and biosynthetic intermediates.J Am Soc Hortic Sci.1995;120(6):1075-1081.
- Ulbricht CE.Natural Standard:Herb and Supplement Guide, An Evidence Based Reference.Elsevier;2010.
Disclaimer
The content is purely informative and educational in nature and should not be construed as medical advice. Please use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified medical or healthcare professional.