Fight Colds with Onion and Honey - Natural Remedy Combo

Understanding How Onion and Honey Help Fight Colds

Colds can leave you feeling miserable with a sore throat, constant coughing, runny nose, congestion, and general fatigue. While there is no cure for the common cold, certain home remedies can provide relief from symptoms and help you feel better faster. Two ingredients that have been used for centuries as natural cold remedies are onion and honey.

How Onion Fights Colds

Onions have powerful antiviral, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties that make them effective at combatting cold symptoms. Specific compounds found in onions called quercetin, phenolics, and organosulfur compounds possess these beneficial effects. Quercetin acts as a natural antihistamine and may help reduce sneezing, sniffling, and a runny nose. The antibacterial effects of onion can thwart secondary bacterial infections that can sometimes occur with colds. Additionally, onions have an expectorant effect that decreases congestion by loosening phlegm and mucus to help you cough it up more easily.

Using Onion for Cold Relief

There are a few ways to harness the cold-fighting benefits of onions:

• Add generous amounts of raw onion to salads, soups, chili, and other dishes. The quercetin in onions is most concentrated in the outer layers, so be sure to only remove the papery outer skin.
• Drink onion tea made by steeping thinly sliced onion in hot water for 10 minutes. Add lemon and honey to improve the flavor.
• Make an onion tonic by combining minced onion with apple cider vinegar and honey. Take 1-2 tablespoons as needed to ease cold symptoms.
• Mix minced or grated onion with coconut or olive oil and massage into the chest to relieve congestion and clear airways.

The Soothing Effects of Honey

Honey has a long history of being used to treat coughs and soothe sore throats. It contains antibacterial, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory compounds that can fight infections while also coating and soothing an irritated throat. The viscous consistency of honey helps to coat and lubricate the throat, allowing for easier swallowing without painful irritation. Honey may also trigger the release of cytokines that suppress coughing and reduce mucus production.

Ways to Use Honey for Colds

Here are some simple ways to use honey at home to manage cold symptoms:

• Drink a hot toddy made with honey, lemon juice, and whiskey or brandy to promote sleep and reduce nighttime coughing.
• Stir honey into herbal tea or lemon water to sip throughout the day.
• Add honey to oatmeal or yogurt for a soothing breakfast.
• Spread honey on toast or mix into fruit spreads.
• Take a spoonful of raw honey as needed to coat the throat.

Combining Onion and Honey for Maximum Relief

Using onion and honey together can provide even more powerful cold symptom relief. The quercetin in onions may work synergistically with the antibacterial compounds in honey to fight infection. Honey balances the pungency of onions, making onion remedies more palatable. The viscosity of honey allows it to stick to the mucus membranes in the throat longer, enabling the antiviral, antimicrobial effects of onions to work more effectively. Here are some effective ways to use onion and honey together to knock out a cold:

Onion and Honey Syrup

Simmer roughly chopped onion in honey over low heat for 15 minutes, then strain out the onion. Take 1 tablespoon of the syrup as needed to reduce cough and clear congestion.

Onion Tea with Honey

Add 2 tablespoons of honey to a cup of steaming onion tea. The honey adds soothing sweetness while also enhancing the expectorant effects of the onions to break up coughs and clear phlegm.

Onion and Honey Cough Drops

Mix equal parts minced onion and honey and drop by the spoonful onto a parchment lined baking sheet. Freeze into small drops then transfer to an airtight container. Suck on a droplet as needed to ease sore throat and quiet coughs.

Onion and Honey Chicken Soup

This classic soup takes on powerful cold-fighting properties when loaded up with onions and honey. Caramelize onions before adding chicken stock, shredded chicken, and plenty of honey. The honey and onions work together to clear sinuses, reduce inflammation, and soothe the throat.

Other Remedies and Ingredients That Combat Colds

While onion and honey is a stellar combination, there are other natural ingredients that can help provide relief when you're sick with a cold:

Ginger

Ginger contains anti-inflammatory compounds called gingerols that can help suppress coughs and loosen congestion. Add fresh ginger to teas or take ginger supplements when sickness strikes.

Garlic

Like its allium cousin onion, garlic also contains beneficial compounds that have antimicrobial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory effects. Eating garlic regularly can help ward off colds, or mince it and mix with honey as a homemade cough syrup.

Peppermint

Menthol provides the cooling relief in peppermint that can open clogged airways. Use peppermint essential oil in steam inhalation, add dried leaves to tea, or apply menthol rubs to the chest.

Eucalyptus

The compound cineole is responsible for the decongestant properties of eucalyptus. Like menthol, eucalyptus essential oil can be used in steam inhalation or diluted and applied to the chest for clearing mucus.

Lemon

Lemons are high in vitamin C, an essential nutrient when you're sick. Lemon also helps thin mucus and its astringent properties reduce congestion. Squeeze fresh lemon juice into tea, water, or soup.

Chicken Soup

This feel-good soup lives up to its reputation. The hot steam helps clear nasal passages while the broth keeps you hydrated. Add plenty of garlic and onion for extra antimicrobial power.

Hot Fluids

Sipping on any hot beverage like tea, broth, or lemon water helps liquefy mucus so you can cough it up more easily. The steam also moisturizes airways and offers temporary relief from coughs and sore throat.

When to See a Doctor

While most colds run their course without issue, it's important to monitor symptoms and seek medical care if you experience:

• Fever over 101 F lasting more than 3 days
• Increasing chest pain or tightness
• Severe body aches or headache
• Thick yellow or green mucus
• Symptoms lasting longer than 10 days without improvement

Seeking prompt medical treatment is crucial for high-risk groups like infants, elderly adults, pregnant women, smokers, or immunocompromised individuals. With home care and natural remedies like onion and honey, most cases of the common cold resolve comfortably at home. Even when a cold can't be cured, ingredients from your kitchen can provide safe symptom relief.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.