Fight Coughs With Onion and Honey Remedies | Natural Healing

Harnessing the Healing Power of Onions and Honey

A persistent cough can greatly diminish quality of life. Between lost sleep, sore throat pain and constant irritation, coughs seem impossible to shake. When over-the-counter syrups fail to deliver relief, natural remedies utilizing ingredients like onions and honey deserve consideration. Surprisingly, these two kitchen staples have been used for generations to soothe coughs and fight infection.

How Onions Help Coughs

Onions contain several key compounds that makes them powerful cough healers. Quercetin displays strong anti-inflammatory abilities, while the sulfur compounds thiosulfinates and allyl sulfides exhibit both antibacterial and antiviral activity against respiratory infections. Heating onions activates these beneficial elements.

Additional cough-fighting substances in onions include zinc, selenium, vitamin C and flavonoids. Together, these elements battle the pathogens and inflammation aggravating cough symptoms. Onions' expectorant properties also help loosen and expel mucus secretions triggering coughs.

Honey's Soothing Capabilities

Multiple characteristics of honey enable it to ease cough discomfort. As essentially concentrated plant nectar, honey contains hydrogen peroxide and glucose oxidase working together to inhibit microbial growth. This gives it both antibacterial and antifungal abilities to beat back infection.

Honey also exhibits antioxidant and anti-inflammatory qualities. Flavonoids like quercetin, kaempferol, acacetin and galangin are partly responsible for reducing inflammation contributing to coughs. These soothing capacities combined with its thick, coating texture explain honey's effectiveness for cough relief.

Science-Backed Remedies Combining Onions and Honey

Onion Tea

Steaming onions to make a therapeutic tea takes advantage of the pungent vegetable's expectorant attributes. Chopping an onion releases enzymatic reactions that boost antibacterial elements to fight infection while various sulfur compounds thin mucus.

Simmering chopped onion in water further encourages cough-soothing benefits. The quercetin, vitamin C and sulfuric mix becomes concentrated in the infused water. A touch of honey can lend its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory relief to this traditional remedy.

Onion Honey Syrup

Processing onion into a liquid state allows for maximizing its healing abilities. Cooked down with honey, onion makes a medicinal syrup that can be incorporated into drinks or taken straight. It packs an antimicrobial, antioxidant punch.

Caramelizing chopped onions before adding a equal amount of honey enhances the cough-fighting capacities. Raw honey offers top therapeutic qualities. This sweet and pungent elixir harnesses the best soothing strengths of both ingredients.

Onion Poultice

Applying onion externally pulls compounds to chest and neck areas irritated by coughing. Creating a poultice or plaster infuses skin with quercetin, organosulfurs and vitamin C to target upper respiratory inflammation and infection.

Chop or blend a whole onion before combining with 2-4 tablespoons honey. Place mixture in a clean cloth then apply directly to throat and chest. Leave on for 30-60 minutes allowing the active elements to penetrate the skin before rinsing.

Other Remedies Utilizing Onions and Honey

Honey Glazed Onions

Enjoying onions as food takes advantage of their healing nutrients in a tasty form. Sauteing or roasting onion wedges then tossing with honey creates a sweet-savory dish. Eating medicinal foods bolsters the compounds working against your cough and sickness.

Hot Onion Honey Drink

For a soothing beverage, steep chopped onions in hot water 5-10 minutes before removing solid pieces. Add fresh lemon juice and a tablespoon or more honey, stir well and drink slowly. This hot toddy allows for frequent small sips to coat throat with healing honey.

Onion Honey Soup Broth

Vidalia or other sweet onions nicely complement honey when simmered into a broth. Alongside garlic, onions can be sauted as a soup base before adding chicken or vegetable stock and honey. Ginger and cayenne offer additional cough-calming spiciness.

Honey Onion Cough Drops

Hard candies allow for extended honey contact while stimulating tastebuds. Caramelized onion honey syrup provides an ideal base for making cough drops. Simply bring to 300F degrees, allow bubbling to subside, and pour into candy molds. Cool before handling for sore throat relief.

Maximizing Effectiveness and Safety

Caution for Infants

Honey is considered unsafe for infants under one year old due to risk of infant botulism from Clostridium bacteria spores. While onion remedies may seem gentler than medications, do not give either honey or onion preparations to babies without first consulting a pediatrician.

Whole Onion Utilization

Using whole onion maximizes relief potential compared to extracts or onion powders. Quercetin concentration is highest in whole onion, and allicin forms when chopping to bring out optimum medicinal effects. Allowing chopped onion to sit 10+ minutes before heating boosts beneficial compounds too.

Raw Unfiltered Honey

Pasteurization destroys many phytochemical elements in honey that enable its antimicrobial, soothing abilities. Seek out raw unfiltered honey varieties to retain pollen and nutraceuticals providing relief. Dark honeys like buckwheat offer extra antioxidants as well.

Moderating Spiciness

The pungency and bite of onion can irritate coughs if not moderated by honey's coating thickness. Adjust onion to honey ratios to preference for palatability. Likewise ginger, garlic, cayenne and other spices can be balanced by increasing honey levels as needed.

The Takeaway

With their high antioxidant, antimicrobial properties, onions and honey represent effective traditional remedies for coughs and sore throats. Multiple studies support their ability to combat infection causing respiratory issues. Together, they increase expectorant, antibacterial, pain-relieving and immune boosting powers.

Harness onions and honey in teas, salves, broths or other preparations meeting your preferences for maximizing relief. Allow their complementary healing strengths in the form of quercetin, organosulfurs and phytochemicals ease your cough naturally. The key is utilizing their bioactive compounds fully by chopping, heating or consuming the whole ingredients.

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.