Most people don’t like onions. The strong smell and pungent taste make it an unpopular vegetable, especially when raw. It’s rare to see someone eating a raw onion by choice. And yet, despite its strong flavor, onions are among the most beneficial foods available. We often wonder why we catch colds so frequently or why viral infections seem to affect us so easily — but perhaps the answer lies in ignoring simple, natural remedies like onions.
I’ve read a lot about the health benefits of onions over the years, but recently, I discovered a few more uses that I think everyone should know about. These are practical, easy to try at home, and surprisingly effective.
1) For Heart Problems and Swelling (Edema)
If you’re experiencing heart-related discomfort accompanied by swelling in your body — particularly in your legs or hands — there’s a simple remedy you can try. Take two medium-sized onions, chop them finely, and sprinkle them with a thin layer of powdered sugar. For best results, prepare this remedy in the evening and let it sit overnight. By morning, the onions will have released a juice.
Drink two tablespoons of this onion juice every morning. Continue taking it daily until the swelling subsides. Not only is this remedy natural, but it’s also remarkably effective when used over time. Interestingly, I read in a health column once that this same onion juice can be used for treating coughs, bronchitis, and colds. However, I’ve personally found it to be very helpful for relieving swelling — and I can vouch for the results.
2) For Eye Strain and Dryness
In today’s digital world, many of us spend hours in front of screens — whether for work, study, or entertainment. As a result, a growing number of people are dealing with dry eyes, burning sensations, tiredness, and general discomfort in the eye area. I had these same problems. I tried a number of eye drops and treatments recommended at the pharmacy — most of them expensive — but none of them worked for me.
Believe it or not, the solution again was onions. Yes, this common kitchen vegetable ended up solving a problem that no commercial medication could.
Here’s what you need to do: peel and chop a raw onion every day, and allow yourself to cry. Onion vapors stimulate tear production, which helps flush out and clean the tear ducts. This natural flow of tears can relieve dry eyes and reduce discomfort over time. It’s important to do this consistently for a few days in a row — preferably in the evening. Later, if the symptoms return, you can repeat the process as needed.
Onions are a staple in almost every household, yet we rarely think to use them for medicinal purposes. I strongly encourage you to give this a try — the results can be impressive.
Doctor’s Commentary:
In traditional medicine, onions are widely recognized for their antiviral and immune-boosting properties. They also have antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory effects. Onions are commonly used to help treat acute respiratory infections, sore throats, and chronic tonsillitis.
One of the most useful compounds in onions is the essential oil, which is what causes us to tear up when we chop them. These oils can stimulate tear production and also have an anti-inflammatory effect. That’s why using onions to help with dry eyes might actually make sense — it’s a simple method with a scientific basis. However, one must be cautious: if you experience increased discomfort, pain, or worsening symptoms in your eyes, you should immediately stop the treatment and consult a medical professional.
Onions are also used in folk medicine for preventing atherosclerosis and managing high blood pressure. This may help explain why onion juice works in treating swelling caused by heart failure. Its effect on the cardiovascular system is just another reason to respect this humble vegetable.
So, next time you see an onion in your kitchen, don’t just think of it as an ingredient for cooking. Think of it as a natural medicine — powerful, accessible, and often overlooked. Give it a try, and you may be pleasantly surprised.
