Onion

Allium Cepa

Description: The medicinal part is the bulb. There are many varieties that are cultivated worldwide. It is a perennial or biennial.

Properties: Contains compounds such as alliin and similar sulfur compounds, essential oil, peptides, flavonoids, alkylcysteine sulphoxides (transformed into alliaceous oils during processing), fructosans, and saccharose.

Actions: Antimicrobial effect is exhibited by the thiosulphinate. Lipid and blood pressure lowering effect similar to garlic (not clinically proven). Inhibits thrombocyte aggregation. Antiasthmatic and antiallergic effect.

Uses: Loss of appetite. Arteriosclerosis. Dyspeptic complaints. Fevers and colds. Cough and bronchitis. Tendency for infection. Inflammation of the mouth and pharynx. The common cold.

Folk Uses: Internal for cough, bronchitis, asthma, digestive disorders with bloating and colic pain, introduction of menstruation, high blood pressure, arteriosclerosis. External for insect bites, wounds, burns, warts, care of bruises.
(These folk remedies are unproven)

Cautions: Intake of large quantities can lead to stomach upsets. May rarely lead to allergic reactions (hand eczema) with frequent contact. DO NOT give to pets (especially Cats!).

Side Effects: None known with proper adminstration and dosages in humans. Causes Heinz body hemolytic anemia in cats.

Administration: May use cut onions and juice pressed from fresh onions. The raw drug is used therapeutically. Juice can be applied as a poultice externally. Tincture can be taken internally.

Dose: Average daily human dose is 50 grams of fresh or 20 grams of dried onions.