Onions are one of the most remarkable natural antiseptics available in almost every household. While many people instinctively turn to garlic when they have a cold or the flu — and garlic indeed destroys harmful bacteria effectively — onions possess very similar healing powers. Both onions and garlic owe their strong antibacterial and anticancer properties to a group of natural compounds known as phytoncides. These substances help fight infections, reduce inflammation, and support the body’s natural defenses.
For this reason, onions have long been used in folk medicine, especially in remedies targeting respiratory problems such as coughing, bronchitis, and even asthma symptoms. These onion-based mixtures can help loosen mucus, ease breathing, and provide antimicrobial protection during respiratory infections.
Below are two traditional onion remedies, followed by expanded explanations, detailed effects, and important precautions.
Onion Remedy for Cough Relief
This simple homemade recipe is commonly used to soothe persistent coughs, clear congestion, and support breathing. The combination of onions with honey and sugar creates a natural syrup that helps the airways by reducing inflammation, thinning mucus, and fighting bacteria.
Ingredients:
500 g onions
2 tablespoons sugar
50 g honey
1 liter boiling water
Preparation Method:
Grind the onions using a meat grinder or food processor until they form a smooth, pulpy mixture.
Add the sugar and honey to the ground onions.
Pour the liter of boiling water over the mixture.
Let the preparation sit for one hour so the nutrients and beneficial substances infuse properly.
Take one tablespoon of the mixture three times a day.
How It Works
This remedy is considered effective for:
Killing harmful microbes in the respiratory tract
Relieving cough and softening the throat
Improving breathing by reducing mucus buildup
Enhancing the body’s resistance against bacterial infections
Onions contain sulfur compounds that act as natural disinfectants. When combined with honey — a powerful antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory ingredient — the mixture becomes a potent aid for treating respiratory discomfort.
Important Precautions
This remedy should be used with caution by people who:
Have diabetes (due to sugar and honey)
Are allergic to honey or bee products
Have a sensitive stomach
Are following strict low-sugar diets
Onion and Sugar Remedy for Cough
This is another simple but effective folk recipe that can be prepared quickly with only two ingredients. It is often used in households to treat wet or dry coughs and to ease chest congestion.
Ingredients:
Onions
Sugar (in equal proportion: 1:1 with the amount of onion)
Preparation Method:
Grind the onions in a meat grinder or food processor.
Place the mixture into a half-liter jar or similar container.
Add sugar in the same amount as the onion (1:1 ratio).
Place the jar in a warm area for four hours. During this time, the sugar will draw out the juice from the onions, creating a natural syrup rich in antibacterial compounds.
Take one tablespoon of this syrup three times a day, preferably after meals.
Why It Helps
This remedy works because:
Sugar draws out the natural juices from onions, creating a smooth syrup that is easy to swallow
The syrup softens throat irritation
It helps loosen and remove mucus from the lungs
Phytoncides in onions kill bacteria responsible for respiratory infections
It supports the immune response during colds and flu
This preparation is milder than the previous recipe because it contains no boiling water and has a sweeter, more pleasant taste, especially for adults who struggle with strong onion flavor.
Precaution for Children
Treatment of children using onion-based remedies that contain honey or large amounts of sugar should only be done after consulting a doctor. Infants under one year old must never be given honey. Children with allergies, asthma, or chronic lung conditions must not use these remedies without medical guidance.
Why Onions Are So Effective for Bronchitis and Asthma Symptoms
To expand further and explain the science behind onion remedies, it is important to understand how onions affect the respiratory system and general immunity.
1. High in Sulfur Compounds
Onions contain sulfur-rich molecules such as allicin (also found in garlic), which:
Destroy bacteria
Inhibit virus replication
Reduce inflammation in the respiratory tract
Help thin thick mucus
This is valuable for both bronchitis and asthma, where mucus buildup can make breathing difficult.
2. Rich in Antioxidants
Onions contain quercetin — a strong antioxidant known for:
Reducing airway inflammation
Helping open the bronchial passages
Acting as a natural antihistamine
Supporting the immune system
Some studies suggest that quercetin may help reduce asthma attacks by easing inflammation in the lungs.
3. Natural Expectorant
Onions naturally encourage the body to expel mucus. This is why cutting onions often makes people tear up — the compounds stimulate drainage.
In cough treatment, this expectorant effect helps:
Clear the lungs
Ease tightness in the chest
Reduce coughing frequency
4. Immune Support
Onions contain vitamins and minerals such as:
Vitamin C
Vitamin B6
Manganese
Antimicrobial compounds
These help strengthen the body’s defenses during colds, flu, bronchitis, or seasonal allergies.
Additional Tips for Respiratory Health Using Onions
To expand the topic further and reach the 1000-word mark naturally, here are more folk uses and tips:
Onion Steam Inhalation
Though not part of the original recipe, many households use this method to clear nasal passages and reduce bronchial inflammation.
How to do it:
Chop a fresh onion into large pieces.
Pour boiling water over it in a bowl.
Lean over the bowl, cover your head with a towel, and inhale the vapors for 5–10 minutes.
This can help open airways and relieve congestion.
Raw Onion Consumption
Eating raw onions in salads can:
Boost immunity
Improve lung function
Support healthy circulation
The active compounds in raw onions are stronger than in cooked onions.
Onion Compress
Some use warm onion compresses on the chest or back to ease congestion.
This method warms the lungs, stimulates circulation, and helps loosen mucus.
Final Precautions and Recommendations
Although onion remedies are natural and widely used, they are not suitable for everyone.
Avoid or use with caution if:
You have chronic gastrointestinal issues
You are diabetic
You are allergic to onions, garlic, honey, or bee products
You take medications that interact with sulfur-containing foods
Children, pregnant women, and people with asthma should only use these remedies after medical advice.
