Onion water is a traditional home remedy used to soothe persistent coughs. This simple concoction involves steeping sliced onions in a liquid base, typically a sweetener like honey or sugar, to extract the vegetable’s beneficial compounds. The resulting liquid is consumed for its ability to calm irritation in the throat and chest.
Step-by-Step Preparation Method
Preparing the remedy begins with selecting one large yellow or red onion, which should be peeled and thinly sliced or roughly chopped. The onion pieces are then placed into a clean jar or container.
The chosen sweetener, typically raw honey or granulated sugar, is layered over the onion slices, creating alternating strata of onion and sweetener until the jar is full. A common ratio is one part sweetener to one part onion slices by volume. The mixture is then covered and left to sit at room temperature for at least 8 to 12 hours, or ideally overnight, allowing the sweetener to naturally draw out the onion’s juices.
As time passes, the osmotic process works to create a liquid at the bottom of the jar—a concentrated syrup. Once the liquid has accumulated, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to separate the clear liquid from the solid onion pieces. This resulting liquid is the finished remedy and should be stored properly.
The Active Compounds and How They Work
The soothing effects of onion water are attributed to beneficial phytochemicals released during steeping. Onions are rich in flavonoids, especially quercetin, a potent antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties. When consumed, this compound may help reduce inflammation lining the respiratory tract, a frequent cause of coughing.
Another significant group of compounds extracted are the organosulfur compounds, such as propiin and its derivatives, which cause the onion’s pungent odor and flavor. These molecules possess expectorant qualities, meaning they may help thin and loosen mucus in the airways. This action can facilitate the expulsion of phlegm, which is a beneficial function for productive coughs.
Furthermore, extracts from onions have demonstrated a bronchodilatory effect in laboratory studies, suggesting they can help relax the smooth muscle tissue in the trachea and bronchi. This muscle-relaxing action could potentially help to open the airways slightly, contributing to the relief of spasmodic or tight coughing. While the scientific evidence for this specific home remedy is not definitive, the individual components of the onion are known to support respiratory health.
Guidelines for Consumption and Safety
The concentrated liquid can be consumed by the teaspoon or tablespoon, typically two to four times throughout the day, to help manage cough symptoms. The high sugar or honey content means the remedy is thick and sweet, which helps to coat the throat and provide immediate, temporary relief from irritation. For a more palatable experience, the syrup can be mixed with a small amount of warm water or an herbal tea.
Proper storage is necessary to maintain the remedy’s quality and safety. The onion water should be transferred to an airtight container and kept in the refrigerator, where it typically maintains its potency for up to a week.
Despite its traditional use, this remedy is not suitable for everyone. Infants under one year old should never be given honey due to the risk of botulism. Some individuals may also experience mild side effects, such as digestive upset, heartburn, or temporary bad breath, especially if consuming large quantities.
Onion water is a complementary home remedy and not a substitute for professional medical care. If a cough is severe, persistent, or accompanied by concerning symptoms such as high fever, difficulty breathing, or chest pain, consult a healthcare provider immediately for diagnosis and treatment.