Onion

The onion is a plant whose underground bulb is used to make medicine. Onions are used to treat digestive problems including loss of appetite, stomach upset and gallbladder disorders, to treat cardiovascular problems including chest pain, angina and high blood pressure, and to prevent arteriosclerosis. They are also used to treat inflammation of the mouth and throat, whooping cough, bronchitis, asthma, dehydration, flatulence, worm infections and diabetes. Some people use onions as a diuretic to increase urine output. Onion is applied directly to the skin for insect bites, wounds, minor burns, boils, warts and bruises. Onions are used in many recipes in the preparation of food. In industrial production, onion oil is used as a flavoring agent for food.

How do onions work?

Onions may help to lower cholesterol levels, which is a risk factor for atherosclerosis. There is some evidence that onions may reduce lung constriction in asthmatics.

How effective is the onion?

There is not enough scientific data to say how effective onions are for asthma, diabetes, stomach upset, fever, colds, coughs, bronchitis, high blood pressure, inflammatory swelling of the mouth and throat, wounds and loss of appetite, or for preventing atherosclerosis. Further scientific research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of onions in these applications.

Safety and side effects

Onions are safe when used in the amounts commonly found in food. It may be safe for most people to consume larger amounts up to a maximum total of 35 mg of the ingredient diphenylamine in onions.

Precautions and warnings

Diabetes: Onions may lower blood sugar levels, so people who suffer from diabetes and use onions in medicinal quantities should carefully monitor their blood sugar levels.

Interactions

Care should be taken when combining onions with the following medications:

Aspirin

Some people are allergic to onions. Aspirin may increase sensitivity to onions if you are allergic to onions. This has only been observed in one person so far. Nevertheless, if you are allergic to onions, you should avoid a combination of aspirin and onions to be on the safe side.

Lithium

Onions may have a dehydrating (diuretic) effect. Eating onions can interfere with the body's excretion of lithium, which could result in increased lithium levels and serious side effects. For this reason, it is important to consult your doctor before eating onions if you are taking lithium. The lithium dosage may need to be adjusted.

Diabetes medication

Onions may lower blood sugar. Diabetes medications are also used to lower blood sugar levels. Eating onions in combination with diabetes medication could result in an excessive drop in blood sugar levels. For this reason, blood sugar levels should be carefully monitored. It is possible that the dosage of diabetes medication may need to be adjusted.

Medication that slows down blood clotting

Onions could slow down blood clotting. Taking onions in conjunction with medications that also slow down blood clotting could increase the risk of bleeding and the tendency to bruise.

Some medications that can slow blood clotting include aspirin, diclofenac (Voltaren), ibuprofen, naproxen and others.

Dosage

An appropriate dosage of onion products depends on various factors such as age, state of health and others. At this time, there is insufficient scientific data to determine appropriate dosage ranges for onion products. For this reason, you should follow the dosage instructions on the label and/or consult a doctor or pharmacist before use.