Medical Uses for Onions

Onions are an aromatic kitchen staple, grown throughout the world. While children frequently complain about the pungent flavor of onions, and adults grumble about cutting onions because the aroma causes their eyes to weep, onions have a large number of medical uses. An increased focus has been placed on the use of onions, both in the laboratory and in the kitchen, as a treatment for a variety of diseases and their symptoms.

Hemorrhoid Treatment

• Onions can be used to treat the symptoms of hemorrhoids. Onions contain anti-inflammatory components called isothiocyanates, which help relieve the symptoms of hemorrhoids. To treat hemorrhoids, onion juice may be infused into an oil-based salve and applied to the affected area overnight. An alternative method of using onions to treat hemorrhoids is through the insertion of a piece of onion into the rectum overnight. This technique should only be used if there is no bleeding present.

Antibacterial Effects

• Onions, along with garlic, are members of the allium family of plants. All alliums have antibacterial and antifungal properties due to the presence of phytochemicals that have been shown to kill bacteria in laboratory studies. This effect is similar to that of an antibiotic and allows onions to be an effective treatment against the common cold, sinus congestion, earache as well as infection. To use onions as antibacterial agent, the onion may be boiled with honey and consumed orally. Alternatively, onions or their juice may be placed directly onto or into an infected area to prevent or treat infection.

Effective Against Cardiovascular Disease

• Onions help to prevent blood clots, treat high blood pressure, and prevent plaque build-up in arteries. It is believed that onions can fight against cardiovascular diseases because that they contain an antioxidant. Laboratory studies have demonstrated that flavenoids, such as quercetin, reduce plaque build up in arteries. Beyond the benefits of quercetin, the consumption of onions also provides the body with antioxidants in the form of organosulfur compounds, which are effective in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases.

Cancer Prevention and Treatment

• Onions have numerous chemicals in them that have shown to be effective against cancer. Certain types of onions are more effective against different types of cancer because of varying concentrations of specific phenolic compounds. The cancer-fighting characteristics of onions are thought to be the result of antioxidant and anti-proliferation effects of onions in the body. Antioxidant chemicals, such as flavenoids and isothiocyanates, fight free radicals, which are linked to cancer. Onions also have anti-proliferation properties, which work to stop cancerous cells from growing.

Precautions

• Information is deemed reliable, but not guaranteed for all readers. Some information on medical uses for onions may create an unreasonable risk for individuals who opt to apply or use the information provided, without a doctor's recommendation. Always consult a physician before attempting a remedy.