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ONION


WHAT IS ONION

It is an important medicinal plant that is used in the treatment of various ailments. The botanical name for Onion is Allium cepa Linn which belongs to the Liliaceae family. It is widely called as Queen of the kitchen because of its high flavor, aroma, and unique taste.


What are the other names of ONION in various languages

Hindi – Piyaz

Kannada – Nirulli, irulli

Bengali – Pyanj

Malayalam – Chuvannaulli

Telugu – Nirulli

Tamil – Vengayam

Punjabi – Ganda

Marathi – Konda

Gujarathi – Dungali, Dungari


ORIGIN AND SOURCE OF ONION

Onion is originated in central Asia. India and it is widely distributed all over the world. India is considered the second largest onion cultivating country in the world and India, is found in Maharastra, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, Haryana, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Jharkhand and Telangana

The onion is a perennial herb that produces a strong smell and it grows up to 20 cm in diameter and the stem plant is 100 cm tall and 30cm in diameter which is inflated. The leaves are green in color and it looks like flat, thin, 2-3spathe like bracts that enclose the flower during its younger stage and the seed of this plant is back in color and it is convex on one side and flattened at another side. The bulb of the plant can be white, red, purple, and yellow which usually takes 80-150 days to harvest. Its first harvesting takes place from November to January and the second harvesting in January to May.

Part used: Bulb and Seeds

Taste: Pungent

Potency: Hot


CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS IN ONION

On chemical compound analysis of The Onion, it includes

Cycloallin, quercetin, oleanolic acid, allyl propyl di9sulphide, protein (1.2%), carbohydrates (11.6%), and it also contains Calcium, iron, vitamin E, and B1.

Onion bulb contains: Volatile oil like allyl propyl disulfide, allicin, and alllin, flavonoids, phenolic acids,l thiosulphates, and sterols

ACTIONS:

Antioxidant

Antibacterial

Antiviral

Anticancer

Anti-inflammatory

Hepatoprotective

Antidiabetic

Anti-hypertensive

Anti-platelet


TRADITIONAL AND MODERN VIEW OF ONION

In Greece ancient times they used onion as a blood purifier for athletes

In Rome, they used to rub the juice of onion to make the muscles firm

The Greek and Phoenicians used to prevent scurvy and the Greek physician Hippocrates used the onion for healing wounds, diuretics, and pneumonia

The onion paste is applied to the inflammation and wounds then covered with bandages

The fresh juice or oil of the onion is poured into the ears to treat ear pain

The onion juice is poured into the nostrils to treat nasal bleeding

To control bleeding piles and disorders onion is cut into small pieces and boiled with more quantity of milk. Consume this milk to treat bleeding disorders

The onion paste is heated and apply this on the affected area to treat joint pain and nerve pain

To increase the sexual vigor and vitality take the sweet onion and roast it with ghee

The fresh onion juice is used to treat fever that occurs due to the indigestion

To increase the sperm count take the onion seed powder and mix it with pomegranate juice and consume the drink

To treat cough, asthma, sore throat take ghee roast onion 


DOSAGE OF ONION

The dose of the drug used according to the physician

Onion juice: 10-20ml

Onion seed powder: 1-3g


PRECAUTIONS WHILE USING ONION

Onion contains Sulphur which has antithrombotic properties so it should be avoided during surgery because it may increase the risk of bleeding

Kindly avoid consuming onion if you are taking any anticoagulant drug because the use of onion may cause thinning of blood

Onion contains indigestible carbohydrates which produce digestive problems so the patients who are having irritable bowel syndrome kindly avoid the excess intake of onion

It is considered safe to use onion the patients during breastfeeding

Onion helps to reduce the blood sugar level, monitor the blood glucose level if you are taking any other anti-diabetic drug along with onion

Onion helps to reduce the blood pressure, monitor the blood pressure if you are taking any other antihypertensive drug along with onion


CONTRAINDICATIONS WHEN USING ONION

Do not use this herb if you are allergic to the constituents of the onion

Kindly avoid using this herb during pregnancy  


BENEFITS OF ONION

Diabetes mellitus:

Traditional use: According to Ayurveda, diabetes is known as Madhumeha. It occurs due to the imbalance of Vata and Kapha dosh and impaired digestion. Impaired digestion leads to the accumulation of toxins in the pancreatic cells and affects insulin function. The use of onion control diabetes by maintaining the function of insulin normally by balancing the Vata-Kapha and improves impaired digestion.

Modern view: The use of onion improves the metabolism of glucose and sensitivity of insulin. Onion contains quercetin which helps to fight against the free radicals by its anti-oxidant and anti-diabetic properties and it also helps to decrease the risk of developing a diabetic complication

Hypertension:

Onion contains Quercetin which lowers blood pressure and protects the blood vessels from the free radical damage by its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cardioprotective activity.

 Diarrhea:

Traditional view: According to Ayurveda, Diarrhea is called Atisar. Usually, diarrhea occurs due to mental stress, improper food, water, environmental toxins. Diarrhea occurs due to the imbalance of Vata. This brings the fluid into the intestines and mixes it with stool which leads to diarrhea. Onion control diarrhea by its light activity which makes the stool too thick and also reduces the episodes of motion

Prostate cancer:

Onion contains Quercetin, apigenin and fisetin has anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties which produce its action by inhibiting the growth and multiplication of cancer cells and leads to cell death so the use of onion control the prostate consumption and reduce the risk for developing prostate cancer

Asthma

Traditional view: According to the Ayurveda, asthma occurs due to the imbalance of Vata and Kapha doshas in the lungs which results in obstruction in the passages in the respiratory. The use of padmak treats asthma by balancing the imbalance of Vata and Kapha doshas this helps to reduce the blockage in the respiratory passage by removing the excess mucus in the lungs.

Modern view: Quercetin is a chemical compound present in the onion that helps to reduce allergy and inflammation by its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, anti-histaminic properties

Atherosclerosis:

Onion reduce the bad cholesterol level by its hypolipidemic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activity and it also protects the blood vessels and decreases the damage caused by peroxidation of lipids

Cough:

Traditional view: According to Ayurveda, Cough occurs due to the imbalance of Kapha dosha which leads to the accumulation of mucus in the lungs. The use of onion balance the Kapha and prevent the formation of mucus and treat cough.

Take the required amount of raw onion and slice it into small pieces and fry the onion in the pan with ghee. Use this remedy to control cough

Appetite stimulant:

According to Ayurveda, Anorexia is called Aruchi and it occurs due to the accumulation of toxins in the body by impaired digestion which results in blockage of gastrointestinal channels in the body. The use of onion helps to treat anorexia by improving digestion and also prevent the accumulation of toxins in the body by its Anushna property.

Increase testosterone level:

Traditional view: According to Ayurveda, imbalance of Vata dosha leads to a decrease in the hormonal level in men. The use of onion helps to balance the Vata dosha by its Vajikarana (aphrodisiac) activity and it also helps to improve the reproductive function in males.

Modern view: Due to its antioxidant property it fights against the free radicals which are present in the testes and protects the cell from damage. It also stimulates testosterone production by increasing the production of luteinizing hormone

Hair loss:

Traditional view: According to Ayurveda, hair fall occurs due to the imbalance of Vata dosha in the body. The use of onion helps to balance the Vata dosha and it increases the growth of hair and reduces the excessive dryness by its Snigdha (oily) and Ropan (healing) properties

Take the required amount of onion juice and mix it with coconut oil or honey and add tea tree oil into it and make it as a paste and apply this paste on your scalp for 2 minutes and wash your hair with mild shampoo to control hair fall


HOW CAN YOU ADD ONION IN YOUR DAILY LIFE?

The Onion comes in various formulations includes

Onion capsule:

Take the required amount of onion capsule as per the dose and duration advised by the doctor and consume it with water after your meals

Onion powder:

Take the required amount of onion powder as per the dose and duration advised by the doctor and mix it with honey or water and take it after your meals

Onion juice:

Take the required amount of onion as advised by the doctor and cut them finely and grind the chopped onion in a grinder and sieve the paste using a muslin cloth and strain the juice and store it in a closed container and take it to control indigestion

Onion oil:

Take the required amount of onion oil and apply it to your scalp before going to bed at night and wash it the next morning with a mild shampoo. Use this remedy to treat dandruff and promote hair growth

Onion juice for hair growth

Take the required amount of onion juice and mix it with coconut oil or honey and add tea tree oil into it and make it as a paste and apply this paste on your scalp for 2 minutes and wash your hair with mild shampoo to control hair fall


SIDE EFFECTS OF ONION

·         Eye irritation

·         Skin rash


FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ON ONION

Is Onion powder available in the market?

Yes, it is available in the market and it can be brought from online websites or ayurvedic medical stores.

How to store Onion oil?

It should be stored in an airtight container and keep the medicines away from the heat and light and Do not keep the medicines reaching out to children

How to make onion powder at home?

Wash and peel the required onion and chop the onion and bake it in a baking tray at 150C and allow it to cool and by using the mortar make it as a paste. Store it in an air-tight container and freeze it.