Health Benefits of Onions

Onions belong to the lily family, which also includes garlic, leeks, chives, scallions, and shallots. Early American settlers used wild onions to treat colds, cough, asthma, and to repel insects. Onions are effective against many bacteria, including Bacillus subtilis, Salmonella, and E. coli. There are many different types of onions, including red, yellow, white, and green. Each different type of onion has its own unique flavor, from very strong to mildly sweet. The high level of sulfur-containing compounds gives onions their unique odor. The strongest smelling onions provide the most health benefits. The best choice is yellow onions, followed by red onions, and then white onions. They are a significant source of vitamins B6 and C, dietary fiber, chromium, folate, manganese, potassium, copper, and phosphorus.


There are many good health benefits involved with onions. A regular diet including onions can lower cholesterol levels and high blood pressure. This can help to prevent atherosclerosis and diabetic heart disease. It can also reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke. Onions are able to increase good-type HDL cholesterol and reduce total cholesterol levels to make a person healthier. Onions are good for diabetics because they contain allyl propyl disulfide, which lowers blood sugar levels by increasing the amount of free insulin available. They also contain thiosulfinates that reduce the symptoms of diabetes. Colorful onions, such as red or yellow, contain the most thiosulfinates. It is best to eat onions raw or lightly cooked because heat diminishes thiosulfinates. Onions contain sulfides which might lower blood lipids and blood pressure.


Onions contain flavonoids, such as quercetin, that can reduce the risk of developing colon cancer by stopping the growth of tumors and protecting colon cells from the damaging effects of certain cancer-causing substances. The flavonoids improve the integrity of blood vessels and decreases inflammation. They also provide protection against cardiovascular disease. Quercetin protects the body against stomach ulcers and colon, esophageal, and breast cancers. Quercetin extract enhances physical performance and endurance.

Other interesting facts about onions are that onion extracts are good at relieving coughs and colds, asthma, and bronchitis. They decrease bronchial spasms and allergy-induced bronchial constriction in asthma patients. They are very rich in chromium, which is a mineral that helps cells respond to insulin. They are effective against osteoporosis. In osteoporosis, they destroy osteoclasts so that they don't break down bone.

Onions are safe to eat for most people but eating too much of this food may cause stomach distress and gastrointestinal irritation that might cause nausea or diarrhea. Cutting onions under cold running water is good at reducing watery eyes and eye irritation. Cut onions should either be stored in a sealed container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and immediately refrigerated. Uncut onions should be stored in a cool, dark, and dry place.

Stop a Heart Attack by Coughing

It is found that coughing deeply and vigorously can stop a heart attack from turning deadly. Properly timed and performed coughs could allow a heart attack victim to remain conscious and regain an effective heart beat. If you feel palpations or lightheaded, take deep breaths and cough repeatedly and very vigorously and hard several times. This could support your circulation for a while until help arrives. A deep breath should be taken before each cough and the cough must be deep and prolonged. A breath and a cough should be repeated every two seconds until help arrives or until the heart is beating normal again.

Coughing deeply would cause a pumping action that would cause blood to be pushed through the body and to the brain. Coughing also increases and decreased chest pressure, which can raise a slow heart rate, increase cardiac output, and sometimes stop an arrhythmia. Taking deep breaths get oxygen into the lungs and coughing causes the heart to squeeze and helps the the blood to circulate. The squeezing pressure on the heart also helps it to have a normal rhythm.

Health Benefits of Thyme

Thyme is a herb that is native southern Europe and western Asia. It has many benefits and has been used for thousands of years to preserve food. It is now cultivated commercially in many parts of the world. Thyme contains an essential oil that is rich in thymol, which is a powerful antiseptic, antibacterial, and strong antioxidant.

Thyme is good at treating colds and it is commonly used in cough drops. It is also used in mouthwashes to treat inflammation in the mouth and throat infections. It has expectorant and bronchial antispasmodic properties that make it good at treating acute and chronic bronchitis, whooping cough, and inflammation of the upper respiratory tract.

Thyme is also good at easing menstrual cramps and PMS symptoms. It is effective at treating wounds, ulcers, and abscesses. It can help digestion and remove mucus from the intestinal tract. Thyme teat can be made by adding one teaspoon of crushed thyme to a half cup of boiling water, letting it steep for 10 minutes, and then straining it. It can be sweetened by adding honey.

Health Benefits of Licorice

Licorice is a flavorful herb that has been used for food and medicinal purposes for thousands of years to treat several illness from the common cold to liver disease. It grows wild in some parts of Europe and Asia and usually grows 3 to 7 feet high. Licorice roots are brown on the outside and yellow on the inside and contain a compound that is nearly 50 times sweeter than sugar. Licorice supplements are made from the roots and underground stems of the plant. Licorice candy that is commonly sold in stores is flavored with licorice root extract and is considered a healthier snack choice because it contains almost no fat per serving.

Licorice is considered a demulcent because of its soothing and coating properties. It is considered an expectorant because it can remove phlegm and mucous from the respiratory tract. It is commonly used by health care professionals to relieve respiratory ailments, allergies, bronchitis, colds, sore throat, tuberculosis, stomach problems, heartburn from reflux, inflammatory disorders, skin diseases, stress relief, hepatitis, and liver problems.

Health Benefits of Eucalyptus

The Eucalyptus tree is native to Australia but it can also be found growing in subtropical regions around the world. Its medicinal properties come from its oil, which can be extracted from the fresh leaves, branch tips, and dried leaves. It was commonly used by Australian aborigines to cure and relieve fevers. It is commonly sold as a supplement or an ingredient in over-the-counter products. It has antiseptic, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, decongestant, and warming properties that makes it good at treating runny nose, asthma, sinusitis, burns, cuts, abrasions, scrapes, boils, wounds, sores, cavities, dental plaque, gingivitis, dental infections, cough, bronchitis, rheumatism, minor muscle aches and pains, nasal congestion, cold, flu, throat problems, pneumonia, respiratory infections, sore throat, and ulcers. It is very safe to use when taken in moderation but it is not wise for people suffering from kidney or liver problems or women who are pregnant to use it.

The supplements are good at treating cough, bronchitis, and rheumatism. When used as an ingredient in over-the-counter drugs, it is good at treating minor muscle aches and pains and for temporary relief of nasal congestion and coughs associated with cold. Tea prepared from Eucalyptus leaves can ease a sore throat when used as a gargle. When the oil is massaged into the chest, it can treat congestion and cough.

Cure Colds with Echinacea

Echinacea is a herb that can reduce cold and flu symptoms, such as coughs, fever, and sore throat. It is good at shortening the duration and severity of cold and flu symptoms. It was commonly used by the North American Plains Indians for its general medicinal properties and has been used thought history to treat infections, wounds, scarlet fever, syphilis, malaria, blood poisoning, and diphtheria. It works by stimulating the body's immune system to fight infections. A study done by the University of Connecticut has shown that it can cut the chances of catching a cold by more than half and cut the duration of a cold by 1.4 days. It is recommended to get 3 grams daily in tincture or capsule form starting at the first sign of symptoms.

The Health Benefits of Clove Oil

Clove is a plant that is originally from the lowlands, valleys, and hillsides of the southern Phillipine islands. It has been used for centuries for medicinal and homeopathic properties. It is full of minerals, such as calcium, hydrochloric acid, iron, phosphorus, sodium, potassium, and vitamins A and C. Clove oil is commonly extracted from the the flower of the clove and it can be used to treat toothaches, indigestion, cough, asthma, headaches, stress, blood impurities, bronchitis, muscle aches, sprains, arthritis, and rheumatism. Many of the benefits of clove oil is due to its antimicrobial, antifungal, antiseptic, antiviral, aphrodisiac, antioxidant, anti-parasitic, and stimulating properties.

Cure Coughs with Honey

Honey can be used to cure coughs in both children and adults. Honey works by coating the throat to soothe irritation and it is rich in antioxidants that fight infections. It also thins out mucus by increasing the production of saliva. For children, 1 to 2 teaspoons is recommended per dose. For adults, up to 3 teaspoons is recommended every 2 or 3 hours or as needed. It is not good to give honey to children that are less than 1 year old.