There is never a shortage of onion at home: it is used raw and cooked, in sautés, in salads, to prepare omelettes, savory pies and also for onion water. It is a very ancient, but still very widespread, natural remedy that exploits the antihistaminic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties of this bulbous plant, rich in group B and C vitamins and mineral salts. In particular, onion water is highly appreciated for its detox effect, thanks to an active ingredient – allicin – which helps the body reduce the absorption of sugars, lower cholesterol levels and therefore get rid of toxic substances that prevent the liver and kidneys from functioning properly.
What is onion water used for?
In the absence of drugs and supplements, there were once many who drank onion water just to free themselves in case of temporary constipation. Not infrequently, however, due to its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties it was also exploited for soothe the effects of seasonal ailments and muscle pain.
How to prepare onion water
Preparing it is very simple: just cut the onion into slices, then put it in a container full of water and let it rest for a whole night or, in any case, about 12 hours. The proportion is one medium onion to one glass. Once the “rest” period has passed, the bulb is removed and the onion water can be drunk like this, when needed, at room temperature. The taste is sweetish and not particularly annoying, as is the smell, which almost completely evaporates after 12 hours. The sulfur oxide which determines the strong smell of the onion, and which also causes “tears” when we cut it, is in fact destroyed by water (which is why it is always advisable to cut onions under running water or with a knife wet).
What is onion herbal tea used for?
It is just as simple to prepare it onion herbal tea, which is another way of drinking it, hot indeed. It is peeled, cut, immersed in water and then boiled for about 15 minutes, before filtering and drinking. Generally two or three times a day and always as needed and with common sense, also because onion herbal tea (or water) – obviously – is not at all miraculous. It can be an extra help as part of a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle, a bit like lemon water, first of all because it is a way to drink more water. Among other things, precisely because it contains saponins and glucosides which reduce cholesterol contractions and lower blood sugar levels, it is not recommended if you suffer from pathologies affecting the intestinal system, from colitis to reflux.
The onion, water and colds
With these exceptions removed, it is good to know that, in the case of herbal tea, the properties of the onion are amplified by the heat of the water, with a mix that is particularly useful in case of colds, especially if the antiseptic action of the plant is combined with that of honey.
How to use onion water for hair
Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, onion is also used as a natural beauty remedy for hair and scalp. Two ways. The first is to sprinkle your hair with onion water after having already wet it, then pat it dry with a towel and wash it again after half an hour with normal shampoo. The second is to make onion juice (chopping the onion and extracting the juice), and put it on your hair, leaving it on for 30 minutes before washing. A very popular remedy also thanks to American rapper Cardi B who in a post on Instagram some time ago said that her long and thick hair is thanks to onion water compresses. In fact there are several cosmetic products, oils in particular, which exploit the properties of the bulb. Perhaps even more practical and more fragrant.
