5 Home Remedies With Onion To Relieve Cough

Onion is attributed some interesting properties against symptoms such as cough. However, it is not a first-line treatment. What should you know about onion remedies? Here we detail it!

Relieving a cough is sometimes not an easy task, however, in this article we will try to explain some home remedies that help to combat it. Coughing is a defense mechanism of the body produced against the attack of viruses and bacteria, or the presence of foreign agents in the respiratory tract.

It is produced abruptly by an explosive emptying of air from the lungs and, most of the time, it is accompanied by phlegm and inflammation. Although its detention is not recommended, since it is the way to eliminate excess mucus, many seek to control it because it is usually annoying and painful.

However, to choose an effective treatment, it is first advisable to go to the doctor. The professional may suggest the administration of various types of drugs depending on the cause of the cough. It will also make some recommendations to take care of it with the lifestyle.

Of course, to complement all this, some home remedies can be prepared that combine beneficial ingredients to calm this symptom. Although they should not be the first line of treatment, their consumption can be beneficial in mild cases. Have you already tried the onion remedies?

Home remedies with onion to relieve cough

Onion preparations are part of the catalog of traditional remedies that have been shared among people for decades. However, it is important to mention that to date there is no scientific evidence to support the safety and efficacy of onion against cough.

There are only small studies, such as one published in the West Indian Medical Journal , where it is suggested that some mixtures with onion are effective against certain microorganisms associated with cough, including Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, among others.

Considering the above, it is essential to bear in mind that these remedies do not replace medical treatment and may be ineffective in some cases. Therefore, as we already mentioned, the treatment of cough should be done as suggested by the doctor. If it is mild, the following options could be tried:

1. Onion and garlic tea to fight a cough

A hot onion and garlic drink may be soothing when a cough is caused by common problems like a cold. Like onion, garlic has been shown to have antibacterial and antiviral effects, as seen in a study published in the Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine . 

Ingredients

• 2 cups of water (500 ml).
• 1 raw garlic
• ½ onion.

How to prepare it?

• Bring the two cups of water to a boil and, while it comes to a boil, mince the raw garlic and onion.
• When the water is ready, remove it and pour it into a pitcher along with the two chopped ingredients.
• Let it sit for 20 minutes and strain it.
• Have a cup in the morning and another before bed.

2. Onion syrup and honey to relieve cough

Contrary to what happens with onions, there is more evidence about the positive effects of honey against coughs. In fact, according to information in a Pediatric Reports publication , the World Health Organization identifies honey as a possible demulcent treatment for coughs.

This same study indicates that honey has antimicrobial actions that have demonstrated efficacy against microorganisms such as Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus faecalis. In addition, it is a food that provides carbohydrates, free amino acids, vitamins, trace elements and flavonoids. 

Ingredients

• 1 onion.
• 4 tablespoons of honey (100 g).

How to prepare it?

• Chop an onion into thin slices and put it in a glass jar.
• Cover the vegetable with the four tablespoons of honey and let it rest for 10 to 12 hours.
• After the recommended time, consume two or three tablespoons of syrup a day.

3. Garlic, onion and carrot smoothie

A combination of garlic, onion and carrot can serve as a cough reliever. Specifically, this smoothie contains  vitamins, minerals and antioxidant compounds that help strengthen the defenses.

Ingredients

• 1 clove garlic.
• 1 medium onion.
• 2 sticks of celery.
• 1 medium carrot.
• 1 liter of water.

How to prepare it?

• First you must wash the ingredients well, cut them into several pieces and blend them with a liter of water.
• After completing these steps, drink the drink twice a day.

4. Onion and lemon juice against cough

Another combination that could help calm a cough is onion with lemon. Although as such there is no evidence of its efficacy, it should be noted that it is a preparation rich in vitamin C. Vitamin C, as indicated by a study published in Respiratory Medicine , is an antioxidant and helps reduce coughs and wheezing in smokers. 

Ingredients

• ½ onion.
• The juice of ½ lemon.

How to prepare it?

• First, pass half an onion through a juicer, then mix the liquid with the juice of half a lemon.
• Finally, take two tablespoons of the juice every three hours.

5. Onion poultice to relieve cough

We already know that the evidence on the use of onion to relieve coughs is limited; However, another of the traditional remedies that have been used for this purpose consists of making a poultice with this food. Those who have tried it suggest that it helps to decongest and reduce irritation of the respiratory tract.

Ingredients

• 1 onion.
• ½ liter of water.

How to prepare it?

• The first thing you should do is add a chopped onion in half a liter of water and let it boil until soft. Next, pass the liquid through a strainer and remove the onion remains.
• Next, dip a cloth in the resulting water and, before it cools, put it on your chest.

• Finally, repeat the application of the poultices for 10 minutes before going to sleep.

Avoid irritants to relieve cough

Onion is an ingredient widely used in natural medicine as a possible adjuvant to calm a cough. However, there is not enough scientific evidence to support its efficacy against this condition. Therefore, it should be used with caution, bearing in mind that it is not a substitute for medical treatment.

Also, it is important to note that there are some irritants that trigger or worsen a cough. Cold drinks, tobacco smoke, dust, perfumes, among others, should be avoided to improve this symptom.