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Onion - Health Benefits of Green Onion

Botanical Name: Alluim cepa

Family Name : Liliaceae

The bulbous root of this plant consists of layers of fleshy scales covered by white, yellow or violet-colored tunics. The erect stem is hollow with a swelling at the lower end and can grow as high as 40 inches (1 m). The hollow leaves, which are almost cylindrical or slightly flattened, have a glabrous surface. The flowers, which have white or purple tepals, are clustered into rounded heads. The fruit consists of one capsule and 3 loculi with flat, black seeds.

Green onions, also known as scallions, are the perfect finishing touch final touch for salads, casseroles and many Asian dishes. green onions are usually enjoyed fresh, crisp and raw - both green tops and white base, only the whites of leeks are used, to cook in soups, stews and baked dishes or to grill, poach or braise. Green onions are fat, sodium, and cholesterol-free, low in calories, and high in vitamin C.

Origin and Distribution

Onion was originated in Persia. Once it was a popular food of Egypt (depicted on tombs in 1500 Be). A city was named Onion by Jews that existed for 343 years. It is frequently grown, both privately and commercially, in gardens throughout Europe, Egypt, America, India, China, Japan, Malaysia etc. for the edible root (onions). It is gathered from mid-summer onwards depending on the time of planting.

Properties of Onion

Stimulant, diuretic, expectorant, aphrodisiac, emmenagogue, anti-flatulent, antidysenteric, cardiotonic, bactericidal, reduces blood sugar, lowers cholesterol, anti-inflammatory, hypotensive, anthelmintic, anti-sclerotic, analgesic, anti-neuralgic, anti-rheumatic, corn remover.

Food Value of Onion

Onion derives its name from French word 'oignon' meaning most explosive natural food i.e. it has very good food value in comparison to other vegetables.

Onion analysis gives the following composition:

Traces of iodine, sulphur, chlorine and selenium apart from small amounts of vitamin B-Complex.

Medicinal Uses & benefits

1. Onion possesses expectorant properties. It dissolves phlegm and prevents its formation. It is valued as food remedy medicine for the time immemorial for cold, cough, bronchitis and influenza. A juice mixture of onion, honey and ginger in the ratio 2:2:1 keeps one free from cold and cough (one teaspoon 3 times a day).
2. Onion is also good for tooth trouble. Chewing raw onion for three minutes is sufficient to kill all the germs in the mouth. Toothache is relieved by keeping a piece of onion on the affected tooth or gum.
3. Onion is proved to be an effective food item in preventing heart-attack. As per research, it contains essential oil, allylpropyl disulphide, catechol, proto-catechuic acid, thiopropionaldehyde, thiocyanate, calcium, iron, phosphorus and vitamins which keep check on. heart troubles by correcting thrombosis and reducing blood cholesterol. (One should take 100 gm's. of onion per day.)
4. Onion is a powerful aphrodisiac. It increases libido and strengthens the reproductory organs (two tablespoons, white onion juice, two tablespoons honey and one tablespoon dark juice mixed together and taken 3 times a day).
5. Onion is used in skin diseases and stimulates the circulation of blood in the mucous membrane. Warts are dissolved by rubbing with onion pieces. Roasted onion is valued as a perfect remedy from ancient times for bruises and wounds. It is also used in the form of poultices in slight dislocation of joints etc.
6. Onion juice when dropped in ear stops ringing sound in the ears. Dropped hot in the ear, it relieves ear-ache.
7. Onion is a proven remedy in cholera. A paste of 30 gm's of onion and seven black peppers and sugar to taste should be given in cholera. It immediately controls restlessness, thirst and vomiting.
8. Onions are good for urinary problems. For burning sensation in urine, 6 gm's of onion should be boiled in half litre water which is reduced to further half quantity on fire. It is then cooled and given to patients. Onion rubbed in water and mixed with sugar to taste is useful in urine retention.
9. Onion is useful in bleeding piles. Method given for urine retention is also useful here. Onion rubbed with sugar water should be taken twice daily.
10. It allays several types of hysterical attacks and when rubbed into the skin, it encourages hair growth.
11. It gets rid of freckles and soothes the pain of insect stings.
12. When applied to the skin it repels mosquitoes and it aids dissolving scar formation on wounds.