Last January was surprisingly cold this year. With the ongoing cold wave conditions around the world, this chilly weather can harm our immunity as we suffer from various cold symptoms. Fortunately, there are some natural remedies and traditional treatments that can help us alleviate cough, cold, and other annoying symptoms we face in winter.
One of these remedies is the onion and honey mixture. It is worth noting that this popular treatment is considered an ancient Indian traditional remedy. It consists of one large onion or two onions cut into small slices, which are heated using a generous amount of honey on low heat for a few hours. Afterward, the onion is discarded, and the mixture is strained into another container, or you can also place some slices of onion in a container of natural honey for two or three days to achieve similar results.
**Benefits of Onion:** Onion has always been used for medicinal purposes in homes around the world. This vegetable contains antibacterial properties that help combat infections, in addition to flavonoids and allyl cysteine sulfoxide, which are two chemical groups that act as antioxidants and have the ability to neutralize free radicals that cause severe health damage like cancer. These natural compounds are known to help prevent heart diseases and other human ailments.
**Common Colds:** During a cold, the virus triggers inflammatory reactions in both the nose and throat, leading to nasal congestion and throat inflammation. It is noteworthy that onion contains the flavonoid quercetin, which not only acts as an antioxidant but also serves as an anti-inflammatory agent, helping to alleviate cold symptoms and aid in faster recovery.
**Allergies:** The cold winter months we experience witness a slight increase in allergy cases due to the fact that most of us spend the chilly months indoors, only going out when necessary. In reality, we can be exposed to dust, dust mites, pollen, mold, pet dander, and flakes of dead skin, all of which can cause allergies indoors.
**Benefits of Honey:** Honey has long been used as a remedy to relieve cough. It is known for its antimicrobial properties, especially when consumed in its unprocessed form. Furthermore, recent studies have revealed that honey also possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, all of which collectively help combat heart diseases, cancer, and other illnesses.
