Herbs That Heal

 

ONION

 


ONION

(Allium cepa)                  Top Pick

Other Names

O Í ngnum, Onyoun, Unyoun, Yn-leac.

Description

Onion is a biennial plant found in the wild all over the world, however it is mainly cultivated.   The bulb bears a hollow, blue green stem above ground, producing clusters of light green flowers that bloom from June through August. 

Classification

 

Taste

 

Balance Yin/Yang

Warm

Humor

Fire  é    Water   ê  Air   ê

Uses/Applications

Onion juice is often used as a diuretic or expectorant.   As an antiseptic it helps end the putrefaction and fermentation process in the gastrointestinal tract.   Half an onion cut small and eaten with bread will relieve gas pains and heartburn.   Mix onion juice with honey for hoarseness and coughs.   It will also lower blood pressure and cholesterol.   Externally Onion can be applied to wounds.   In is also an excellent Anti-Fungal for warts and athlete’s foot.   Just rub the onion on the affected area.   Use 1 Tsp. onion juice with 1 Tsp. vinegar to fade dark blemishes.   Apply a roasted onion to your ear to relieve earache.

Combinations

 

Constituents

 

Action

Anthelmintic, Antiseptic, Anti-Spasmodic, Carminative, Diuretic, Expectorant, Stomachic, Tonic.

Food Values

 

Part Used

Bulb.

Collection

Collect the bulbs from late summer to fall.

Preparation

Cold Extract

Soak a chopped onion in 1 cup water for 24 hours, then strain.   Take 1/2 cup per day.

 

Decoction

Boil a medium size, chopped onion, in a little more than a cup of water until 1 cup of liquid remains.   Take 1 Tbsp several time per day for several days.

 

Juice

Take 1 Tsp. four times per day.

Growing Directions

Plant onion seeds about 1/2 inch deep.   Plant the bulbs about 1 inch deep, making sure the root end is down.   Onion prefers rich, well drained, moist soil, and full sunlight.   Onion makes an excellent potted plant, that can be propagated from the bulb division.

History

Onion is frequently depicted in Egyptian tomb paintings.   Greeks and Romans both praised its healing qualities but dammed its odor.

Additional Information

1.   Studies show 1 onion a day can lower your cholesterol and your blood pressure.

2.   A recent study by the National Cancer Institute shows people who eat diets high in Allium, such as Onions and Garlic, suffer less stomach cancer.

Cautions

1.   Do not use if you are breast feeding as it may cause colic in your infant.

2.   Fresh onion may irritate your eyes.

Magick Information

 

Gender:

  Masculine

Planet:

  Mars

Element:

  Fire

Deity:

  Isis

Powers:

  Money, Protection

Magickal Uses:

  Place the dried flowers around your home for protection.   Wear an onion omelet to protect yourself against evil and negativity.   Place half an onion on a window ledge to absorb negativity.   To attract money, burn onion skins and peelings in your fireplace.   Purify magical knives and swords by rubbing the blades with fresh cut onion.