Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Onion (Allium cepa) has a long history of use as a home remedy for cough, particularly spastic or dry coughs, in various traditional medicine systems. Folk medicine across different cultures, especially in Europe and Asia, has recommended onion as an ingredient in syrups, teas, or poultices to relieve cough and other respiratory ailments. The rationale is often attributed to the presence of sulfur compounds, flavonoids (such as quercetin), and volatile oils in onions, which are believed to have expectorant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties.

However, the evidence supporting onion's efficacy for spastic cough is primarily anecdotal and based on traditional use rather than robust scientific validation. Few clinical studies have directly investigated onion for cough relief. One small study suggested that onion syrup may have a mild cough-suppressing effect in children, but methodological limitations make it difficult to draw firm conclusions. Laboratory research indicates that onion extracts can have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects, which could theoretically benefit respiratory tract infections, yet these findings have not been sufficiently translated into clinical recommendations.

In summary, while onions are widely used in traditional remedies for cough, and there is some plausible biochemical rationale, the scientific evidence is limited and not strong enough to firmly endorse their use for spastic cough. Their use remains rooted in tradition, with a low to moderate level of supporting evidence.

More about onion
More about Cough (spastic)

Other ingredients used for Cough (spastic)

Other health conditions supported by onion

Products containing onion