Synopsis

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

Scallion (Allium fistulosum), also known as green onion or spring onion, has a long-standing history in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for treating colds, particularly those with fever and mild chills. In TCM, scallion is thought to "release the exterior" and "induce sweating," thus helping to expel external pathogens at the early stage of a cold. Scallion is often used in combination with fresh ginger in decoctions or porridge for this purpose. The traditional rationale is based on its mild pungency and warming properties, which are believed to stimulate circulation and promote the body's natural defense mechanisms.

Scientific evidence supporting the use of scallion for treating the common cold is limited. While scallion does contain certain sulfur compounds (such as allicin, found in related Allium species like garlic) that possess mild antimicrobial and immune-modulating effects in vitro, clinical trials specifically examining scallion’s efficacy for colds are lacking. Most of the support for its use comes from historical and ethnobotanical sources rather than rigorous scientific validation. Therefore, the evidence supporting scallion’s role in treating colds with fever is primarily traditional, with low scientific corroboration.

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