Synopsis

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

Onion (Allium cepa) has been traditionally used in many cultures as a home remedy for cough, particularly dry cough. Historical records and ethnobotanical surveys document the use of onions—often in the form of syrups, teas, or raw slices—in traditional medicine systems in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. The rationale behind its use is attributed to the presence of sulfur-containing compounds, flavonoids (like quercetin), and saponins, which are thought to have mild expectorant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial effects. Folk remedies frequently recommend placing sliced onions in a room or preparing onion-honey mixtures to alleviate cough symptoms.

However, there is limited scientific evidence to support these traditional uses. Only a handful of small laboratory or animal studies suggest that onion extracts may possess properties that could theoretically ease cough—due to their anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities. Direct clinical trials in humans specifically addressing the effectiveness of onion for dry cough are lacking. As a result, while the use of onion for cough is well established in tradition, it is not strongly supported by modern scientific studies. Physicians generally regard it as a low-risk home remedy, but it should not replace evidence-based medical treatments for persistent or severe cough.

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