Onions are a staple in many dishes you eat, and their benefits go beyond just flavor. Onions belong to the Allium family of plants, known for their medicinal properties and rich in vitamins and minerals. They are used to treat various skin and hair issues, as well as health problems like diabetes, heart disease, and inflammation.
What is Onion Juice?
It’s the liquid you get from squeezing or blending onions.
Why Use It?
Onion juice is packed with anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties. These can help improve hair health, reduce wrinkles, and support digestive health.
Who Should Use It?
Anyone without an onion allergy looking to enhance their skin or hair health. It’s also beneficial for people with acne, diabetes, eye issues, ear infections, fertility problems, and sleep issues.
How Often to Use It?
For topical use, apply onion juice once or twice daily. Using it too much could irritate your skin. For consumption, follow the advice of a doctor, dietitian, or nutritionist.
Caution
People with sensitive skin should be careful with topical use as it may cause irritation or allergies.
The sulfur in onion juice promotes collagen production, which can boost hair growth. An Iraqi study showed that using onion juice improved hair growth and treated conditions like alopecia areata, leading to thicker hair. Those who washed their hair with onion juice in the study saw more hair growth due to its ability to prevent hair loss.
Onion water can also make your hair shiny. The antimicrobial properties of onion juice may help improve scalp health and combat infections.
Benefits of Onion Juice
1. Boosts Hair Health
Onion juice contains sulfur, which helps in producing collagen, promoting hair growth. An Iraqi study showed that using onion juice improved hair growth and helped treat sudden hair loss conditions like alopecia areata, leading to thicker hair.
People who washed their hair with onion juice in the study experienced more hair growth due to its ability to prevent hair loss.
Onion water can also make your hair shiny. Its antimicrobial properties can help prevent dandruff and fight fungal scalp infections, promoting scalp health and stronger hair growth.
2. Fights Acne
The antimicrobial and antifungal properties of onion juice can help with acne treatment. A study found that a gel with onion extracts improved acne scars by reducing redness and inflammation.
Onion juice can be applied to the face for 10 to 15 minutes and then washed off with warm water. Avoid getting it in your eyes or on open blisters. If you have sensitive skin, consult a doctor before using onion juice.
Some believe onion juice can also help treat psoriasis, but scientific evidence is lacking.
3. Delays Wrinkles
Onion juice contains flavonoids and other antioxidants that may help prevent premature aging signs. Its sulfur content is also believed to boost collagen production, fighting premature aging. However, more research is needed to confirm these benefits.
Onion juice is rich in antioxidants. Red onions, in particular, have more antioxidants than green or yellow onions. A study on antioxidant activities of onion varieties found that red onions had high FRAP, DPPH, and ABTS assay values, indicating strong antioxidant properties.
4. May Help Reduce Cancer Risk
Onions contain compounds like quercetin, anthocyanins, and organosulfur, which have anticancer properties. These compounds can help prevent and treat cancer. Research suggests that onions with a stronger flavor may be more effective in cancer prevention.
Quercetin in onions also fights oxidative stress in the brain. Onions are also a good source of fiber, which may reduce the risk of colon cancer, especially when consumed as red onion juice. Some studies suggest that onions can destroy tumor cells, aiding in cancer treatment and prevention. However, more research is needed to understand how onions work in cancer treatment.
5. May Help Treat Diabetes
Onion bulb extract can lower blood glucose levels, which is beneficial for people with diabetes. Onions are low in calories and can increase metabolic rate, helping manage diabetes symptoms. A Korean study also found that onion extract can effectively lower plasma glucose levels.
6. May Fight Inflammation
Quercetin in onion juice can inhibit substances like leukotrienes, prostaglandins, and histamines, which cause inflammation, particularly in osteoarthritis. This means onion juice may help reduce inflammation in conditions like arthritis.
7. May Treat Ear Infections
According to a report from Cambridge University Press, onion juice has been suggested to help with treating ear infections and earaches. However, more research is needed in this area. Before using onion juice for ear issues, it’s important to consult with a doctor.
8. May Improve Sleep and Mood
While more research is needed, some studies suggest that the folate in onion juice may improve mood and help combat depression. Folate helps prevent the build-up of homocysteine, a chemical that can block nutrients from reaching the brain and interfere with serotonin production, the “feel-good” hormone. Folate also supports the production of hormones like dopamine and epinephrine, which play a role in regulating sleep.
9. May Improve Fertility
Research indicates that onion juice can increase testosterone levels, potentially due to its antioxidant properties that support sperm health. A study on male rats in Jordan showed that consuming onion juice improved testosterone levels.
Another study found that onion juice enhanced copulatory behavior in sexually potent male rats by increasing serum testosterone levels.
10. Can Help Relief Flu, Cough, and Cold
Onions have been used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as headaches, coughs, fevers, and sore throats. The World Health Organization even recommends onion extracts for respiratory issues like coughs, bronchitis, asthma, and allergies. However, more research is needed to fully understand and confirm these benefits.
Related Questions
What Are the Drawbacks of Onion Juice?
Even if you’re not allergic, onion juice can irritate the skin, causing redness and itching. This depends on the strength of the onion juice. Mixing onion juice with soothing ingredients like aloe vera or coconut oil can help reduce these side effects.
When Is the Best Time to Drink Onion Juice?
Low-fat onions are rich in antioxidant flavonoids that boost metabolism and aid in weight loss. Health experts recommend drinking onion and honey juice on an empty stomach to help burn off excess body fat.
Is Raw Onion Juice Healthy?
Fresh juices can offer vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants but can also be high in sugar and calories. Raw onions are antioxidant-rich and packed with vitamins and minerals. However, consuming large amounts may cause digestive issues for some people.
How to Make Onion Juice for Drinking?
Peel and sterilize an onion and its skin with steam for 10 to 20 minutes. Then, chop the steamed onion, grind it, and mix with the onion skin and extracted juice. Heat this mixture at 100°C for 2 to 5 hours, filter, and store.
Who Should Avoid Raw Onion?
Some people may experience gas and bloating from eating raw onions, especially those with irritable bowel syndrome, due to the substances that feed healthy gut bacteria.
How Often Should You Use Onion Juice?
For hair care, using onion juice 2-3 times a week is recommended to achieve the best results. This can help maintain hair volume and health.
How Long Does Onion Juice Take to Work?
The time it takes to see results from using onion juice on hair varies from person to person. Some may notice changes in a few weeks, while others may take longer. Hair growth depends on factors like genetics, diet, and overall health.
