Health Benefits of Onion
Onion (Allium cepa) is a plant that is grown worldwide. The onion bulb is commonly eaten as food. Onion bulb and extract are also used to make medicine.
Onion contains chemicals that seem to reduce swelling and lung tightness related to asthma. It also contains chemicals that seem to reduce cholesterol and lower blood sugar.
People use onion to prevent scarring. It is also used for obesity, hair loss, asthma, insomnia, high blood pressure. warts, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Possibly Effective for
- Scarring. Applying a gel containing onion extract to the skin, alone or with other ingredients, for at least 10 weeks seems to improve the appearance of scars. But it’s not clear what combination of ingredients or dose works best.
Possibly Ineffective for
- Obesity. Eating onion or taking onion extract by mouth doesn’t reduce body weight in people who are overweight or obese.
There is interest in using onion for a number of other purposes, but there isn’t enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.
When taken by mouth: Onion is commonly consumed in foods. Onion extract is possibly safe when used as medicine in doses up to 900 mg daily for up to 12 weeks. Side effects might include stomach pain and heartburn.
When applied to the skin: Onion extract is likely safe. Side effects might include skin irritation or eczema.
When taken by mouth: Onion is commonly consumed in foods. Onion extract is possibly safe when used as medicine in doses up to 900 mg daily for up to 12 weeks. Side effects might include stomach pain and heartburn.
When applied to the skin: Onion extract is likely safe. Side effects might include skin irritation or eczema.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Onion is commonly consumed in foods. But there isn’t enough reliable information to know if onion is safe to use in larger amounts as medicine when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and stick to food amounts.
Cross-allergens: People with allergies to mugwort and celery might also be allergic to onion.
Surgery to place a pouch near the anus (ileal pouch-anal anastomosis): People that have had surgery to place a pouch near the anus might find that onion increases feelings of gas. Don’t eat large amounts of onion if you have had this surgery.
Indigestion: Onion might increase indigestion symptoms.
Surgery: Onion might slow blood clotting and lower blood sugar. This might increase the risk for bleeding or interfere with blood sugar control during and after surgical procedures. Stop using onion as a medicine at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.
Moderate Interaction
Be cautious with this combination
Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) substrates) interacts with Onion
Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Onion might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.
Aspirin interacts with Onion
Some people are allergic to onions. Aspirin might increase your sensitivity to onions if you are allergic to onions. This has only been reported in one person. But to be on the safe side, if you are allergic to onions do not take aspirin and eat onions.
Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs) interacts with Onion
Onion might lower blood sugar levels. Taking onion along with diabetes medications might cause blood sugar to drop too low. Monitor your blood sugar closely.
Medications that slow blood clotting (Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs) interacts with Onion
Onion might slow blood clotting. Taking onion along with medications that also slow blood clotting might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.
Onion is commonly consumed in foods. As medicine, there isn’t enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of onion might be. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult a healthcare professional before using.
References
Onion – WebMD- https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-643/onion#overview
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