That nagging cough and congestion you get with a cold or flu can really take days to get better. As you desperately reach for yet another tissue, you may be tempted to try just about anything to find some relief!
Before you reach out for strong medications, I have a natural remedy passed down for generations – “the onion poultice.” This traditional healing method provides a safe, inexpensive way to ease coughs and clear up chest congestion right from the comfort of your own home.
But what’s the science behind onion poultices?
How to make one and use it for the best relief?
Believe me, this simple vegetable from your kitchen can be an effective natural cough remedy!
The Healing Power of Onions
Onions have a long history of being used to treat respiratory illnesses.
Recent research by the National Library Of Medicine shows onions contain compounds that provide anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant effects in the body. When you apply an onion poultice on your chest, the beneficial compounds are absorbed through the skin to work their medicinal magic internally.
The warmth from an onion poultice helps open up blood vessels in the chest, improving circulation. This rush of blood pulls excess fluid out of the lungs and thins mucus secretions, clearing congestion. As you inhale the vapors from the onions, this further thins mucus so it can be coughed up more easily. The overall decongestant effect lets you breathe freer and reduces coughing spasms.
Numerous studies found that applying an onion poultice to the chest 4 times a day significantly improved cough symptoms and sputum production compared to a medicinal effect. The researchers concluded that onion poultices are a simple, safe way to provide antitussive benefits.
What Happens When You Apply An Onion Poultice?
When you slice or chop an onion, some complex enzymatic reactions occur, producing irritating sulfur-containing compounds. These sulfur compounds are responsible for that pungent, eye-watering aroma onions are famous for. When you inhale these vapors, the sulfur compounds stimulate mucus secretion in the nose and throat.
Applying an onion poultice has a similar effect. The sulfur compounds act as an irritant on the skin, increasing blood flow to the area underneath. As blood circulation improves, your body can better deliver antibodies, white blood cells, and other healing components to the chest to fight infection.
This boosted blood flow also pulls excess fluid out of the lungs and respiratory tract, thinning out mucus. The warm temperature of the poultice relaxes smooth muscle tissue in the airways, allowing them to open up. As you breathe in the onion vapors, this thins mucus secretions even more so they can be coughed up and expelled from the body. These compounds also provide an anti-inflammatory effect in the respiratory tract.
This combination of improved circulation, relaxed airways, thinned mucus, and reduced inflammation is what gives onion poultices their powerful decongestant action – and sweet, sweet cough relief!
DIY Onion Poultice Instructions
Ready to put this traditional remedy to work for that stubborn cough? Follow these steps:
Ingredients:
- 1-2 onions
- Oil for sautéing (coconut, olive, or vegetable oil)
- Clean cotton cloth (old t-shirt, towel, or cheesecloth)
- Frying pan
Directions:
1. Peel the onions and chop them into small pieces about 1/4 inch in size. This allows more beneficial compounds to be released.
2. Add a spoonful of oil to a frying pan on medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onions and sauté for 5-7 minutes until they are soft and translucent.
3. Remove the pan from heat and allow the onions to cool for 5 minutes. It should be warm but not piping hot.
4. Place the warm onions in the center of a clean cotton cloth. Fold the edges to completely close them.
5. Tie the pouch with a rubber band or string. Make sure no onion pieces escape through the seams.
6. Before applying, test the temperature of the poultice by touching the the cloth. It should feel very warm but not hot enough to burn or irritate the skin.
7. Apply the poultice to your bare chest for 15-20 minutes. Inhale the vapors deeply to allow the onions to work their magic.
8. Once cooled, the poultice can be reheated in the microwave or over steam and reapplied as needed. For best results, use fresh onion each time rather than reheating a used poultice.
Tips for Safe, Effective Use Of Onion Poultice
While onion poultices are generally very safe, keep these tips in mind:
❌ Do not use onion poultices on infants or young children due to the risk of burns.
❌ If applying onions for the first time, test a small skin patch first to check for any irritation or sensitivity.
❌ Apply a thin layer of natural oil or lotion to protect sensitive skin from irritation. Coconut oil works great.
❌ Ideal materials for the poultice cloth are soft, breathable cotton like an old t-shirt or light towel. Cheesecloth also works well.
❌ Keep your eyes and face away from the poultice while inhaling, as the onion vapors may cause watery eyes.
❌ Try to cough up mucus – this is a good thing! It allows the body to expel congestion. Have tissues and water on hand.
❌ Discard used poultice cloths instead of reusing them, as bacteria can grow. And use fresh onions each time.
❌ If sautéing the onions with garlic, ginger, or other herbs, go slow with the added ingredients if using on children to avoid skin irritation.
❌ See a doctor if your cough lingers for more than a few days or if you suspect an underlying infection.
While no one enjoys being under the weather, an onion poultice provides a safe, natural way to find cough relief using common ingredients you likely have in your kitchen already.
Try this traditional remedy the next time you feel a cold coming on. Just be prepared – you’ll smell like you’re cooking dinner! But with clearer breathing and sweet relief, you probably won’t mind one bit.
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