Onion

Belonging to the Allium family of plants, Onions are closely related to chives, garlic and leeks. Constituting of characteristically pungent flavours and several medicinal properties, onions have for long, been considered a healthy, and useful vegetable. But its properties as a potentially medicinal plant and conduciveness to health have been historically underestimated.

Onion has played a huge role in influencing cuisine and style of cooking in many cultures.

Cultivated around the world, onions, as a food item, are often served cooked, as a vegetable or part of a prepared savoury dish, but can also be eaten raw or used to make pickles or chutneys.  Cutting the onion emit certain compounds which cause the lacrimal glands in the eyes to become irritated, resulting in tear secretions.

It’s a herbaceous plant and belongs to the Amaryllis family of plants. The basic body of the common onion comprises one or more flowers stocks, which are known to be leafless and can grow up to a height of 75-180 cm ending in a bunch of small greenish-white flowers.

Farmers use the black seeds obtained from the plant to cultivate onions for commercial purposes by sowing them directly into the field. Another method used by them can be growing them from small bulbs or even from transplants.

Some of the distinguishing factors of the bulbs are size, shape, colour and pungency. The presence of the Sulfur-rich-volatile oil in the Onion leads to pungency which when exposed to the eyes while chopping or cutting it, irritates them and brings tears to our eyes.

Table of Content

1. Synonyms
2. Benefits
3. Side Effects
4. Precautions
5. How to use
6. Frequently asked Questions

Synonyms

• Sukand
• Piyaaz
• Pyaz
• Piyas
• Allium Cepa
• Kanda
• Nirulli

Onion Benefits

• Onions are known to be nutrient-dense, which refers to their quality of possessing à relatively lower amount of calories while being a healthy source of vitamins and minerals. An average onion bulb may contain as low as 44 calories only! But they still provide us with a considerable dose of vitamins, minerals and fibre.

• Vitamin C is responsible for the regulation of many essential functions in our body namely tissue repair, collagen production, immune health, and iron absorption. Onions have been known to be particularly high in vitamin C ensuring a safe immune system if consumed in the proper and required amounts. 

• Vitamin C also plays the role of an important antioxidant in our body, protecting our cells against any potential damage caused by unstable molecules called free radicals. 

• Some more nutrients that onions are packed with are B vitamins, (folate and pyridoxine) which play undeniably key roles in our metabolic and nerve functioning,  also, red blood cell production.

• Antioxidants are compounds known to prevent oxidation, which is a process that can cause cellular damage and contribute to diseases like cancer, diabetes and heart disease. Onions contain loads of antioxidants and contain over 25 + varieties of them.

• Red onions, in particular, contain anthocyanins which are special plant pigments in the flavonoid family that give red onions their deep colour. By conducting multiple population studies, research has found that people who consume more foods rich in anthocyanins have a reduced risk of heart disease.

• It can also help control or regulate blood sugar in someone suffering from diabetes or prediabetes.

• Further research has also concluded that the flavonoid antioxidants that onions are rich in can fend off our body against cancer by ceasing damage done to DNA cells caused by free radicals. Plants belonging to the onion family like Garlic, Leeks, Scallions, spring onions and Chives etc are saturated with organosulfur compounds which prevent the development of cancerous cells in lab animals.

• Onions being so rich in important nutrients like Vitamins C, B6 and folate and minerals like iron, potassium and magnesium are a key reason why Onion Hair Oil is so prevalent these days. The host of phytochemicals allium and Allyl Disulphide improves the blood circulation and Quercetin, the potent antioxidants is known to combat inflammation. Antiseptic and antibacterial properties contained by the onion possess even more similar  properties  that aid to ward off dandruff and maintain a healthy scalp, making Onion oil for hair a pro self-care tip!

Being a naturally occurring vegetable since historic times, it has been included and infused within our culture in a way that has allowed us to always interpret it as a mutual similarity between strangers through their food, which is why, they have always been considered relatively safe, yet, just like with any other naturally occurring substance, there are also people who are allergic to onions or whose skin could be too sensitive to a pungent substance like it and they are always advised to maintain their safe distance with it.

Potential Side Effects of Onion

• Onions can be quiet caustic to even those who may not be allergic to it, the side effects to which can be redness and itching depending on the potency of the product used, for example, if one is to consume onion juice more than they can tolerate, they may face the aforementioned symptoms but nothing concrete.

• Since Onion Juice contains nothing but mostly water, it is usually considered safe, but just like with everything else, excess consumption of it is not suggested and can lead to an upset stomach.

• If you are diabetic, it is recommended that you keep a check on your blood sugar while using onion oil for medicinal purposes as it might lower blood pressure in some people.

• It has also been concluded through some studies that onions can slow or delay blood clotting which can theoretically interfere tamper with the blood sugar circulation and also an increased risk of bleeding during or after a surgery which is why consuming it in excess amounts is inadvisable before and after surgery for some time depending on its magnitude.

• Eating large amounts of stale onions can lead to indigestion as well.

Precautions

• Onions are known to irritate the eyes, washing your knife each time you slice it is recommended as it washes away the residual juices which when exposed to the eyes can cause a burning sensation in the eyes.

• People allergic to onions can experience itching and hives, rashes on the body and even inflammation.

How to Use

• As onions are a ubiquitous ingredient in the cuisine across the world, in order to include it in a more healthy way one can make an assortment of salads by pairing it with tomato, lettuce, peas, capsicum and drizzling it with your choice of dressing can make for a scrumptious evening snack. Pair it with a boiled egg or a plain omelette and you’ve got yourself a nice hearty breakfast.

• Onion juice has been renowned for soothing inflamed, itchy, or dry scalp. Its nutritional value plays a key role in inhibiting the thinning of hair. Leaving it overnight after massaging it in your hair can be vital.

Here are some trendsetting products in the market that include extract of onion, which can be purchased online from the Naturalved.

1. K-18 Herbal Red Onion Hair Shampoo (200ml) 

• Helps eliminate Dandruff
• Provides Hair Nourishment
• Makes the Hair Smooth & Shiny

Key Ingredients

• Onion Extract
• Hibiscus Extract
• Aloe Vera Extract
• Shikakai Extract
• Aqua
• Glycerin

How to Use

• Apply an appropriate amount of Shampoo generously to wet hair, massage into scalp and hair and then rinse the hairs thoroughly.
• For Best Results use K18 Herbal Red Onion Oil before Shampoo.

 Caution

• For External Use only
• Avoid direct contact with eyes, if contact occurs rinse with water.

2. K18 Herbal Red Onion Hair Oil (100ml) 

• Helps eliminate Dandruff
• Provides Hair Nourishment
• Makes the Hair Smooth & Shiny

Key Ingredients

• Red Onion Oil Extract
• Ginger Extract
• Coconut Oil Extract
• Brahmi Oil Extract
• Hibiscus Oil Extract
• Aloe Vera Oil Extract
• Sesame Oil Extract
• Carrot Seed Oil Extract
• Sunflower Oil
• Amla Oil Extract
• Neem Oil Extract
• Olive Oil
• Grapeseed Oil Extract
• Argan Oil Extract
• Vitamin E Oil Fragrance

How to Use

• Take out 2 Tablespoon of oil.
• Apply oil on tip of your fingers and massage gently from root to tip.
• Leave it overnight or for a few hours for better results.
• Shampoo your hair with K18 Herbal Red Onion Shampoo or any other natural Shampoo.
• Use it twice a week for better results.

 Caution

• For External Use only
• Avoid direct contact with eyes, if contact occurs rinse with water

3. Herbal Orgenic Onion Hair Oil (100ml)

Indications

• Useful in Dandruff (Roosi)
• Khalitya (Baldness)
• Palitya (Pre-mature Graying)
• Helps in Hair Growth

 Ingredients of Onion Hair Oil

• Onion Seed
• Fenugreek Seed
• Kadi Patta
• Til Oil

Dosage

The Appropriate Quantity of Oil may be massage on Scalp once a day or as directed by the Physician.

Frequently Asked Questions