Anti-inflammatory: onions contain anti-inflammatory compounds such as quercetin and kaempferol, which have been shown to reduce inflammation in the airways.

These properties can help combat bacteria and viruses that may be causing respiratory infections and contributing to coughing.

Antimicrobial: due to the presence of compounds like allicin and flavonoids.

Expectorants help thin and loosen mucus in the respiratory tract, making it easier to cough up and clear the airways.

Expectorant: Onions contain sulphur compounds and quercetin, which act as natural expectorants.

Onions have certain properties that can help relieve a cough: Onion has been used for thousands of years across all cultures as a herbal medicine. There is increasing scientific intrest in the medicinal effects of onion on our respiratory system. Onion has demonstrated antimocrobial activity as well as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immune-regulating effects. Research backs the traditional use of onion to ease symptoms of respiratory tract infections. If you have any specific dietary concerns or health conditions, discuss them with a qualified healthcare professional.

Remember that while honey is a natural ingredient, it is still a form of sugar and should be consumed in moderation, especially if you live with diabetes or metabolic disease. When selecting honey, ensure that you purchase it from a reputable source to ensure quality and authenticity. Medicinal – Grade Honey such as Jellybush or Manuka is a more expensive option but possesses proven high levels of antibacterial activity attributed to compounds like methylglyoxal (MGO).However, scientific evidence supporting this claim is limited. Some believe that consuming local honey may help build immunity to local allergens, which could benefit coughs related to allergies. Local Honey: Locally sourced honey is often preferred due to its potential to contain trace amounts of pollen from local plants.These beneficial components may offer additional health benefits compared to processed honey. Raw Honey: Raw honey is unfiltered and unheated, which helps preserve its natural enzymes, antioxidants, and potential antimicrobial properties.When making onion honey cough syrup, it is generally recommended to use locally sourced raw and unprocessed honey for its potential health benefits.

“Honey is more effective than usual care alternatives for improving URTI symptoms, particularly cough frequency and cough severity.” What type of honey can you use? The researchers go on to say that honey is a commonly used and well-known home remedy that is easily accessible, affordable, and generally safe. They said moderate evidence supports its use for other URTI symptoms, particularly in children.

In a systematic review and meta-analysis looking at honey’s effectiveness for relieving symptoms in upper respiratory tract infections, researchers concluded that honey is likely effective in improving symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections (URTI), especially for reducing cough frequency and severity. A recent meta-analysis “found that honey was effective in treating children above 12 months of age when used in the first three days of cough symptoms”. There are a number of scientific studies that examine the effectiveness of honey alone in treating coughs, especially in children.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Bequest of Cora Timken Burnett, 1956. Preparation of medicine from honey, from an Iraqi manuscript of Dioscorides’ De Materia Medica, 1224. The use of honey for sore throats and coughs can be traced back to Ancient Greece and the Vedic Period in India. Honey has been used for a variety of ailments since ancient times. Read more : A Simple Soothing Onion Honey Cough Syrup Recipe Does honey really work to soothe a cough? We’ll also explore additional ingredients like ginger, thyme, and turmeric to enhance the health benefits. Ready to learn to make onion honey cough syrup for minor coughs and upper respiratory tract infections? This simple recipe combines the soothing properties of onion ( Allium cepa) and honey.

Thyme and ginger tea for lungs