Despite its odd name, onion tea does exist, and is prepared with onions and other components. If you love drinking tea, then you might want to try it if you haven’t had before. Onions are packed with amazing health benefits, and when made into tea, they will be even more powerful!
About Onion Tea
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Onion tea has been used as an herbal remedy for centuries. It is known to help with conditions such as arthritis, muscle aches, and chronic bladder infections. A recent study links onions and garlic to a reduced risk of cancer.
With the natural anti-inflammatory properties of onions and the antibacterial properties of honey, this recipe can be beneficial in curing many ailments that may arise throughout one’s lifetime.
While this caffeine free herbal tea may not cure every ailment, the flavonoids rich veggie (see study) delivers several health benefits for those who suffer from chronic problems like asthma, arthritis and prostatitis.
Top Onion tea Benefits
Onion tea is often consumed in colder months when there is a constant need for staying warm. This homemade tea offers health benefits to the respiratory system because it increases the flow of mucus to expel bacteria and congestion from the airways.
Respiratory Health
Onion tea is a popular choice during cold months due to its ability to keep you warm and aid the respiratory system. It boosts mucus production helping to expel bacteria and clear airway congestion making it an excellent choice for cold relief.
Benefits in Heart Health
The presence of quercetin in onions a natural antioxidant makes onion tea a heart healthy option. Quercetin can lower cholesterol levels and promote overall cardiovascular well-being which is crucial for maintaining a healthy heart.
Diabetes Management
Onion tea may offer significant health benefits for individuals with diabetes. Its potential to help control blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity can be particularly advantageous for those managing this condition.
Natural Skin Care
Onions are rich in antioxidants like quercetin which is a flavonoid known for its anti-inflammatory properties and its ability to combat free radicals. Sipping tea made of onions delays signs of skin aging such as fine lines and the development of crepey skin.
Digestive Wellness
Maintaining digestive health is essential and onion tea can assist in this regard. It aids in preventing common digestive issues such as indigestion bloating and constipation promoting better overall gut comfort and immunity.
Improved Sleep
For those struggling with sleep disorders or insomnia drinking onion tea before bedtime can be a helpful remedy. It’s known to have a calming effect potentially improving sleep quality and aiding in achieving a more restful night’s sleep.
What types of onions should we use ?
Choosing the right onion for your onion tea can depend on a variety of factors. It is important to consider if you are looking for an onion to help relieve coughs or are just looking for a general health supplement.
Red onion tea
While all onions have their own unique flavors, there are some that are better suited for different onion tea. For example, red onions tend to be sweeter in the form of tea than white ones. Onions also vary in size; small shallots are more delicate than large Spanish onions and is considered better in terms of beverage.
How can we prepare it?
Whether you want to make onion tea for cough or cold or for general use, the process is same. Alternatively you can also buy the powdered form or tea bags from online as well.
The most common way is by boiling chunks of raw white onion in water along with bay leaves and cloves with some salt for 10 minutes. Then you simply strain the onions out and drink the remaining liquid. To sweeten up the beverage you can add honey to it.
Alternatively, the herbal beverage can be brewed by boiling an entire onion and cloves of garlic with ginger and cinnamon sticks in water and, optionally, adding honey for sweetness.
Ingredients : 1 chopped onion , 2-3 garlic cloves , 1 or 2 teaspoons of honey, 2 cups water and some Bay leaves and cloves
Process of making onion tea :
- In a large saucepan, bring the water and, onion pieces, over high heat.
- Once the water and onion has to a boil, give it a good stir.
- After that, reduce the heat to low and continue to cook for another 10 minutes.
- While the tea is simmering, add sqaushed garlic to the pan.
- Then, add the bay leaves and cloves to the boiling beverage.
- When finished, the tea should have a yellowsih tint to it. Shift the tea into a cup and add the honey and to taste.
- For an added taste you may consider adding lemon to it.
- Enjoy when you’ve stirred it up.
Can you drink onion tea every day ?
You can safely consume the tea prepared from onion daily for optimum health and vigour. Be sure, the basic ingredient – onion – is present in all variations!
Nutritional facts of onion beverage
Despite being low in calories, onion tea is nutrient-dense food, which means that it is abundant in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They are an excellent source of vitamin C, vitamin B-6, and manganese, as well as other minerals.
In addition, the herbal beverage includes trace levels of calcium, iron, folate, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, as well as the antioxidants quercetin and sulphur, among other nutrients.
Onion tea side effects
Onion’s tea is quite safe to consume and offer minimal dangers to those who consume them. But, in some cases, it may cause an allergic reaction or intolerance in certain people. These are the side effects that one may experience –
Bad Breath
Onions are notorious for causing bad breath. Drinking onion tea can lead to temporary bad breath, which may be unpleasant for some people.
Gastrointestinal Upset
Onions can be hard on the digestive system for some individuals. Drinking onion tea may cause stomach discomfort, gas, bloating or diarrhea in some cases, particularly if consumed in excess.
Allergic Reactions
Some people may be allergic to onions. Allergic reactions can range from mild symptoms like itching and skin rashes to more severe symptoms like difficulty breathing and anaphylaxis. If you have known onion allergies, avoid onion tea.
Heartburn
Onions are known to relax the lower esophageal sphincter which can lead to acid reflux and heartburn in some individuals. Drinking onion tea might exacerbate these symptoms especially, if consumed close to bedtime.
Interference with Medications
Onions contain compounds that can interfere with certain medications particularly blood thinners. If you’re taking blood pressure medication it’s a good idea to consult with your healthcare provider before consuming onion tea regularly.
Sensitivity to Onion Compounds
Some individuals may be sensitive to specific compounds found in onions such as quercetin. This sensitivity could lead to symptoms like headaches or skin rashes.
Odor on Skin and Clothing
Similar to bad breath the consumption of onion tea can also result in an onion-like body odor, which can be noticeable on your skin and clothing.
Blood Sugar Levels
Onions contain natural sugars and drinking large quantities of onion tea might lead to fluctuations in blood sugar levels which could be problematic for individuals with diabetes.
Anyone who has a severe response after consuming tea should seek medical assistance as soon as possible to minize the risk.
Final Take
We don’t lie, it doesn’t taste nice, but who cares?
It’s onion juice with honey. But one thing is certain when we think about instant onion tea health benefits: it fastly relieves cough related to seasonal allergies.
Sandra Hernandez, a resident of New York, is an active contributor on lifebing.com. Her passion for knowledge fuels her writing journey as she delves into fascinating topics that capture her curiosity.
