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| - Last Updated on July 19, 2022 by Team THIP
Quick Take
A social media post claims massaging onion on feet twice a day can lower high fever in children. We fact-checked and found the claim to be False.
The Claim
A Facebook post claims ‘HOME REMEDIES FOR FEVER IN CHILDREN. Gather it. Onion-1. Prepare it. Take 1 onion and cut it into thin slices. Take 2-3 slices of onion and rub it on the feet of your child for 2 minutes. Use this process twice a day to lower the high fever in children’.
Fact Check
Can massaging onions on feet reduce fever?
No. Massaging onions on the feet cannot reduce fever. We could not find any evidence that shows keeping onion in touch with skin can cure bacterial or viral fever.
A study has highlighted that onions may prevent the growth of certain pathogens as it has certain antibacterial properties. However, this study does not suggest rubbing onion on feet is beneficial in any manner.
The Healthy Indian Project (THIP Media) has previously discussed that putting onion in socks cannot cure a cold and flu.
We asked Voomika Mukherjee, Health & Nutrition Life Coach, if massaging onion on feet can cure fever. To this, she said “In general, cold happens when a virus causes inflammation into your throat and nose membranes. A stronger immunity can somehow protect you against this. So, instead of believing unproven, unscientific claims like massaging onions on feet, it is better to eat onions. Onion contains dozens of medicinal chemical compounds that have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory actions in the body. The sulphur compounds in onions also have a powerful antibacterial and antiviral action. But rubbing onion on feet is not going to help anyway in fighting cold.”
We also found a study that has confirmed onions have anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory and acquired immunity components which play an essential role in strengthening overall immunity.
In conclusion, massaging onion on feet must not be followed in any group especially children as mentioned in the claim. Because their immune system is evolving in young age and practice like this can delay the required line of treatment.
THIP MEDIA TAKE: No evidence confirms massaging onion on feet reduces fever. Rather eating onions may help strengthen overall immunity.
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