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| - Last Updated on January 19, 2025 by Dr Priyamvada
Quick Take
A viral social media post claims that placing onions on the chest can cure cough and bronchitis. After thorough fact checking, we found this claim to be false.
The Claim
In an Instagram reel, the user claims that keeping onions on the chest can treat persistent coughs and bronchitis. The method involves placing onions on the chest, covering them with a Ziploc bag, and leaving them overnight.
Fact Check
Does placing onions on the chest help with cough or bronchitis?
No, there is no scientific or clinical evidence to support the idea that placing onions on the chest can cure a cough or bronchitis. Onions possess antimicrobial properties and people use them in home remedies, but no evidence proves that applying them externally treats respiratory conditions.
Research does suggest some potential benefits of onions when consumed. A 2021 study found that onions and their compounds, particularly quercetin (Qt), may help reduce inflammation and improve lung function in asthma, lung infections, and allergies, based on animal and lab studies. Onions also showed potential against viruses, bacteria, and even COVID-19, but these findings require further clinical trials.
Similarly, a 2010 study highlights onions as a medicinal herb with possible benefits for heart health, respiratory issues, diabetes, and infections. Compounds like quercetin and sulfur in onions may reduce inflammation, improve blood circulation, and protect against chronic diseases, though more research is needed to confirm these effects.
Placing onions on the chest seems to be a folk remedy without medical validation. Even traditional practices, such as those inspired by Amish or Ayurvedic approaches, require scientific evidence to confirm their effectiveness—evidence that is entirely lacking in this case.
Dr Kashyap Dakshini, General Physician from Mumbai, explains, “There is no scientific evidence to support the belief that placing sliced vegetables like onions or potatoes on the body can cure respiratory conditions. While these vegetables have health benefits when consumed, there’s no proof that applying them externally has any impact on illnesses like coughs or bronchitis.”
Dietician Voomika Mukherjee adds further clarity, “Bronchitis and persistent coughs can result from infections or environmental irritants. Onions are rich in medicinal compounds like sulfur, which have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. However, these benefits work when one consumes onions, as part of a balanced diet. Placing onions on the chest or in socks has no proven ability to treat respiratory illnesses and is not an effective remedy.”
Therefore, while onions do offer health benefits, they do not have the ability to cure coughs, bronchitis, pneumonia, or flush out toxins from the intestines, as some social media posts claim.
Can onions relieve persistent coughs?
Not really. Onions do contain compounds like quercetin and sulfur, which offer anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits. However, these properties benefit people only when they ingest onions. There is no scientific evidence to suggest that applying onions topically has any direct effect on the respiratory system or can relieve coughing.
Similarly, there are claims suggesting that onions can instantly cure stomach aches. However, this is not true.
What does science say about treating coughs and bronchitis?
The best way to address persistent coughs and bronchitis is to focus on the underlying cause.
- For viral infections, rest, hydration, and over-the-counter remedies are usually enough to manage symptoms.
- For bacterial bronchitis, antibiotics may be helpful.
- For chronic bronchitis, inhalers or other prescribed treatments may be necessary.
A healthcare professional should always be consulted for proper diagnosis and treatment of respiratory conditions. Unverified remedies like onion application may delay appropriate care and worsen symptoms.
Could placing onions on the chest have any health benefits?
Unlikely. Onions are nutritious and provide health benefits when consumed, such as boosting the immune system with their vitamin C content. However, applying onions to the skin or chest is not supported by medical evidence as a treatment for respiratory conditions.
On a related note, some people claim that onions and honey can boost immunity by up to 200%. But, this is not proven.
THIP Media Take
The claim that placing onions on the chest can cure cough and bronchitis is false. While onions offer health benefits when consumed, there is no evidence to suggest that their external application works as a remedy for respiratory conditions. For effective treatment, it’s best to rely on proven medical advice and consult a healthcare professional.
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