Mysterious Healing Power of the Onion

Caroline Graham Swann

Hello Darlings, being one especially interested in health issues, because without good health all the make up, cosmetic, dresses, shoes coats, and in fact all things relating to fashion, are going to lose their luster.

Always looking for the most up to date information on health and beauty, I was surprised to recently discover the many benefits of onions.

In ancient times, onions were a primary source of medicine. Snake bites, insects, asthma, colds, coughing. muscle soreness and especially for infections of all types. Onions were placed in the room of an ailing person to absorb the bacteria into the onion and out of the infirm. Onions actually turned black with the bacteria, then were burned and replaced with another.

In 1919, during the flu epidemic, 40 million people died. A country doctor concerned about the people in the farming region where he lived, went from farm to farm and found some very ill and some had died. The exception was a local farm where onions had been placed in all rooms. He asked for one of the onions to take with him to analyze microscopically. He found the dread infection in the onion as if it had actually absorbed the germs.

During World War II, Russian soldiers believed so strongly in the healing power of onions that their wounds were packed with chopped onions and the onion skins to fight infection.

The Ebers Papyrus, written in 1550 BC, represents of 800 proscriptions referring to 700 plant species used for therapy. The onion is listed among the most important.

In the Middle Ages onions were used for treating many illnesses and were thought to be so valuable, they were used for rent, payments and wedding presents. During the plague during the 1400’s, those few that survived are thought to have used onions in their dwellings.

Research indicates that onions do attract bacteria, so do not leave onion slices or dishes made with onions out on the table for a long period of time. Cover well and place in the refrigerator.

Onions feature a variety of sulphur compounds that have antibacterial activity and sulphuric acid also inhibits the growth of bacteria and sulphur is an often used antibiotic even today.

Of course, the onion also has some very real benefits in the beauty department. The red skin of the purple onion is great for the complexion, as it shrinks pores and refines the skin. Vitamin C is also abundant in onions. Just place the thin strips on the face, avoiding the eyes. for 2 minutes, rinse with cool water.

Remember that a healthy body is a beautiful body so watch what you eat.

On a personal note, I would like to give a shout our to our local police department. Dandridge Police Officers are indeed among the finest officers in the State. Arriving home recently, my burglar alarm was screaming loudly. What a relief when Officer Shane Hansen and Officer Phillip Batts arrived to my rescue. Though the alarm was stubborn and relentless, the officers were patient and kind, first confirming that it was a false alarm and then assisting me in stopping the alarm. Thank you, over and over again for your remarkable service to our town. Our first responders, in both the City and County, deserve our gratitude for all that they do to ensure the safety and well being of the community.