You’ve likely heard the old saying:
“Stick a few cloves into a peeled onion and leave it in your room overnight to help with a cold!”
It might sound a bit unusual, yet for generations, families have relied on this simple ritual to ease congestion, freshen the air, and provide comfort during sickness. While it may feel like folklore, there’s some science behind it—along with important precautions.
Let’s peel back the layers and explore what this remedy actually offers.
Benefits of Putting Cloves in an Onion
🌿 Traditional Method
- Peel a whole onion (white or yellow).
- Stick 6–12 whole cloves into the onion, like tiny pins.
- Place the onion on a saucer or bowl near your bed or in a sickroom.
- Leave it for overnight or up to a day or two.
Claims include:
- Absorbing germs from the air
- Relieving nasal congestion
- Supporting restful sleep
- Neutralizing odors and “purifying” the room
🔬 What Science Actually Says
✅ Onions Have Antimicrobial Compounds
- Contain sulfur compounds and quercetin.
- Lab studies show they can inhibit bacteria like E. coliand S. aureus.
- Historically, onions were placed in sickrooms during the 1918 flu pandemic based on “miasma” beliefs.
✅ Cloves Are Natural Antiseptics
- Contain eugenol, a compound with antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties.
- Used for centuries in dentistry to ease toothaches and fight infections.
⚠️ But… They Don’t “Absorb Germs”
- Onions cannot pull viruses or bacteria from your body or the air.
- Any antimicrobial effect is limited to the surface of the onion.
- The “purifying” effect likely comes from volatile compounds released into the air—pleasant, but not a replacement for medical care or proper ventilation.
💨 What You Might Actually Notice
- Aromatherapy effect: The strong scent can open nasal passages, acting like a mild decongestant.
- Humidity boost: Onions release moisture, which may soothe dry airways.
- Odor masking: The aroma can cover stale or sickroom smells.
- Placebo comfort: The ritual itself can provide psychological relief, which supports overall well-being.
❌ What This Remedy Doesn’t Do
- Cure colds, flu, or infections
- Replace vaccines, handwashing, or medical treatment
- “Draw out” illness from the body (this is a myth)
⚠️ Warning: Cut onions left out for days can grow bacteria or mold. Discard after 24–48 hours.
✅ A Safer Way to Try It
- Use a fresh onion and whole cloves.
- Place on a clean saucer in your bedroom (away from food).
- Discard after 24 hours.
- Wash hands after handling.
- Never eat the onion—it’s for aroma only.
🌿 Better Alternative: Simmer onion, garlic, cloves, and ginger in water, then inhale the steam for 5–10 minutes to help relieve congestion naturally.
✨ Final Thought: Tradition with Wisdom
This onion-and-cloves remedy isn’t magical—but it isn’t worthless either. It’s a gentle, aromatic ritual rooted in generations of home care, offering mild comfort during illness.
Use it if it brings you peace, but always alongside proper medical care