Coughing is a reflex action that helps clear irritants and secretions from the airways. It is a common symptom of many respiratory conditions. While coughing is a protective mechanism, chronic coughing can be uncomfortable and disrupt daily life.
Onion syrup is a traditional remedy used for centuries to help relieve coughing. It is made by slowly cooking onions in honey or sugar syrup until the mixture becomes concentrated. Some people find onion syrup an appealing remedy because it’s easy to make at home, doesn’t require complex ingredients, and provides symptom relief without side effects.
What causes coughing?
Coughing is triggered by irritation or inflammation in the airways. Cough receptors in the back of the throat, voice box, and lungs detect foreign particles, mucus, or inflammation. This triggers a chain reaction that leads to coughing. The main causes of cough include:
- Viral respiratory infections like colds or flu
- Bacterial infections like pneumonia or bronchitis
- Allergies that cause postnasal drip
- Asthma flare-ups
- Smoking cigarettes or exposure to secondhand smoke
- Environmental irritants like pollution, dust, or chemical fumes
- Chronic conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or interstitial lung disease
- Medications like ACE inhibitors used to treat high blood pressure
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) where stomach acid flows back up into the esophagus
Identifying and treating the underlying cause of cough whenever possible is important. But symptom relieving remedies can provide comfort, especially when coughs linger.
What is in onion syrup?
Onion syrup contains just two main ingredients – onions and sugar or honey. Onions contain compounds that may help relieve cough symptoms. The key active compounds in onions include:
- Flavonoids – antioxidants with anti-inflammatory effects
- Quercetin – a flavonoid shown to inhibit cough reflex sensitivity
- Allicin – has antibacterial and antiviral properties
When onions are slowly cooked down into a syrup, these beneficial compounds become concentrated. The syrup acts as a delivery vehicle, making the active ingredients easier to consume. The sugar or honey soothes irritation and coats the throat, providing lubrication. This can reduce cough reflex sensitivity.
Does research support using onion syrup for coughs?
There is limited scientific research on onion syrup itself. But some studies have looked at the potential cough-relieving effects of key compounds found in onions:
- A lab study in guinea pigs found quercetin inhibited cough reflex sensitivity. The researchers concluded it may work by regulating neurotransmitters involved in the cough reflex pathway.
- Multiple lab studies show quercetin has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that could be beneficial for respiratory health.
- In a small trial in humans, drinking quercetin-rich onion tea for 2 weeks improved symptoms in people with COPD, including less coughing.
- One study found taking aged garlic extract containing allicin reduced severity and frequency of colds and flu.
- Honey has been shown to be effective for relieving nighttime coughing in children due to its demulcent properties.
While there is some evidence specific compounds may inhibit coughing, larger scale human trials are still needed on onion syrup itself.
How to make onion syrup at home
Onion syrup is easy to make at home with just a few simple ingredients and steps:
Ingredients
- 3-4 yellow or white onions, thinly sliced
- 1 cup honey or sugar
- 1 cup water
Instructions
- Add the sliced onions and water to a saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes until onions are very soft.
- Strain out the onion slices, reserving the liquid.
- Return liquid to pan and add honey or sugar. Simmer on low for 20-30 minutes until reduced by half and syrupy.
- Remove from heat and allow to cool. Store in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
You can adjust onion and sugar amounts based on your taste preferences. More onions will increase the potency, while more sugar makes it sweeter for palatability.
How to take onion syrup
There are a few ways to take onion syrup to help relieve cough symptoms:
- By the spoonful – Take 1-2 teaspoon doses of syrup as needed to coat and soothe the throat.
- In tea – Add several teaspoons of syrup to hot water or herbal tea to create an onion-infused drink.
- Over food – Drizzle syrup over foods like oatmeal, yogurt, or soup to make them easier to swallow.
For best results, take onion syrup frequently throughout the day at first onset of cough symptoms. Most advocates suggest starting with 1 teaspoon doses a few times per day for adults. It can be adjusted as needed for symptom relief.
Pros and cons of onion syrup for coughs
Here are some of the main pros and cons to consider about using onion syrup for cough relief:
Potential benefits
- Natural and safe – Made from pantry staples, not medications
- Provides soothing relief – Coats and lubricates the throat
- Convenient and inexpensive – Simple to make at home
- Pleasant taste – Sweetened with sugar or honey
- Can be used for children – Avoid medication side effects
- Fights inflammation – Quercetin has antioxidant properties
- May inhibit cough reflex – Via flavonoids and compounds
Potential downsides
- Limited evidence – Lacks large scale clinical trials
- Short-term relief – Doesn’t treat underlying cause
- Requires frequent dosing – Up to a few times per day
- Onion odor – Can cause bad breath
- High sugar intake – If taking large or frequent doses
- May trigger reflux – Due to sugar content
As with any remedy, discuss the potential benefits and risks with your doctor. Onion syrup should not replace medical treatment when necessary. But it may provide cough relief when used safely based on your health history.
Is onion syrup safe?
For most people, onion syrup is considered safe when used occasionally as directed. The ingredients – onions, honey or sugar, and water – are food-based. So it does not carry the risks of side effects like some over-the-counter cough medicines.
However, some precautions apply:
- Speak with a doctor first if you have diabetes or digestive issues. The high sugar content could be a concern.
- Don’t give honey to children under 1 year old due to infant botulism risk.
- Introduce in small doses at first to check for any individual sensitivities or allergies.
- Use caution if taking certain medications, as interactions are possible.
- Avoid over-consuming. Too much can cause side effects like digestive upset.
Pregnant or breastfeeding women interested in trying onion syrup should discuss safety with their maternity care provider first.
Other natural cough remedies
In addition to onion syrup, some other natural remedies may help provide cough relief without medication:
- Honey – Has demulcent properties that coat and soothe the throat
- Ginger – Contains anti-inflammatory compounds that may inhibit coughing
- Marshmallow root – The mucilage has a soothing effect on coughs
- Probiotics – Can boost immune function and prevent secondary infections
- Peppermint – Menthol has an anesthetic effect to suppress cough triggers
- Chicken soup – The broth can thin mucus and provide hydration
- Salt water gargle – Helps thin secretions to reduce postnasal drip coughs
- Hydration – Drinking lots of fluids, like herbal tea, thins mucus
- Steam therapy – Inhaling warm moist air loosens mucus and soothes airways
- Nasal saline rinse – Clears congestion from nose and sinuses to prevent drip
These natural options may be used alone or combined with onion syrup for maximum cough relief. Always discuss holistic remedies with your doctor when appropriate.
When to see a doctor
While natural cough remedies can provide comfort, it’s important to see a doctor if your cough:
- Lasts longer than 3 weeks in adults, 4 weeks in children
- Produces colored mucus or blood
- Is accompanied by difficulty breathing, wheezing, or chest pain
- Interferes with sleep, work, or activities
- Occurs alongside fever, headache, fatigue, or other concerning symptoms
- Does not improve after taking over-the-counter medicine
Seeking medical treatment can help identify and properly treat the underlying cause of a persistent cough. This provides the best chance of relief and prevents complications.
Conclusion
Onion syrup is used around the world as a traditional natural cough remedy. Early research shows compounds like flavonoids and quercetin in onions may inhibit cough reflex sensitivity. However, human trials are limited on onion syrup specifically.
This folk remedy provides a safe, natural way to coat and soothe an irritated throat. The soothing demulcent effect of honey or sugar syrup, combined with potential anti-inflammatory action of onion, may temporarily suppress cough symptoms. Yet more research is still needed.
Onion syrup is relatively quick and simple to whip up at home. It can be taken alone or paired with other remedies. While not a cure, onion syrup may provide temporary cough relief without the concerns of medication side effects. Talk to your doctor to see if trying this traditional syrup is appropriate for your situation.