Medicinal values of onions

Onions (Allium cepa) belong to the lily family, the same family as garlic, leeks, chives, scallions and shallots.There are over 600 species of Allium, distributed all over Europe, North America, Northern Africa and Asia. The plants can be used as ornamentals, vegetables, spices, or as medicine.

VALUES

Onions are a very rich source of fructo-oligosaccharides. These oligomers stimulate the growth of healthy bifidobacteria and suppress the growth of potentially harmful bacteria in the colon. In addition, they can reduce the risk of tumors developing in the colon.

Onion extracts, rich in a variety of sulfides, provide some protection against tumor growth. In central Georgia where Vidalia onions are grown, mortality rates from stomach cancer are about one-half the average level for the United States. Studies in Greece have shown a high consumption of onions, garlic and other allium herbs to be protective against stomach cancer.

The World Health Organization (WHO) supports the use of onions for the treatment of poor appetite and to prevent atherosclerosis. In addition, onion extracts are recognized by WHO for providing relief in the treatment of coughs and colds, asthma and bronchitis. Onions are known to decrease bronchial spasms. An onion extract was found to decrease allergy-induced bronchial constriction in asthma patients.

Onions are a rich source of flavonoids, substances known to provide protection against cardiovascular disease. Onions are also natural anticlotting agents since they possess substances with fibrinolytic activity and can suppress platelet-clumping. The anticlotting effect of onions closely correlates with their sulfur content. Onion can improve lung function, especially in asthmatics. The more pungent varieties of onion appear to possess the greatest concentration of health-promoting phytochemicals.

Onions are very beneficial to women with scanty and painful menses. In case of sunstroke, use of onions relieves thirst and mitigates the effects of the sunstroke. Besides, onion has several medicinal uses described by various authors as remedy or cure for different ailments.

Researchers at the University of Utah who carried out the study, examined the health values in onion and discovered that quercetin, the compound most commonly associated with onions, may reduce blood pressure by an average of five millimeters of mercury (Hg) especially if eaten raw. Sulphur compound present in raw onion will also help to prevent the growth of cancer cells. Likewise, onion is also good and effective in the treatment of anaemia, bleeding piles, stomach aches, while the juice can be applied externally as an antiseptic. It also prevents and can treat teeth disorders. The Indians, Chinese and the Egyptians know and appreciate the medicinal value of onion as well as garlic.

Aloe and its values

Aloe vera, which is also known as medicinal aloe is one of the species of succulent plant that has its origin from Northern Africa. The leaves are thick and fleshy, green to grey-green, with some varieties showing white flecks on the upper and lower stem surfaces. 


Values
Prior to its ability to balance the pH of the blood and increase digestion and absorption, aloe vera gel strengthens the immune system. Taken regularly over a period of several
months, it helps to regulate the function of the liver. Results of laboratory tests on animals indicate that aloe vera can prevent and arrest arthritis, improve wound healing, inhibit pain, block inflammation, restore bone growth, and act as a vehicle for the delivery of nutrients to the body. Fresh or commercially preserved Aloe Vera juice can be used both externally and internally. In capsule form, it is used as a natural laxative. It also is beneficial for the hair and scalp

Both the Greek historian Dioscorides and the Roman naturalist
Pliny recommended aloe vera about 2,000 years ago as an effective remedy for constipation, burns, wounds, bruises, skin irritations, kidney problems and more. Aloe vera is one of the oldest known therapeutic herbs and is renowned worldwide as a healing plant. It originated in the Cape Verde islands off the West African Coast.

Among its other healing ingredients, aloe vera contains salicylic acid, which is the main content of aspirin. The salicylic acid and magnesium in aloe are thought to work together for an analgesic effect on burns. Among its other healing ingredients, aloe vera contains
salicylic acid, which is the main content of aspirin. The salicylic acid and magnesium in aloe are thought to work together for an analgesic effect on burns. Modern medicine uses it to treat atomic radiation burns. Applied to wounds, the gel not only reduces pain and infection, it stimulates cell regeneration and therefore the growth of new tissue and skin. Scarring can be reduced significantly by using aloe vera.

Aloe is favored by those looking to maintain a healthy digestive system and a natural energy level with optimum health and nutrition. Taken daily, either alone or mixed with pure fruit juice, it is one of the best nutritional supplements available! Did you also know aloe vera juice is one of the most vitamin and mineral-packed nutrition drinks you can find?

The nutrition properties of aloe vera come from the 18 amino acids, mineralsand vitamins it contains. It is used to soothe skin that has been damaged. A common usage is to soothe dry, chapped and sunburned skin. Aloe vera can also be made into juices, skin lotions and salves. Aloe vera can be found in cosmetics, shampoos, lotions and many other common household aloe vera products. The many benefits of aloe vera are not fully researched as of yet.