You’ve probably heard the old saying:

“Stick a few cloves into a peeled onion and leave it in your room overnight to cure a cold!”

It sounds unusual, yet generations of families have turned to this simple ritual to ease congestion, freshen the air, and bring comfort during illness. While it may feel like pure folklore, there is some science behind it—along with important limits to keep in mind.

Let’s peel back the layers and see what this remedy really offers.

 The Traditional Method

• Peel a whole onion (white or yellow).
• Insert 6–12 whole cloves into the onion like tiny studs.
• Place it in a saucer or bowl near your bed or in a sick room.
• Leave overnight or for a day or two.

Claims include:

• Absorbing germs from the air
• Clearing nasal congestion
• Promoting restful sleep
• Neutralizing odors and “purifying” the room

 What Science Actually Says

 Onions Have Antimicrobial Properties

• Contain sulfur compounds and quercetin.
• Lab studies show they can inhibit bacteria like E. coli and S. aureus.
• Historically, onions were hung in sick rooms during the 1918 flu pandemic, based on “miasma” beliefs.

 Cloves Are Natural Antiseptics

• Rich in eugenol, a compound with antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal effects.
• Used for centuries in dentistry to soothe toothaches and fight infection.

 But… They Don’t “Absorb Germs”

• Onions don’t pull viruses or bacteria out of your body or the air.
• Any antimicrobial effect is limited to the onion’s surface.
• The “purifying” effect likely comes from volatile compounds evaporating into the air—helpful, but not a substitute for medical care or ventilation.

 What You Might Actually Experience

• Aromatherapy Effect: The pungent scent can open nasal passages, acting like a mild decongestant.
• Humidity Boost: Onions release moisture, which may soothe dry airways.
• Odor Masking: Strong aromas can cover up stale or sickroom smells.
• Placebo Comfort: Rituals provide psychological relief, which genuinely supports healing.

 What This Remedy Doesn’t Do

• Cure colds, flu, or infections
• Replace vaccines, handwashing, or medical treatment
• “Draw out” illness from the body (a myth with no scientific basis)

 Warning: Cut onions left out for days can attract 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 afterward—it’s for aroma only.

 Better alternative: Simmer onion, garlic, cloves, and ginger in water. Inhale the steam for 5–10 minutes to ease congestion naturally.

✨ Final Thought: Tradition with Wisdom
This onion-and-cloves remedy isn’t magic—but it isn’t nonsense 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 real medical care.

The best remedies blend old wisdom with modern knowledge.