Botanical Name :Allium cepa
Sanskrit name : Palandu
English Name : Onion
Family : Liliaceae

Plant Parts Used : Bulb and seed

Description of Allium cepa:
IThe bulbous root of this plant consists of layers of fleshy scales covered by white, yellow or violet colored tunics. The erect stem is hollow with a swelling at the lower end and can grow as high as 2 to 3 ft. the hollow leaves, which are almost cylindrical or slightly flattened, have a smooth surface. The flowers, which have white or purple petals, are clustered into rounded heads. The fruit consists of one capsule and 3 loculi with flat, black seeds.

 

Phytochemicals:
Essential oil containing allylic disulphides, suger, inulin, quercetin, calcium, biflavanoids. The bulb contains vitamin A, B and C, protein, carbohydrate, iron etc.

Properties: Stimulant, Diuretic, antibiotic, hypoglycemic, hypotensive ( lower blood pressure), anti-inflammatory, Lithotripic ( Pertaining to removal of stone), anthelmintic, analgesic, anti-neuralgic, expectorant, anti rheumatic, corn remover, aphrodisiac, anti-dermatophytic, anti-oxidant, anti-thrombotic, blood-purifier and anti-cancer

Medicinal properties:
a) in Blood pressure:
I) One teaspoonful onion juice with honey should be taken for 15 to 20 days to bring down the blood pressure.
II) Regular use of raw onion especially its yellowish and purplish scales with meals help keeping blood pressure in control.
III) Raw onion juice with honey and ginger juice reduces blood pressure and cholesterol level.
b) In heat stroke:
Decoction of the onion is beneficial for checking extreme heat sensation. It is also used as poultice to indolent boils and hemorrhoids.
c) In Respiratory problems:
As it is expectorant, it is also beneficial in cough and other respiratory problems.
d) In Gastrointestinal Problems:
Due to its stimulant, antimicrobial, anthelmintic and lithotripic properties, it is also used in GIT problems. In addition to these, it is used in indigestion, constipation, gastritis, peptic ulcer, piles and Hepatitis.
e) In skin:
Being an antiseptic and anti-dermatophytic, it is used in different skin diseases.
d) Other uses:
In Urinary discomfort, rheumatism, convulsions, headache, epileptic and hysterical fits. Its seeds are used as aphrodisiac.
Note: It is not helpful to increase memory power.

Disclaimer:
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