Overview:

Onion (Allium cepa) is a plant that is grown worldwide. The onion bulb is commonly eaten as food. Onion bulb and extract are also used to make medicine.
Onion contains chemicals that seem to reduce swelling and lung tightness related to asthma. It also contains chemicals that seem to reduce cholesterol and lower blood sugar.

Benefits:

• Hair loss (alopecia areata).
• Diabetes.
• High blood pressure.
• Asthma.
• Upset stomach.
• Fever.
• Colds.
• Cough.
• Bronchitis.
• Swelling (inflammation) of the mouth and throat.
• Wounds.
• Loss of appetite.
• Preventing hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis).

Side Effects:

Onion is LIKELY SAFE when taken by mouth in amounts commonly found in food or when applied to the skin. It is POSSIBLY SAFE for most people when taken by mouth in larger amounts. Taking up to a maximum of 35 mg of the onion ingredient “diphenylamine” per day for several months seems to be safe.