DIY Onion Poultice for Congested Coughs

When you have a cold or respiratory infection, the never-ending flow of mucus and the bothersome cough can feel so irritating. For this herbal remedy, we don’t have to look much further than our kitchen. Onions are revered as both a great addition to cooking and for their health benefits. In this recipe, we take advantage of onion as a natural expectorant. This DIY onion poultice for congested coughs will offer you relief in no time.

The Benefits of an Onion Poultice for Congestion

No matter the time of year, an onion poultice is a valuable natural remedy to have up your sleeve to treat congestion. First and foremost, it is accessible and affordable. All you need to make it is a simple onion and a bit of time. No trips to the pharmacy or even the apothecary for this one! It’s an effective and affordable alternative to more expensive over-the-counter medicines. It’s a treatment you can make over and over again for a fraction of the cost of cough syrup.

Besides its accessibility, an onion poultice is effective. It helps to loosen and expel the excess mucus that causes congestion. This provides much-needed relief and aids in clearing the respiratory passages. Furthermore, the poultice’s anti-inflammatory properties soothe irritated airways and reduce inflammation in nasal passages, making breathing easier and relieving discomfort. It is particularly beneficial for congestion caused by allergies or respiratory infections.

Onions are such a good example of food as medicine. For centuries they have been regarded as both a culinary delight and a potent healing agent. From the Egyptians to the early Americans, onions were valued for their exceptional medicinal properties. These civilizations recognized that onions possessed antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and expectorant properties, making them ideal for treating respiratory ailments.

Whether you suffer from allergies, flu, or chronic cough, this poultice must be part of your holistic recovery plan. You can learn more about home remedies like this one if you skim through the 40+ holistic protocols you should keep on hand.

The Science Behind an Onion Poultice

All the historical wisdom has now been backed up by peer-reviewed studies. In recent years, onion juice and onion poultices have been used to relieve discomfort from ear infections and reduce fever in children after they receive their DPT immunizations.

Together these provide antimicrobial and expectorant properties by thinning the mucus. This helps your body combat the infections that contribute to congestion. Additionally, the natural sulfur compounds found in onions have anti-inflammatory effects, soothing irritated airways and reducing swelling.

The poultice’s warmth and moisture also contribute to its effectiveness. The moist heat helps to dilate blood vessels, increasing blood flow to the congested area. This improved circulation aids in clearing mucus and promoting the expulsion of phlegm, thereby relieving congestion.

How to Make Your Own Onion Poultice

You will need:

• 1 medium-sized organic onion
• Coconut oil or water
• Clean cloth
• Warm water
• Bowl
• Knife or grater
• Towel or bandage

Instructions:

Step 1: Start by peeling the onion and cutting it into thin slices. Alternatively, you can grate the onion to create a finer consistency. The goal is to release the beneficial compounds.

Step 2: Turn a pan on low heat and add the coconut oil and onion. Sauté low and slow until the onion is translucent and fragrant.

Step 3: Scrape it out into a bowl to cool until it is warm to the touch but not hot.  Be careful with the temperature if using this poultice for children.

Step 4: Pour the mixture into the center of your cloth. 

Step 5: Fold it from the corners into a small pouch. Depending on how hot it feels, you could wrap it in a second cloth for more insulation.

How to Use

Carefully place the cloth onto the desired area of the chest or throat. Leave the onion poultice in place for approximately 20 to 30 minutes. During this time, the warmth and healing properties of the onion will penetrate the skin and provide relief by reducing congestion.

Once the poultice is removed, you can use warm water to cleanse the area and remove the onion’s odor. Afterwards, rest and stay cozy. This will allow the body to continue benefiting from the poultice’s effects and aid in further congestion relief.

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