Placing onion next to the bed at night is gaining the attention of wellness enthusiasts and some curious internet users alike. People back in those days used to believe that onions have the ability to absorb toxins, purify air, or treat colds and coughs.
But does sleeping next to an onion help a cold? Does it really work? Or is it just another viral myth?!
People has two different sides on this, one group says it works and has numerous benefits, while the other group of people straight debunk it.
Some of these claims mention that placing onion next to bed at night helps improve the air quality, boost the immunity system, and even treat cough and cold.
Just to to see if it really works or not, we did hours of research, we went into various sources, ancient beliefs, scientific studies, and anecdotal evidence, to check if onion on bed side really works or not.
Does placing onion next to bed at night really works?
Historically, onions were considered more than just a vegetable. The ancient cultures in Egypt, Greece, and India, believed that onion has the ability to ward off evil and diseases like smallpox, influenza, and other diseases.
During the bubonic plague, onions were placed in rooms as people believed that they could absorb toxins and purify the air. Doctors back in the early 1900s, used to recommended placing an onion under the bed could draw out the impurities present in the air and heal the body.
However, according to the National Onion Association confirms that there is no scientific proof to back these claims. There’s no evidence that by placing the sliced onions near the bed, you can improve the air quality or get rid of viruses in the air.
While onion is rich in sulfuric compounds and antioxidants, but there is no scientific evidence that it can purify the air and absorb toxins.
Benefits of putting onion next to bed at night
Let’s explore the benefits of putting onion next to bed by examining both the ancient beliefs and available scientific pieces of evidence:
Improves air quality
People in old times believed that onions can absorb impurities from the air by trapping bacteria and harmful substances, making it cleaner and healthier to breathe. This belief most likely originated during pandemics when people were desperate for any means to protect themselves. In those times, even doctors used to recommend this practice to their patients.
While onions do emit sulfur compounds in the air, according to AllRecipes, onion doesn’t absorb any impurities or bacteria. For air purification, you can use natural air purifiers like Peace Lilies as they are more effective alternatives for improving the air quality in your room. Keep the area properly ventilated for better air quality.
Relief from congestion
People used to believe that the strong pungent smell of onion could be used for decongestion. In traditional medicine, it was believed that placing the sliced onion near a bed at night could help clear nasal passages and chest congestion.
Onions does contain compounds like quercetin and other antioxidants that when cut or crushed release a chemical irritant that irritates the nerves around the eyes and makes them teary. This causes mild opening of the nasal passage up to certain extent.
While their smell might temporarily ease the congestion, it’s advised to try steam inhalation or decongestants, to get better relief from congestion.
Improves immune system
It was believed that onions have the ability to boost immunity by drawing out toxins and other harmful bacteria from the air and body. People used to keep sliced onions near the bedside at night to strengthen their body’s natural defenses and ward off illnesses.
Onions, especially green onions, are rich in antioxidants and nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin A, and magnesium, which help strengthen the immune system and improve overall health, but only when it is consumed and not when placed near bed.
Moreover, studies have shown that there’s a plant-based compound called quercetin present in the onions that can help increase the white blood cell count which as a result, boosts immunity, however, it only works when you consume it and not placing it near your bed.
Absorbs moisture
It was believed that onions could absorb excess moisture from the air and prevent the growth of mold and dampness in rooms. This practice was more common in regions that are more prone to humidity, where people used to deal with moisture and were desperate to try anything that could help them with this problem.
While onions can absorb some moisture from the air due to their hygroscopic properties, the effect is minimal, almost unnoticeable.
So, they are less likely to impact and control the moisture and stop the growth of mold in the room. There is no scientific evidence that onions can prevent humidity and stop the growth of mold in your house. The most effective way would be to use a dehumidifier.
Acts as an insect repellent
People used to believe that the strong pungent smell of onions could deter insects from coming into your home. Many insects like mosquitoes stay away from the onion odor. So, people used to hang onions near their doorways, chop them, and keep them in water or make onion juice to repel mosquitoes and other bugs.
Modern scientific studies suggest that onions might have some effect on repelling these insects as they have sulphuric compounds, but they are not as effective as commercial insect repellents or natural alternatives like citronella, mosquito nets, or mosquito sprays.
Improves sleep quality
People used to believe that onion’s aroma has a calming effect that helps them relax and promote better sleep. Back in the old times, they used to place onion next to bed at night, to help them induce quick and deep sleep.
However, it is not scientifically supported that the aroma of onions can help people induce sleep or improve it in any way.
Although, researchers found that onions are rich in L-tryptophan which is an amino acid. It’s a natural sedative, it can keep you asleep but cannot help you with falling asleep or improve sleep quality.
Instead, you can try aromatherapy with proven scents like lavender as it’s a more reliable option to create a soothing environment.
Absorbs Negative Energy
Many ancient cultures from Egypt, India, and Greece, especially in spiritual and folk traditions had a belief that onions could be used for absorbing negative energy.
People believe that onions have the ability to cleanse the space of harmful energies and create a harmonious and positive environment.
However, there is no scientific evidence that the onions can absorb the negative energy and cleanse the space. This is purely spiritual belief that is linked with spiritual practices and there’s no scientific research to prove this phenomenon.
However, engaging with such practices may provide psychological comfort or placebo effects for some people. It is advised to try mindfulness practices or do yoga, to create a calm and relaxing environment.
Relief from stuffy nose
It was suggested in folk remedies that the pungent smell of onion near a stuffy nose can help open the nasal passages and ease breathing.
People believed that the smell of onion can loosen nasal blockages and help them cure cold symptoms. A practice originated from both medieval healing and traditional chinese medicine where people used sliced onions in the bottom of their socks to get rid of the cold.
Later, according to scientific researches, it was tested that the strong odor from onions can help ease the symptoms of cold as it contains sulfur compounds.
However, since its effects are short-lived, it doesn’t really help with alleviating your cold symptoms or heal your body fast. You will need an alkaline solution with a pH of 11 to 13 to get rid of those cold viruses.
Relief from cough
In traditional medical practices, onions were used to ease coughs. They believed that onions have the ability to soothe coughs by releasing the compounds that thin the mucus and ease throat irritation.
They used to place the sliced onions near a bed or on their chest to help ease the discomfort and suppress the cough fits.
It is proved that the compounds present in onions like allicin and sulfur which have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial propertie help provide relief from minor throat irritations.
But, there’s no strong evidence that by placing the onion next to bed at night, one can ease the symptoms of cough. The only way to relieve cough is by consuming onions and not by simply placing them beside the sick.
Foot detox
This practice of foot detoxifying originated from ancient detox rituals. It is suggested that by placing the sliced onions on the soles of their feet can help detox the body overnight.
It was believed that onions can draw toxins out of the body by simply placing them on the feet.
There’s no scientific proof to back this claim that onions can draw toxins from the body. The body’s detoxifying process happens through the liver and kidneys, not through the skin.
Although there is no harm in placing the onions on the feet (except the ew smell you will feet will stink off). It may feel soothing for some people due to its cooling effect but there’s no solid evidence that it can detox the body.
How to put onion to bed?
There is no doubt that onion has many benefits but to take advantage of its benefits, one has to consume it. But aside from this, there are also some benefits of putting onions near your bed, like sliced onions help keep insects away, to ease the cold symptoms although it will be temporary, and keep you asleep.
To try this practice, follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Take a fresh onion as they are more effective. You can choose either red or white, both work fine.
Step 2: Slice onions into thin or thick layers.
Step 3: Place the onion on the plate or in a bowl, to avoid making a mess.
Step 4: Place the onions under your bed, next to your headboard, or on the nightstand.
Step 5: Replace the onions daily to maintain freshness and effectiveness, and to avoid unpleasant odors.
Conclusion
So, does placing an onion next to the bed at night really works?
While the practice has quite a historical and cultural significance, scientific evidence supports its benefits minimal. We can say that most benefits like air purification, or detoxifying abilities, are mostly rooted in traditional beliefs and lack scientific validation.
However, the practice is quite harmless and it may provide psychological comfort or a placebo effect for some people. People who are looking for benefits like air purification, and relief from a stuffy nose, can try other methods like aromatherapy, and medical remedies, or try consuming the onion.
But for serious health conditions, it’s best to rely on evidence-based solutions and consult healthcare professionals.
So, to answer the question, is an onion next to the bed at night, a myth or fact?
We can say that this ancient practice leans more towards the myth but it can be effective as a natural remedy for cough, improving immunity, and helping decongest, but only when it is consumed.
Feel free to try this technique and ease your curious mind but don’t expect miraculous results from it.
FAQs on Onion next to bed at night
Does the onion next to the bed help cold?
It may provide temporary relief from the symptoms of cold as it contains sulphuric compounds. But don’t rely too much on it as there’s no scientific evidence that by placing onion next to bed helps with cold.
Does placing onion beside bed stop coughing at night?
It is scientifically proven that the compounds present in onions have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties which can help ease the irritation and improve respiratory health but only when they are consumed. There’s no scientific claim that merely placing the onion beside the bed can stop coughing at night. Try other remedies like honey lemon tea and ginger tea to help with the coughing and soothe your throat.
Does onion help with a stuffy nose?
Yes, onion can help with a stuffy nose to some extent. Onions have a pungent smell and compounds that irritate the eyes and nose, causing the nasal passageways to open. But don’t consider it a reliable remedy as the effect is short-lived.
Is putting onion in a sock at night beneficial?
This old practice doesn’t have scientific backing, as there’s no evidence that a whole or sliced onion can absorb germs or toxins from the body. This practice is linked to the Chinese practice of reflexology. Although this practice is quite old and gaining popularity, it doesn’t have any noticeable benefits.
