Back in October I posted on Instagram the best holistic remedy that has ever been given to me as a parent by my grandmother. The chopped onions and garlic under the bed for nighttime coughs. It’s been used for centuries and by many different cultures.
Especially for your children, but works in adults too.
It is so cool to see how many people started trends on Tiktok there after.
There is nothing worse than those coughs that keep you up all night. Especially when your babies or children are coughing so hard that they can’t sleep. Ugh, it makes my heart hurt just thinking about it.
I have never been a fan of over-the-counter medication for coughs. Especially not for children. Even the FDA doesn’t recommend OTC medicines for cough and cold symptoms in children younger than 2 because they could cause serious and potentially life-threatening side effects. A lot of them have labels even warning to not use in children 4 and under.
I believe in science. I love hard facts. Especially and most definitely in emergency situations. I also REALLY believe in the power of plants. There is a place for both. In my opinion.
I have gotten a lot of question over the past couple of months as to why I think onions and garlic work so well for nighttime coughs. Since many have had such great success with it.
Here is the breakdown on both for possible reasons as to why even though it has never been studied specifically for this reason.
Onions contain essential nutrients that your body needs when fighting off an illness like:
- Vitamin C
- Folic acid
- Iron
- Zinc
- Calcium
- Fructans
- Flavonoids – antiviral properties
- Organosulfur compounds
The National Onion Association reports that the one specific flavonoid that Onion has, quercetin, functions as an antioxidant deactivating molecules that are injurious to cells in the body. It also decreases cancer tumor initiation and heals stomach ulcers.
In short, onions are a powerful natural antibiotic that also helps fight mucus, inflammation and acts as a natural expectorant (cough suppressant).
Another probable reason as to why it helps with sleep is because onions are rich in L-tryptophan, which is an amino acid that acts as a natural sedative.
Alright now on to garlic. Garlic is dated back 6,000 plus years as a medicinal food. It is rich in:
- Sulfur-containing compounds that help with inflammation.
- Contains an enzyme called allinase which then produces allicin.
- Allicin has antimicrobial effects.
- Antioxidants that protect against inflammation, cell damage and chronic disease.
In short, garlic has antimicrobial, antibiotic, and antiviral properties with decongestant and expectorant effects.
Check this research study to find out more about the properties of garlic specifically.
Pretty fascinating stuff.
I’m so glad it has worked for so many of you and that there are so many parents out there, looking for a more holistic remedy to treat their children with.
Disclaimer: I am not a licensed medical provider. Please always consult with your licensed healthcare provider before trying anything new.
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Alejandra at Living Well Co.