When a cough just won’t go away, sometimes the best solution is hiding right in your kitchen. Onion tea may sound unusual, but it’s a time-tested home remedy that helps calm a bad cough naturally. Packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and anti-inflammatory compounds, onions have long been used in traditional remedies for respiratory relief. Combined with warm water and honey, this tea offers gentle comfort and soothing effects for the throat and chest.
Kitchen Items
- Saucepan or small pot
- Knife and cutting board
- Strainer
- Cup or mug
- Spoon
Ingredients
- 1 medium-sized onion (yellow or red)
- 2 cups of water
- 1–2 teaspoons of honey (optional, for taste)
- Optional: a small slice of ginger or a pinch of cinnamon for extra warmth and flavor
Instructions
- Peel and slice the onion into thin pieces. The thinner the slices, the more flavor and beneficial compounds will be released.
- Pour 2 cups of water into a saucepan and add the onion slices.
- Place the saucepan on medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. This allows the onion’s natural goodness to infuse into the water.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and strain the tea into a cup.
- Add honey to taste and stir well. Honey not only adds sweetness but also soothes the throat.
- Drink the tea warm, one or two times a day, especially before bedtime for the best relief.
Why Onion Tea Works
- Natural Expectorant: Onion contains natural sulfur compounds that help loosen mucus and clear the airways, making breathing easier.
- Rich in Antioxidants: These compounds support the body’s natural defense system, helping it recover more comfortably.
- Soothes the Throat: The warm liquid combined with honey helps calm throat irritation and dryness caused by coughing.
- Improves Circulation: Onion’s natural elements may promote healthy blood flow, supporting faster recovery and overall vitality.
Tips or Serving Suggestions
- For a stronger flavor, add a few slices of ginger or a small piece of garlic while boiling the tea.
- You can add a few drops of lemon juice for an extra boost of vitamin C.
- Drink the tea warm — not hot — to avoid irritating your throat.
- Store leftover tea in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours and reheat gently before drinking.
- Always use fresh onions for the best results.
Extra Notes
Onion tea has been used for generations in many cultures as a simple and effective home remedy for coughs and minor throat discomfort. It’s gentle enough for daily use and doesn’t require any fancy ingredients.
What makes this remedy special is its simplicity and natural effectiveness. Onion provides sulfur and quercetin — two compounds that help the body’s natural healing processes. Combined with honey’s soothing touch and warm water’s comforting effect, this tea can bring quick relief when your throat feels sore or your cough becomes bothersome.
The best part? It’s completely natural, inexpensive, and easy to make at home anytime. Drinking a cup of onion tea can help you feel relaxed, breathe easier, and rest better — just like your grandmother’s old-fashioned home remedy.