Is the onion scraping effective for treating colds?

Rain or staying up late all day often makes you catch a cold. Fortunately, this condition can be treated easily, one of which is scraping with onions. However, is scraping using onions effective in treating colds according to the medical side?

Is it effective to use onion scraping when you catch a cold?

In the medical literature, you will not find a condition or disease called a cold.

This is just a term Indonesian society actually refers to a group of symptoms, such as fever, body aches, nausea and bloating, congestion and inability to pass wind.

This condition can be treated with drugs, such as paracetamol, ibuprofen, decongestants, and antihistamines.

In addition to taking medication, Indonesians also often treat colds by scraping using red onions.

Usually, the method of scraping using shallots is done by peeling the shallots into large pieces.

Then, mixed with essential oil or baby oil.After that, the onion will be rubbed on the body. Usually the neck on the front, back, and along the back and back are areas for scraping.

Even though it has been practiced for generations, is this scraping with shallots actually effective in overcoming colds?

A 2002 study reported on the benefits of shallots in a journalPhytotherapy Research.

Red onions are known to contain anticancer compounds, anti-platelets (prevent blood clots), and antibiotics. If consumed, the nutritional content of onions will certainly be beneficial for health.

Although not eaten, onions also provide benefits when used as a scraping material to treat colds.

As quoted from the Detik Health page, Prof. Dr. dr. Didik Gunawan Tamtomo, PAK, MM. M.Kes, explains the effect of scraping with onions.

According to him, scraping with onions has a vasodilating effect, which is to improve blood circulation and cause a calming effect.

These two effects are what make onion scrapings effective for treating colds in some people.

In addition, red onions are also safer to use than using coins and oil.

Rubbing coins repeatedly can create a strong friction that irritates the skin. Meanwhile, onions have a more dull texture, so there is less risk of irritating the skin.

Therefore, red onions are recommended as a scraping material for babies, children, and adults with thinning skin conditions.

Another way to deal with colds besides scrapings

Scrubs are powerful enough to get rid of colds. However, not everyone will recover immediately with this treatment.

So that you can recover quickly from a cold, follow these tips.

1. Increase intake of nutritious foods

After scraping with onions, the body certainly needs time to recover from catching a cold.

To support a stronger immune system, you need to eat healthy and nutritious foods. Don't let the cold symptoms make you lazy to eat.

Try making soup from chopped chicken, spices, and chopped vegetables to increase your appetite. Don't forget, eat fruit as a snack.

2. Drink plenty of water

Apart from food, the body also needs water. Water helps the body's organs to work normally, as well as the immune system.

So, make sure you meet your daily fluid needs. Not only with water, you can also meet your body's fluid needs by consuming direct fruit or juice.

3. Get enough rest

The last step that can make onion scrapings more effective in overcoming colds is getting enough rest.

Don't keep yourself busy playing your cell phone or watching TV all day long.