The purple onion has held a unique place in cultural lore beyond just food.
· Absorption Belief: A widespread folk belief is that raw onions, particularly when placed on the feet or around a sickroom, can “absorb” toxins or illness out of the body. During the Plague in England, people reportedly kept chopped onions around to purify the air . Even today, some parents place onion slices in socks overnight to help reduce a fever or cough—a practice rooted in the idea of transdermal absorption and meridian points on the feet .
· Respiratory Support: In Mexican traditional medicine (curanderismo), onion and garlic syrups are a go-to remedy for congestion and productive coughs, acting as natural expectorants .
🛒 Ingredients Quantity
Makes approximately 1 cup of syrup
· Large Purple Onion (Red Onion): 1 whole (approx. 200-250g) – Purple onions are preferred for their higher levels of quercetin and anthocyanins .
· Raw Honey: 3–4 tablespoons (approx. 75-100ml) – Must be raw, unpasteurized to preserve beneficial enzymes .
· Garlic Cloves (optional but traditional): 2–3 cloves – Adds powerful antimicrobial support .
✨ Optional Additions
