Remedies – Allium Cepa

Genus: Allium

Common name: Red onion

Family: Liliaceae (Lily)

Cultivated world wide as a garden vegetable, allium cepa is a common ingredient in the cuisine of many cultures and can be eaten cooked or raw. Historically, the onion has been used for medicinal purposes, including the treatment of cancers. It has many beneficial therapeutic uses due to its antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties.

Perhaps the most familiar effect of allium cepa is the runny nose and the streaming, burning tears that flow as a result of chopping an onion. This uncomfortable experience which irritates the eyes is due to the sulfenic acids that are released when an onion’s tissue is peeled, cut, or crushed. As a result, the autonomic reaction of the body is to release tears in order to wash away the irritant.

The homeopathic remedy Allium cepa is useful for symptoms similar to the natural effect a healthy person experiences when cutting an onion, whether it be hay fever, allergies, or a common cold. If there are profuse tears and a runny nose with a burning discharge, Allium cepa will stimulate the body to restore order and provide relief.

Keynotes:

• Profuse, bland eye lacrimation
• Profuse watery nasal discharge, nose running “like a faucet”
• Hay fever
• Common cold
• Upper lip and around nose is red and irritated
• Nasal symptoms move from left to right, first left nostril affected then the right
• Sleepiness and difficult concentration with allergies
• Dull headache in the temples worse closing the eyes
• Severe tearing pain in the larynx during dry cough, pain extends to ears
• Hoarseness, tickling in larynx
• Violent sneezing
• Phantom nerve pains following amputation
• Better in open air

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Information contained on this site is for educational purposes only and should not be used to prescribe, diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or illness. Any information provided is not intended to replace medical advice offered by a physician. If you desire or need such advice, you should consult a professional healthcare provider.