Surprising Health Benefits of Using Onions on the Soles of Your Feet

Onions are widely known as a nutritious food and a natural remedy with many health benefits. Beyond being a versatile ingredient in the kitchen, onions have been used in folk medicine for centuries. One lesser-known method is placing a slice of onion on the soles of your feet before bedtime — a simple practice that may bring unexpected health benefits.

Why Place Onions on the Soles of Your Feet?

Seasonal changes often bring with them common illnesses such as colds and flu. Although these are not usually life-threatening, they can cause great discomfort, interrupt daily routines, and lower productivity. Mild symptoms may include a runny nose and sneezing, while more severe cases can lead to fatigue, fever, and body aches.

To strengthen the immune system and reduce flu symptoms, natural remedies are often preferred since they are safe, inexpensive, and easy to try at home. One such remedy is applying onions directly to the soles of the feet.

Onions contain sulfur compounds and a powerful antioxidant called onionin A, which has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and detoxifying properties. The soles of the feet are connected to many nerve endings and energy pathways that link to vital organs. According to reflexology, stimulating these points can help restore balance and improve overall health.

How to Apply Onions to the Feet

1. Slice the onion (white or red onions both work) horizontally into thin, round pieces.

2. Place a slice directly onto the sole of each foot.

3. Put on a pair of socks to hold the onions in place while you sleep.

4. Leave them overnight, and in the morning, discard the onions and wash your feet thoroughly with soap and water to remove the smell.

This method is most effective when practiced in the evening, since your body is at rest and the onion slices can remain fixed in place without interruption. Some people notice reduced congestion, easier breathing, and better sleep after a few nights of use.

Extra Tip: If you are sensitive to raw onion or have small cuts on your feet, place a thin layer of gauze or cloth between the onion and your skin to avoid irritation.

Additional Health Benefits of Onions

Onions are not only useful when placed on the feet but also provide therapeutic effects when used in food or traditional remedies. Here are some well-known applications:

1. Relieving Joint Pain and Regulating Blood Pressure

• Prepare 3 medium onions and 750 ml of red wine or grape wine.

• Choose red onions with purple skins, peel them, and cut each into at least 8 pieces.

• Place the onion slices in a clean glass jar, cover with wine, seal tightly, and store in a cool, dry place away from sunlight for about a week.

• Consume 50 ml once or twice daily. Eating the soaked onions along with the wine enhances the benefits.

This tonic is believed to improve blood circulation, reduce joint pain, and help regulate blood pressure naturally.

2. Soothing Coughs and Persistent Phlegm

• Extract fresh onion juice and mix it with pure honey.

• Drink a small amount daily.

This mixture helps reduce inflammation, soothe the throat, clear mucus, and relieve long-lasting coughs.

3. Treating Cold and Flu Symptoms

• Cook a bowl of rice porridge and add finely chopped onions while it’s still hot.

• Eat the porridge warm to induce sweating, reduce fever, and ease symptoms of the common cold.

Alternatively, onions can be boiled with light seasoning and eaten hot as a comforting remedy to break a sweat and clear nasal congestion.

A Natural Remedy Worth Trying

While placing onions on your feet is not a substitute for professional medical treatment, it can serve as a complementary method to ease cold and flu symptoms and support your immune system. Combined with proper rest, hydration, and a balanced diet, onions can play a valuable role in maintaining good health.

Adding onions regularly to your diet — whether raw in salads, cooked in soups, or infused in remedies — provides a natural way to harness their antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and immune-boosting properties.