Onion Extract for Natural Allergy Relief

An extract from garden onions may help fend off allergic reactions, recent animal-based research suggests.

In tests on rats, scientists found that onion extract suppressed edema (swelling triggered by excess fluid trapped in your tissues) brought on by allergic reaction to carrageen (a food additive often used as a thickener in dairy and soy products). The extract's allergy-fighting power is most likely due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, according to the study's authors.

Onion has long been used in ayurveda (the traditional medicine of India) to treat edema, as well as conditions like fever and bronchitis. In traditional Chinese medicine, it's sometimes used to treat bronchial conditions and cold symptoms.

Not only linked to edema, food allergies may also lead to problems such as eczema and dark circles under the eyes.