The Surprising Benefits of Putting Cloves in an Onion
A longstanding home tradition to create comfort during illness involves placing cloves into a peeled onion and leaving it in a room overnight. This ritual has been shared across generations, often recommended to freshen the air and provide a soothing atmosphere.
The method is simple: a peeled onion is studded with whole cloves and set on a plate, typically near the bed. Many find the resulting aroma to be calming and familiar, with beliefs that it can ease congestion or simply improve a room’s ambiance.
These practices are rooted in historical appreciation for strong, natural scents. While they do not replace medical treatment, they remain a cherished part of many families’ comforting routines during cold and flu seasons.
Modern insight offers some context for the tradition’s persistence. Onions contain compounds with mild antimicrobial properties, and cloves are rich in eugenol, known for its aromatic and cleansing qualities.
Together, they release a potent scent that may make the air feel temporarily fresher. This can create a sense of relief through basic aromatherapy, contributing to a more pleasant resting environment.
It is crucial to understand that this practice does not cure illness or purify the air of germs. Its benefits are largely sensory and psychological, tied to the comfort of longstanding tradition.
When used safely and discarded after a day, this simple ritual can be a gentle, caring gesture. Its true value lies in the soothing environment and sense of familial care it helps cultivate.
