Allium Cepa

Onion

Allium cepa

In ancient Greece, the onion was esteemed and eaten in vast quantities. One of the oldest cultivated plants, its decongestant, diuretic, and other medicinal properties have been utilized by many cultures over the centuries. In the Middle Ages its strong smell was thought to prevent infection, and it was hung outside houses to ward off the plague. Onion causes the eyes and nose to water, and is used homeopathically to treat conditions that cause the same reaction in the body such as colds and influenza. The remedy Allium cepa was proved in 1847 by Dr. Constantine Hering.

Melancholy, anxiety, fear of pain, and dullness of mind are not uncommon in individuals who respond well to Allium cepa, but there are no marked emotional symptoms indicative of the remedy.

Allium cepa is used primarily for the treatment of coughs and colds characterized by profuse, watery catarrh that leaves the skin irritated and sore. Symptoms usually develop following exposure to cold weather and damp winds. They may be associated with hay fever, especially if accompanied by sensitivity to the scent of flowers. Allium cepa is also used to treat burning neuralgic pain that alternates from one side of the body to the other.

Uses

Homeopathic practitioners consider Allium cepa a remedy for conditions that are accompanied by the same symptoms as those brought on by exposure to red onions - watering eyes and a burning, runny nose.
For the homeopathic preparation, red onions are harvested in midsummer. The bulbs are pounded to a pulp and then mixed with water and alcohol through several stages of extreme dilution.
Allium is used for any illness that has either burning or neuralgic pain that alternates from side to side, or a profuse, clear, watery, smarting discharge. It is especially good for colds and hay fever with watery, streaming eyes, constant sneezing, and a copious, burning nasal discharge that makes the nostrils and upper lip raw and sore. The discharge may shift from side to side, affecting only one nostril at a time. The eyelids and eyes are swollen.
This remedy is also effective for shooting neuralgic pain associated with toothache in the molar teeth, in which the pain moves across the mouth, from one tooth to another. Allium is also given for the early stages of laryngitis with hoarseness and coughs.

Eye irritation - An irritating discharge that causes an urge to rub the eyes. The eyes are red, swollen, and itchy, and possibly extremely sensitive to light.

Throat and chest infections - a raw, sore throat, or a cough characterized by a splitting, tearing sensation in the throat. There may be an urge to repress the cough, as it constantly irritates the throat. Pain may extend to the ear. Symptoms may develop rapidly on exposure to cold air, or after a cold accompanied by labored, wheezy breathing.

Neuralgic pains - Sharp, burning pain on alternating sides of the body, mainly in the face, head., neck, and chest. It may be due to an earache or headaches behind the brow. Allium cepa is also used for phantom limb pains after amputation.