Allium cepa
Family: Liliaceae
Latin
Name: Allium cepa
English
Name:
Onion
Nepali Name:
Pyaja
Sanskrit
Name: Palandu |
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Description:
The bulbous root of this plant consists of layers of fleshy
scales covered by white, yellow or violet colored tunics.
The erect stem is hollow with a swelling at the lower end
and can grow as high as 2 to 3 ft. the hollow leaves, which
are almost cylindrical or slightly flattened, have a smooth
surface. The flowers, which have white or purple petals,
are clustered into rounded heads. The fruit consists of
one capsule and 3 loculi with flat, black seeds.
Distribution: cultivated throughout Nepal.
Parts used: Bulb and seed.
Phytochemicals:
Essential oil containing allylic disulphides, suger, inulin,
quercetin, calcium, biflavanoids. The bulb contains vitamin
A, B and C, protein, carbohydrate, iron etc.
Properties: Stimulant, Diuretic, antibiotic,
hypoglycemic, hypotensive ( lower blood pressure), anti-inflammatory,
Lithotripic ( Pertaining to removal of stone), anthelmintic,
analgesic, anti-neuralgic, expectorant, anti rheumatic,
corn remover, aphrodisiac, anti-dermatophytic, anti-oxidant,
anti-thrombotic, blood-purifier and anti-cancer
Medicinal properties:
a) in Blood pressure:
I) One teaspoonful onion juice with honey should be taken
for 15 to 20 days to bring down the blood pressure.
II) Regular use of raw onion especially its yellowish and
purplish scales with meals help keeping blood pressure in
control.
III) Raw onion juice with honey and ginger juice reduces
blood pressure and cholesterol level.
b) In heat stroke:
Decoction of the onion is beneficial for checking extreme
heat sensation. It is also used as poultice to indolent
boils and hemorrhoids.
c) In Respiratory problems:
As it is expectorant, it is also beneficial in cough and
other respiratory problems.
d) In Gastrointestinal Problems:
Due to its stimulant, antimicrobial, anthelmintic and lithotripic
properties, it is also used in GIT problems. In addition
to these, it is used in indigestion, constipation, gastritis,
peptic ulcer, piles and Hepatitis.
e) In skin:
Being an antiseptic and anti-dermatophytic, it is used in
different skin diseases.
d) Other uses:
In Urinary discomfort, rheumatism, convulsions, headache,
epileptic and hysterical fits. Its seeds are used as aphrodisiac.
Note: It is not helpful to increase memory power.
Dosage:
Bulb decoction: 10-30 ml
Seed powder: 1-3 gm
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