This combination of two ingredients was a well known remedy generations ago.
A doctor has recommended a simple cough and cold remedy that can be made at home using two kitchen cupboard staples. The combination of the two foods could be anti-inflammatory and even anti-microbial, he explained.
During the winter months it’s quite common to become ill at some point with a seasonal illness. Colds, flu, and Covid are all something we need to be wary of as temperatures drop.
And already this year the NHS has warned that surging cases has led to extra pressures on services. While the symptoms can be severe, in some instances they can be mild enough to treat at home.
With this in mind an expert revealed a generations old recipe thought to ease sore throats and coughs. In a post on social media platform TikTok, Doctor Joe Whittington – who is best known online as Dr Joe MD, first shared another content creator’s video.
This video advised adding honey to onions for a healthy concoction. They said: “Do you know what happens if you pour honey over onions?
“Chances are your grandparents knew very well. They might have even made this remedy as it was common knowledge 70 years ago.
“The honey will begin to ferment and extract the onions’ anti-inflammatory substances.” Responding to this information, Dr Joe said there may be “validity” to this remedy.
He continued: “Honey is well known for its soothing properties especially for sore throats and cough.” Dr Joe explained: “The onions have sulphur containing compounds such as allicin, which have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
“This could potentially loosen the mucus and soothe the respiratory symptoms.” The recipe is also approved by Gardeners’ World, which calls it a “simple remedy for coughs”.
“The onion has antibacterial properties and the honey soothes sore throats,” the site says. It recommends consuming one teaspoonful four to five times a day until symptoms improve.
However, Dr Joe did issue a warning about the remedy. First he advised against giving it to babies due to the potential risk of botulism.
He also told viewers to seek medical help if your symptoms are serious or prolonged. He added: “However, if you have serious or prolonged symptoms, this doesn’t replace a doctor’s care. So, make sure to get it checked.”
