While some records suggest that the origins of Onion (Allium cepa) can be traced to the Mediterranean region, others suggest central Asia, maybe to China, way back in 5000 BC. Some legends say that ancient Egyptian doctors used onions to determine whether or not women patients were fertile. They were known to revere the vegetable, considering its spherical shape and concentric rings a symbol of eternal life, which is why onions were also used in ancient Egyptian burials.
The 6th century BC medical documents of Charaka Samhita mention onion as a medicinal plant. Even a Greek physician from the 1st century AD (Dioscorides) documented the bulb’s medicinal properties.
Flavonols, anthocyanins and allicin are three of the most powerful compounds in onions. New studies have found that antioxidant activity was greater in organic red onion varieties, and the flavonols were as much as 20 per cent higher than conventional onion varieties. Also, among five onion varieties, red onions kill between three and four times more cancer cells than the yellow and white ones.
Onions in your hair
Red onion oil is a proven Ayurvedic remedy to prevent hair fall and ensure the growth of stronger mane.The number one reason onion juice is good for hair growth is it contains sulfur, which is also found in amino acids. And keratin (an important protein) is also sulfur-rich and is required for strong hair. Onions are also rich in substances that fight fungus and bacteria, and can keep your hair free of infections and improve hair growth. There are several reasons hair care companies are using onion extracts, especially the Red Onion in their haircare products:
- High is sulphur content, onions help reduce breakage and thinning of hair. Sulphur is essential for regeneration of hair follicles.
- Onion pulp can nourish your hair follicles and replenish the nutrients you have lost from your scalp.
- The antibacterial and antifungal properties help to prevent and treat scalp infections. Onion juice can work as a great dandruff healer. It can kill the bacteria that promotes the growth of dandruff and treats scalp infections from within the root. A healthier scalp will reduce hair loss.
- The goodness of essential vitamins, minerals and potent antioxidants quercetin in onion hair oil assist in reversing premature greying of hair. Regular use of red onion hair oil improves the texture and maintain the pH of hair which averts premature greying of hair. . It will also create a natural shine for the hair.
- The pungent smell of red onion oil helps in battling infections and ward off the lice from the head. Regular use of red hair oil helps to avert lice infestation in future
Onion juice can be used in various combinations – with honey, olive oil, coconut oil, curry leaves lemon and ginger to make different hair masks. Onion oil blends well with any other oil like coconut oil or sesame oil and can be used as a carrier oil to reap its benefits. Regular massaging of onion hair oil nurtures the scalp and acts as a conditioner for the hair which prevents dry and frizzy hair issues and boosts hair regrowth.
