What do onion and honey do to the body?: Unpacking the Health Benefits

October 3, 2025 •

4 min read

According to ancient folk medicine, the combination of onion and honey has been used for centuries as a potent natural remedy. But beyond the tradition, what do onion and honey do to the body, supported by modern nutritional science and health practices?

Quick Summary

This article explores the nutritional impact of combining onion and honey, detailing their individual and synergistic effects on immune, respiratory, and digestive health. It covers how this traditional pairing leverages potent antioxidants and antimicrobial properties for wellness.

Key Points

Antioxidant Power: Onions contain quercetin and honey has polyphenols, which are powerful antioxidants that protect cells from damage.
Respiratory Relief: The combination acts as a natural cough syrup, with honey soothing the throat and onion acting as an expectorant to clear mucus.
Immune Boost: Both ingredients have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that help strengthen the immune system and fight infections.
Digestive Support: Onions contain prebiotics and honey has beneficial enzymes that aid digestion and promote a healthy gut microbiome.
Heart Health: The sulfur compounds and antioxidants in onions can help lower cholesterol and blood pressure, supporting cardiovascular health.
Skin and Wound Healing: Applied topically, the combination can leverage honey's antibacterial effects and onion's wound-healing properties for skin issues.

The Science Behind Onion and Honey

Both onions and honey are celebrated for their individual health benefits, but their synergistic effects are particularly notable. The combination creates a powerful blend of antioxidants, anti-inflammatory agents, and antimicrobials that support the body in several ways.

The Power of Onions

Onions contain a flavonoid called quercetin, a potent antioxidant with significant anti-inflammatory properties. Quercetin helps protect the body's cells from damage caused by free radicals and may reduce inflammation associated with various health issues. Additionally, onions are rich in organosulfur compounds, which contribute to their strong taste and smell but also possess antimicrobial properties that can help fight off harmful microorganisms. As a prebiotic, onions also feed the beneficial bacteria in your gut, supporting a healthy digestive system.

The Healing Nature of Honey

Honey, especially raw or manuka honey, is a well-known natural remedy with antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant qualities. It has been used for millennia to soothe sore throats and act as a natural cough suppressant. Honey's unique pH balance and antibacterial properties also make it effective for wound healing when applied topically. The enzymes, minerals, and vitamins in honey, along with its prebiotic compounds, contribute to its overall health-boosting effects.

Respiratory Relief: A Time-Tested Combination

One of the most popular uses for onion and honey is as a home remedy for respiratory ailments, particularly coughs and colds. The combination works on multiple fronts to provide relief:

Soothing the throat: Honey's thick consistency and natural humectant properties help coat and soothe an irritated throat, reducing the urge to cough.
Clearing mucus: The sulfur compounds in onion act as a natural expectorant, helping to thin mucus and clear it from the airways.
Fighting infection: The combined antibacterial and antimicrobial properties of both ingredients may help the body fight the underlying infection causing the symptoms.

Comparing Homemade vs. OTC Remedies


Feature	Onion & Honey Syrup (Homemade)	Over-the-Counter (OTC) Cough Syrup
Active Ingredients	Natural compounds (quercetin, sulfur compounds, antioxidants)	Chemical compounds (e.g., dextromethorphan)
Mode of Action	Soothes throat, acts as an expectorant, fights microbes naturally	Suppresses cough reflex (suppressants), thins mucus (expectorants)
Antioxidant Content	High, especially with raw honey and red onions	None or minimal
Preservatives/Additives	None	May contain artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives
Infant Safety	Not recommended for children under 1 year due to botulism risk	Specific products formulated for children over certain ages
Side Effects	Potential for stomach upset or allergic reaction	Drowsiness, dizziness, and other drug-related side effects

Beyond Colds: Other Potential Body Benefits

The powerful properties of onion and honey extend beyond seasonal sickness to support overall well-being.

Supporting Heart and Digestive Health

The quercetin and organic sulfur compounds found in onions can help support heart health by lowering bad cholesterol (LDL) and blood pressure, as well as preventing blood clots. The prebiotic nature of onions, combined with the beneficial enzymes in honey, promotes a healthy gut microbiome, which is essential for proper digestion and nutrient absorption.

Antibacterial and Anti-inflammatory Action

Both ingredients have proven antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. Studies have shown that onion juice and honey can fight off potentially harmful bacteria and inhibit their growth. This anti-inflammatory action can help reduce irritation and swelling throughout the body, from a sore throat to inflammation in the digestive tract.

Aiding Skin and Wound Care

Traditionally, the combination has been used topically for skin issues. Honey's antibacterial properties and balanced pH promote wound healing by increasing oxygen and compounds that aid repair. Onion juice, with its mild antibiotic properties, can further support the process when used as a compress. However, exercise caution and test for sensitivity before topical use.

How to Make a Simple Onion and Honey Syrup

Creating your own immune-boosting syrup is simple. This method infuses the raw onions with honey to create a potent liquid.

Ingredients: 1 medium-sized onion (red or white), 1 cup raw, organic honey.
Preparation: Peel and finely slice or dice the onion.
Infusion: Place the chopped onion in a clean glass jar. Pour the honey over the onions, ensuring they are fully covered.
Steep: Seal the jar and let it sit at room temperature for 8-12 hours or overnight. The onion will release its juices, creating a syrupy mixture.
Strain and Store: Strain the mixture into a separate, clean jar. Discard the onion pieces and store the syrup in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Considerations and Safety Precautions

While generally safe for most adults, there are important precautions to consider:

Infant Botulism: Never give honey to infants under one year old, as it carries a risk of botulism.
Allergies: Some individuals may be allergic to onion or bee pollen in honey. Perform a patch test for topical use and be aware of potential reactions.
Digestive Issues: Onions can cause stomach pain, gas, and heartburn in sensitive individuals.
Medication Interactions: Onion might affect blood clotting and blood sugar levels. Consult a doctor if taking medications for diabetes or blood-thinning agents.

Conclusion: The Holistic Power of a Simple Pairing

The classic home remedy of onion and honey has stood the test of time for good reason. From soothing a sore throat to bolstering the immune system and supporting digestive health, this simple combination harnesses the power of natural compounds. While not a substitute for professional medical advice, incorporating onion and honey into a balanced diet can be a flavorful and nutritious way to support your body's overall well-being. By understanding what do onion and honey do to the body, you can make an informed choice to integrate this traditional remedy into your own wellness routine, always keeping safety precautions in mind.

Frequently Asked Questions

A homemade onion and honey syrup can be stored in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to one week. Some sources suggest a longer shelf life if the onion is strained out.

Honey should never be given to infants under one year old due to the risk of infant botulism. For children over one, a small dose may be appropriate, but always consult a doctor first.

While many uses are based on traditional folk medicine, both onion and honey have documented antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties in research. However, claims of drastic immune boosts (like 200%) are exaggerated.

Potential side effects include stomach pain, heartburn, and gas, especially in people with sensitive digestive systems. Allergic reactions to onion or bee pollen in honey are also possible.

For respiratory remedies, raw onions are typically steeped in raw honey to preserve heat-sensitive compounds. Some recipes involve gentle heating, but raw infusion is common to retain medicinal qualities.

Yes, their antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties can support digestive health, improve heart health by managing cholesterol, and aid in topical wound care.

Red onions often contain higher levels of certain flavonoids like quercetin, which adds to their antioxidant power. While both provide benefits, red onions may offer a slight edge in this regard.