The Benefits of Inserting Cloves into an Onion

“Stick several cloves into a peeled onion and leave it in your room overnight to help with a cold.”

It might sound unusual, yet this simple practice has been passed down for generations to help ease congestion, freshen the air, and offer comfort during illness. While it leans on folklore, there’s a bit of science behind it—along with some important safety notes.

Let’s break down what this home remedy actually does.

Potential Benefits of Cloves in an Onion

🌿 Traditional Method

  1. Peel a whole onion (white or yellow).
  2. Insert 6–12 whole cloves into the onion like pins.
  3. Place the onion on a small dish or bowl near your bed or in the room of someone who’s unwell.
  4. Leave it overnight or up to a day or two.

Claims often include:

  • Removing germs from the air
  • Helping relieve nasal congestion
  • Supporting better sleep
  • Neutralizing odors and “cleansing” the room

🔬 What Science Really Says

✅ Onions Contain Antimicrobial Compounds

  • Rich in sulfur compounds and quercetin.
  • Lab studies suggest they can inhibit certain bacteria such as E. coli and S. aureus.
  • Historically, onions were placed in sickrooms during the 1918 flu pandemic, though mainly based on old “miasma” beliefs.

✅ Cloves Have Natural Antiseptic Properties