b. Quercetin — Nature’s Anti-Inflammatory Flavonoid
Quercetin is one of the most studied flavonoids in the plant kingdom. Found abundantly in red and yellow onions, it acts as a natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant.
Studies show that quercetin helps:
Inhibit the release of histamine and inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α)
Relax bronchial muscles, improving airflow
Reduce oxidative stress in lung tissue
For people suffering from chronic bronchitis, asthma, or pneumonia, quercetin can significantly ease breathing difficulties and speed recovery.
c. Antioxidants — Protecting the Lungs from Oxidative Damage
Onions are loaded with antioxidants, including vitamin C, polyphenols, and anthocyanins (especially in red onions). These compounds neutralize free radicals produced by infection and pollution, preventing further tissue damage in the lungs.
A 2018 study in Nutrients Journal found that individuals with high dietary onion and garlic intake had better lung function and lower incidence of chronic respiratory diseases.
2. How Onion Acts as a Natural Antibiotic
Onion’s effectiveness comes from its synergistic bioactivity.
When its sulfur compounds, flavonoids, and enzymes combine, they form an environment that bacteria and viruses cannot easily survive in.
Key antibiotic-like effects include:
Cell wall disruption: Sulfur compounds damage bacterial membranes, preventing their replication.
Biofilm inhibition: Onions interfere with the biofilms that bacteria create to protect themselves.
Immune activation: Onion polysaccharides stimulate white blood cell activity, improving immune response.
Unlike synthetic antibiotics, onion compounds do not destroy beneficial gut bacteria, making them a safer long-term option for immune support.
