How to Make and Use an Onion Poultice for Congestion

Co-authored by Zora Degrandpre, ND

Last Updated: November 24, 2023 Approved

Recent research indicates that onions contain quercetin, a bioflavonoid that has been used to treat and protect against cataracts, heart disease, and cancer.^{[1]
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Research source
Galeone, C., Pelucchi, C., Levi, F., Negri, E., Franceschi, S., Talamini, R., & ... La Vecchia, C. (2006). Onion and garlic use and human cancer. The American Journal Of Clinical Nutrition, 84(5), 1027-1032.} Other research indicates that onions have anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, antibacterial, and antiviral properties, as well as being useful in upper respiratory infections. For congestion of various types and for upper respiratory infections, one of the easiest ways to use onions to help speed recovery is to use a poultice made from onions.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Making an Onion Poultice

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Purchase 2 medium-sized onions. Red onions typically contain the most quercetin. However, all onions have some of the antioxidant and have demonstrated expectorant properties for those with congestion. Therefore, 2 red onions may be preferable, but any 2 medium-sized onions will do.
- Onions are known to contain quercetin (an antioxidant) and phytochemicals, both of which may help the body by breaking up the mucus in the chest and head.^{[2]
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  Research source
  A. Cavender, Folk medical uses of plant foods in southern Appalachia, United States, Journal of Ethnopharmacology, Volume 108, Issue 1, 3 November 2006, Pages 74-84.}
You should peel, cut, and finely chop both onions. Chop them into small pieces that are only about ¹⁄₄ inch (0.64 cm) thick.

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Don’t add much water to the saucepan. Enough water to cover the bottom of the pan will do. Bring the water to a low boil and then reduce to low heat.
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Steam the onions. Use a sieve, colander, or a double boiler and add the finely chopped onion to steam it. Stir the onion pieces and steam them for several minutes until they just begin to get soft before removing them.
- You can also add fresh ginger—about one-quarter cup (roughly 28 g)—to help combat the infection and reduce fatigue, as ginger has shown to have antiviral properties.^{[3]
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  PubMed Central
  Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health
  
  Go to source} Peel fresh ginger and either grate the ginger or chop it into very small pieces.^{[4]
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  Research source
  Herbal approaches to pathological states, Principles and Practice of Phytotherapy (Second Edition), 2013, Pages 140-182.}
Cool and drain the onions in a colander or sieve. Spread the onions out in the middle of a clean cotton towel or sackcloth after they’ve drained. You don’t want to have the onion juice leaking out from the towel or sackcloth, but the towel or sackcloth will be damp with onion juice.^{[5]
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Research source
Herbal approaches to pathological states, Principles and Practice of Phytotherapy (Second Edition), 2013, Pages 140-182.}
Fold the towel so that none of the onions can leak out.^{[6]
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Herbal approaches to pathological states, Principles and Practice of Phytotherapy (Second Edition), 2013, Pages 140-182.} You can take the 4 corners of the towel, gather them up, and tie it off with a string or a rubber band.

Part 2

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Using an Onion Poultice

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Protect sensitive skin from the onion juice. If you are using an onion poultice on a small child, rub some coconut oil on the child’s skin. Rub the coconut oil where you are going to apply the poultice to ensure that the oils from the onion do not irritate the child’s skin.
- After removing the poultice, wash the area with soapy water.
- You can combat the smell of the onion by putting some lemon juice on the spot where the poultice was.
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Place the poultice on your chest. Once the poultice has cooled enough, place it directly on your chest to assist with congestion due to a cold or upper respiratory infection.^{[7]
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Research source
Felter, HW. The Eclectic Materia Medica, Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Allium cepa. John K. Scudder, Cincinnati, Ohio, 1922.} The onion poultice often quickly induces a productive cough. A cough is your body’s method of getting rid of the congestion.^{[8]
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PubMed Central
Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health

Go to source} Allow yourself to cough up as much phlegm as you can.
- Leave the poultice on for 20 to 30 minutes.
If you also have sinus congestion or a headache due to sinus pressure, you can place the poultice on your forehead to help act as a sinus decongestant. Ensure that the towel is cool enough to be comfortable and leave the poultice in place for 20 to 30 minutes.
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Place it on your ear to treat an earache due to sinus pressure. Turn your head so that the painful ear faces upward. Gently place the onion poultice over your ear. You do not need to press or apply pressure. Simply set the poultice over your ear. Ensure that the poultice has cooled enough to be comfortable.
- Rest the poultice on your ear for 15 to 20 minutes.
- If you’re making the poultice specifically for the purpose of treating your earache, then you only need to finely chop 1 onion instead of 2.
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Place it on the glands around your throat to treat a sore throat. If the glands around your throat or neck are swollen due to a throat infection, use an onion poultice over your neck and throat. Take the poultice and gently place it on your swollen neck glands. Make certain that it is cool enough to be comfortable.
- Leave the poultice on for 20 to 30 minutes.
If you want to use the poultice over several spots due to severe congestion, you can gently reheat it over steam or in the microwave. As always, make sure it has cooled before placing the poultice on your skin. Apply it as often as desired.^{[9]
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Fresh onions (and fresh ginger if you include it) are the best to use. Chop and steam fresh ingredients to make a new poultice every day instead of reheating the day-old poultice.^{[10]
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Part 3

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When to Seek Medical Treatment

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See your doctor for a severe or persistent cough. An onion poultice may help relieve minor upper respiratory congestion, like you might get with a cold or hay fever. However, if you have severe chest congestion or a cough that doesn’t go away after about 3 weeks on its own or with home remedies, call your doctor.^{[11]
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Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals

Go to source} Call right away if:
- You are coughing up yellow, green, or brown phlegm.
- You experience wheezing or shortness of breath.
- You have a cough with a fever over 100 °F (38 °C).
- Seek emergency care if you cough up phlegm that is bloody or pink or if you have difficulty breathing or swallowing.
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Go to the doctor for nasal congestion with other severe symptoms. If your stuffy nose doesn’t clear up in about 10 days even with home treatment, it’s time to see your doctor. You should also get medical attention if you experience other symptoms along with your nasal congestion, such as:^{[12]
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Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals

Go to source}
- A fever of 102 °F (39 °C) or higher.
- Yellow, green, or bloody nasal discharge, especially if it’s accompanied by sinus pain or pressure and a fever.
- Bloody or clear nasal discharge after a head injury.
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Seek medical help for an earache that’s severe or lasts more than 3 days. While a little pain or stuffiness in the ears is common with colds or sinus infections, more severe or persistent pain may signal an ear infection. Contact your doctor if you or your child experience ear pain that lasts longer than 3 days, especially if it’s accompanied by:^{[13]
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National Health Service (UK)
Public healthcare system of the UK

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- A fever or chills
- Swelling around the affected ear(s)
- Fluid leaking out of the ear(s)
- Hearing loss or changes
- Severe throat pain
- Vomiting

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Some Eastern European traditions suggest that placing an onion poultice at the soles of the feet can also relieve congestion. No studies are available, but it is certainly worth a try, especially if someone doesn’t like onions so close to their nose.^{[14]
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Research source
Poulsson's Text-book of Pharmacology and Therapeutics (Second Edition), 2013, Pages 4-274.}

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Using an onion poultice is very safe, even for children. Some people may react with a mild rash or skin irritation to the onions. In this case, making certain that the onions are well drained may help. An alternative is to “double-wrap” the onions with a second towel.

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