You’ve probably heard the old saying:
“Stick a few cloves into a peeled onion and leave it in your room overnight to cure a cold!”
It sounds unusual, yet generations of families have turned to this simple ritual to ease congestion, freshen the air, and bring comfort during illness. While it may feel like pure folklore, there is some science behind it—along with important limits to keep in mind.
Let’s peel back the layers and see what this remedy really offers.
Benefits of Putting Cloves in an Onion
The Traditional Method
Peel a whole onion (white or yellow).
Insert 6–12 whole cloves into the onion like tiny studs.
Place it in a saucer or bowl near your bed or in a sick room.
Leave overnight or for a day or two.
Claims include:
Absorbing germs from the air
Clearing nasal congestion
Promoting restful sleep
Neutralizing odors and “purifying” the room
What Science Actually Says
✅ Onions Have Antimicrobial Properties
Contain sulfur compounds and quercetin.
Lab studies show they can inhibit bacteria like E. coli and S. aureus.
Historically, onions were hung in sick rooms during the 1918 flu pandemic, based on “miasma” beliefs.
✅ Cloves Are Natural Antiseptics
Rich in eugenol, a compound with antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal effects.
Used for centuries in dentistry to soothe toothaches and fight infection.
⚠️ But… They Don’t “Absorb Germs”
