13 Proven Benefits Of Onion Juice For Hair, Skin, And Health

Onions are used in most dishes that you eat. The benefits of onion juice extend beyond the rich taste it adds to your dishes. Onions are members of the Allium genus of flowering plants.

Onions possess medicinal properties and contain numerous minerals and vitamins. These vegetables are used to treat ailments of the skin and hair and other health issues like diabetes, heart diseases, and inflammation.

But how about consuming onions in the form of their juice? Is that going to help you? In this article, we will discuss that.

Know Your Ingredient: Onion Juice

What Is It?
It is the liquid extracted from sliced onions.

What are Its Benefits?
It contains several beneficial anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties that may boost hair health, prevent wrinkles, and promote digestive health.

Who Can Use It?
Those who don’t have an onion allergy and are looking to improve their skin or hair health. People with acne, diabetes, eye issues, ear infections, fertility problems, and sleep issues.

How Often?
It is safe to use onion juice topically once or twice a day. Excessive use could cause skin irritation or damage. Consume onion juice as recommended by a doctor, dietician, or nutritionist.

Caution
Individuals with sensitive skin should be cautious when using onion juice topically, as it may cause irritation or allergic reactions.

What Are The Benefits Of Onion Juice?

1. May Boost Hair Health

Applying onion juice for hair growth is a natural remedy that many people swear by, as it helps strengthen hair strands and promote thicker, fuller hair. The sulfur in onion juice boosts collagen production – and this could enhance hair growth as well.

According to an Iraqi study, the juice can boost hair growth and treat conditions like alopecia areata (sudden hair loss), thus improving hair thickness. In the study, individuals washing their hair with onion juice experienced more hair growth due to its hair loss prevention properties (1).

Onion water may add shine to your hair. The antimicrobial properties of the juice may help in dandruff prevention and fighting fungal scalp infections. Using onion juice for dandruff helps cleanse the scalp, reduce flakiness, and alleviate itching. It boosts scalp health, resulting in improved hair strength as the hair follicles grow healthy.

2. May Fight Acne

The antimicrobial and antifungal properties play a role here.

In a study, a gel containing extracts of onion had improved acne scars in patients. This gel improved the appearance of the scar by reducing redness and inflammation. The study concluded by stating that onion extracts could be used as potential treatment options for bacterial and fungal infections (2).

Apply onion juice to your face and leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes. Wash your face with warm water. But be careful; don’t let the juice get into your eyes. Also, ensure not to apply the juice on open blisters. If you have sensitive skin, please consult a doctor before you use the juice.

Some sources also suggest that the juice can aid treatment of psoriasis. However, there is no scientific evidence to back this up.

3. May Delay Wrinkles

The flavonoids and other antioxidant compounds in onion juice may prevent the signs of premature aging (3).

The purported anti-aging properties of onion juice may also be attributed to its sulfur content, which, as per some sources, can boost collagen production and fight premature aging. More research is required to establish these benefits.

There is no doubt regarding the antioxidant activities of onion juice. Although there are different varieties of onion, the red onion has more antioxidants than the other varieties, such as green or yellow. According to a study conducted on the antioxidant activities of onion varieties, the FRAP, DPPH, and ABTS assay of red onion came up to 41.26 μmol TE/g dw, 67.10 μmol TE/g dw, and 7.10 μmol TE/g dw, respectively.

Antioxidant Activities Of Onion Varieties

4. May Help Reduce Cancer Risk

There are several anticancer compounds in onions, including quercetin, anthocyanins, and organosulfur. Studies show that these compounds may help in cancer prevention and treatment (4).

Research also states that the stronger an onion’s flavor, the more effective its role could be in preventing cancer.

Quercetin is also shown to fight oxidative stress in the brain (4). Onions also contain fiber, which could help cut the risk of colon cancer. This is especially true from animal studies, if the juice is made of red onions (5). They destroy tumor cells, and this is how they aid cancer treatment and prevention.

More research is needed to further understand the mechanism of onions in cancer treatment.

5. May Help Treat Diabetes

The onion bulb extract may lower blood glucose levels, and that is good news for people with diabetes.

The veggie is low in calories and also increases your metabolic rate, and this can help manage diabetes symptoms (6).

And as per another Korean study, intake of onion extract may be effective in lowering plasma glucose levels (7).

6. May Fight Inflammation

The quercetin in onion juice has shown to inhibit leukotrienes, prostaglandins, and histamines – all of which are known to cause inflammation in osteoarthritisⁱ  The most common type of arthritis (joint pain) that occurs due to aging, injury, and excess body weight. (8).

An Iranian study showed similar results. Rats going through acute and chronic stages of inflammation, when supplemented with onion juice, showed improvement in their condition. Fresh onion juice was found to inhibit both acute and chronic pain and inflammation, with a greater effect on inflammation alone (9).

Onion juice intake can also prevent bone disorders associated with inflammation. Studies show that taking the juice can boost bone mineral density in postmenopausal women, making it good for your bone health. (10).

7. May Boost Your Immunity

Onions contain selenium, a nutrient that may boost immunity levels. Selenium triggers an immune response and suppresses excessive immune response (11). Thus, boosting immunity is one of the many benefits of onions and their juice.

Also, immune cells deficient in selenium are vulnerable to more oxidation. These cells also face difficulties in producing protein and transporting calcium (12).

Onion juice may also benefit people with asthma and other respiratory ailments (13). Some believe the juice also stimulates the excretory organs and strengthens them, including the lungs.

The anti-inflammatory compound quercetin in onion juice can also fight inflammation and other allergies (14). 

8. May Enhance Your Vision

The antimicrobial properties of onion juice can help treat eye infections, like conjunctivitisⁱ  An inflammation or infection of the outer membrane that lines the eyelid and white part of the eyeball. and blepharitisⁱ  An inflammation of the eyelid that affects both eyes along the edges of eyelids, eyelashes, and tear production. . Experiments done on rabbits found that the juice could have an inhibitory effect on the growth of eye flora (15).

The juice may also prevent cataracts. In rat studies, instilling onion juice prevented selenite-induced cataractⁱ  A cloudy area in the lens of the eye that leads to a loss of vision in one or both eyes due to aging, genetics, and trauma. formation (16).

9. May Help Treat Nail Fungus

Studies show that the antifungal properties of onion juice (aqueous extracts of onions) can fight Candida albicans, a pathogenic yeast that can cause fungal infections in humans (17).

Apply the juice to the affected toenail using a cotton ball. You can also secure the cotton ball to the toenail with a bandage or a tape. Leave it on for an hour and then wash the juice off with lukewarm water. Pat dry. Follow this once a week.

10. May Treat Ear Infections

A report published by the Cambridge University Press states the ability of onion juice in treating ear infection and earache (18).

We need more research in this regard, though. Please consult your doctor before using the juice for this purpose.

11. May Improve Sleep And Mood

There is more research required in this connection. But some studies show that the folate in onion juice can improve mood and fight depression (19).

Folate works by preventing the build-up of homocysteine, a chemical that keeps blood and other nutrients from reaching the brain. Excess production of homocysteine also interferes with the production of serotonin, the feel-good hormone (19).

Other hormones, like dopamine and epinephrine, also help regulate sleep, and this is where the folate in onions comes into the picture. It supports the production of these hormones in the body (20).

12. May Improve Fertility

Studies show how the juice can increase testosterone levels. This can be attributed to the antioxidant activity of onions, which promotes sperm health. In a Jordanian study, ingesting onion juice to male rats improved their testosterone levels (21).

In another study, onion juice had shown to improve copulatory behavior in sexually potent male rats (22). The juice had achieved this by boosting serum testosterone levels.

13. May Help Treat Cold, Flu, And Cough

Onion has been used in traditional medicine for treating many ailments like headache, cough, fever, and sore throat (23). The World Health Organization recommends the use of onion extracts for treating respiratory issues like cough, bronchitis, asthma, and other allergic diseases (24). However, more research is required in this regard.

In addition, onion juice has been used in traditional medicine as a natural remedy for the common cold and other associated issues (24). Anecdotal evidence suggests that the antibacterial and antiviral properties of the juice may help relieve symptoms of cold and flu.

Trivia

Onion juice was believed to make the muscles of ancient Roman gladiators firm when applied to their skin.

All these onion juice benefits come from its rich nutritional properties. Take a look at it in the following section.

Nutritional Value Of Onion Juice

Onion juice is a concentrated source of nutrients. The juice of 1 large onion may contain the following vitamins and minerals (25):

• Vitamin C: 11.1 mg
• Vitamin B6: 0.18 mg
• Calcium: 34.5 mg
• Magnesium: 15 mg
• Phosphorous: 43.5 mg
• Potassium: 219 mg
• Zinc: 0.255 mg
• Selenium: 0.75 µg
• Beta Carotene: 1.5 µg

How Do You Make Onion Juice?

• Peel about 3 to 4 onions and chop them into pieces.
• Add the pieces to a juicer and extract the juice.
• Transfer it to a container and drink it.
• You can also add the pieces to a blender and consume the paste.

Quick Tip

You can add milk, yogurt, honey, or coconut oil to onion juice and apply it to your face as a DIY face mask.

Connie, a beauty blogger, shares how her hair came out in clumps, leading to visible bald spots and how she treated the issue. She writes, “I place macerated raw onions and herbs on my scalp. That is my secret (i).” She further adds that she combines them with other ingredients like garlic, apple cider vinegar, distilled water, and red peppers to increase the effect of raw onion, remove dead skin cells, boost circulation, and stop hair fall.

Consuming this juice can offer certain benefits. But does onion juice have any side effects?

What Are The Side Effects Of Onion Juice?

• Possible Issues During Pregnancy And Breastfeeding

Since there is not enough research done in this regard, pregnant and breastfeeding women should consume onion juice in limited amounts. Consult your doctor for more information.

• May Lower Blood Sugar Way Too Much

Onion juice can lower blood sugar (26). If you are already on diabetes medications, the juice may lower your blood sugar levels way too much. Please check with your doctor – they may adjust the dosage accordingly.

• May Cause Bleeding Disorders

As onion (juice) may slow down blood clotting, it can increase the risk of bleeding (27). If you have a bleeding disorder, don’t consume onion juice. This is one reason you should also avoid onion juice at least two weeks before a scheduled surgery.

• May Aggravate Indigestion

If you have indigestion issues, be wary of onion juice as it can aggravate the condition and mess up your digestion. It may also trigger acid reflux or related conditions (28).

• Skin Allergies

This may happen in people with sensitive skin (29). Please do a patch test before you apply onion juice to your skin.

Infographic: Amazing Benefits Of Onion Juice

Onions have a rich nutritional profile and several medicinal properties. Using onion juice can help you in treating many of your hair, skin, and health problems. While there is a long list of onion juice benefits, there are some amazing benefits of onion juice you should be aware of.

Read the infographic below to learn about the amazing benefits of onion juice.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best ways to use onion juice?

For skin and hair care, you may use the onion juice topically by combining it with the ingredients of your choice. If you wish to consume it, you may have the juice as it is or mix it with honey to mask its pungent flavor. You may also add it to marinades, dressings, or sauces.

Is onion juice good for liver repair?

Jesse Feder, Clinical Dietitian at the Memorial Regional Hospital South, says, “Onion juice can be great for liver repair and liver health. This is because it contains amino acids that contain sulfur, which can help detoxify the liver.”

Is onion juice good for knee pain?

According to Jesse, “Onion juice contains flavonoidsⁱ  A group of plant compounds like anthocyanins found in many fruits and veggies with anti-inflammatory and disease-fighting properties. that are potent antioxidants. This can help relieve knee pain as well as inflammation from arthritis.”

Is onion juice good for digestive health?

“Onion juice is a great source of fiber and prebiotics, which can help fuel gut bacteria and maintain good digestive health,” says Jesse Feder.

Is onion juice good for heart problems?

Feder says, “Since onion juice contains a high amount of antioxidants, it can reduce inflammation throughout our bodies, which can help regulate blood pressure. This can make it easier for your heart to pump blood, improve blood circulation, and keep it in good condition. Additionally, onion juice may help reduce cholesterol levels and triglycerides. This can help prevent heart disease, heart attack, stroke, and plaque buildup.” So, you may it to your daily diet to ensure better heart health.

When should I drink onion juice?

Early morning. Consuming onion juice first thing in the morning will help you achieve the maximum benefits.

Can I drink onion juice every day?

Yes, drinking a glass of onion juice every day is safe.

Does onion burn belly fat?

Possibly. Onion contains quercetin and other beneficial compounds that may exert anti-obesity effects (30).

Illustration: Proven Benefits Of Onion Juice For Hair Skin And Health

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

Learn about the amazing benefits of onion juice. Click on this video to discover how it can help improve your overall health and well-being.

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Reviewer Expert Author Editor Fact Checker

Madhu SharmaRD

Madhu Sharma is a member of the National Executive Committee of IDA. She has been associated for almost three decades with Pediatric Nutrition at PGI while serving in the Gastroenterology Department (20 years) and then the Advanced Pediatric Center (10 yrs) at PGIMER, Chandigarh.

Read full bio of Madhu Sharma

• 
  Jesse FederRDN/LDN Jesse Feder, RDN/LDN, is a Clinical Dietitian at the Memorial Regional Hospital. He is also a certified by the American College of Sports Medicine as a personal trainer (ACSM-CPT) and the National Strength and Conditioning Association as a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (NSCA-CSCS).
  
  Jesse Feder, RDN/LDN, is a Clinical Dietitian at the Memorial Regional Hospital. He is also a certified by the American College of Sports Medicine as a personal trainer (ACSM-CPT) and the National Strength and Conditioning Association as a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (NSCA-CSCS).

Sindhu KogantiSenior Health & Wellness Writer

 

Sindhu Koganti is a Certified Health and Nutrition Life Coach and has over 6 years of experience in writing on health and wellness topics. She has a bachelor’s degree in biotechnology from Acharya Nagarjuna University, Guntur, and a diploma in nutrition from Fab Academy.

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Ravi Teja TadimallaCo-Editor-in-Chief

Ravi Teja Tadimalla is a Co-Editor-in-Chief and a published author. He has been in the digital media field for over a decade. He graduated from SRM University, Chennai, and has a Professional Certificate in Food, Nutrition & Research from Wageningen University.

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Payal KarnikSenior Health & Wellness Writer

Payal Karnik is a senior health and wellness writer and a Certified Health and Nutrition Life Coach. She is a biotechnology graduate from the University of Mumbai with a keen interest in writing and a natural curiosity for science.

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