I Slept With An Onion In My Sock And This Is What Happened

To be honest, I didn't believe it either, but the effects are mind-boggling!

Medically reviewed by Dr. Saba, BHMS, MD Dr. Saba Dr. SabaBHMS, MD facebook_iconinsta_icon
Written by Jyotsana Rao, BE Jyotsana Rao BE linkedin_icon Experience: 4 years
Edited by Asmita De, MA (English) Asmita De MA (English) linkedin_icon Experience: 3 years
Fact-checked by Moksha Gandhi, BPharm, Certified Health & Wellness Coach Moksha Gandhi BPharm, Certified Health & Wellness Coach linkedin_icon Experience: 2 years
Last Updated on

There are a number of old wives’ tales that seem too good to be true (and crazy, of course!). They don’t make any logical sense, but somehow they still work!

And this post is going to talk about something similar – onion in the sock!

For centuries, people have used onion-stuffed socks to help heal themselves while they sleep. Onions were formerly believed to be able to draw toxins out of the body and cleanse it. This straightforward treatment has, therefore, been passed down as a folk remedy through the ages.

Trust me, people do swear by it! Even though it emits an unpleasant, foot odor. So let me present to you the onion and sock tale!

Wondering how it can even be beneficial to you? Then go ahead and read this post!

Were you aware of the fact that the bottom areas of your feet have direct access points to all the internal organs in your body? As per Chinese medicine terminology, these access points are known as meridians, and they form the pathways to each organ in the body.

There has been an age-old controversy regarding the existence of meridians, but those who are well versed with Chinese medicine know that the meridian system is very closely related to our body’s nervous system.

Experts say that there are about 7,000 meridians at the bottom of our feet that directly link to different organs! Can you believe that?

The image below clearly represents the meridians and their connection points with the organs and systems within the body.

Foot reflexology char
Image: Picture Credits: istockphoto

These meridians act as powerful electric circuits within the body, but are often dormant as we mostly cover our feet with footwear. Stimulating these meridians is very important for our body to function healthily.

To stimulate the bottom of our feet and to ground ourselves with the earth’s negative ion field, it is always recommended to walk barefoot wherever and whenever you can!

protip_icon Quick Tip
The remedy originated during the time of the plague when people thought that the disease was carried by “noxious air.”

The benefits of onions are not restricted to your health. In fact, they go far beyond their culinary uses. You might be surprised to learn other methods by which onions can enhance your well-being.

One of the coolest ways to stimulate these meridians is to put an onion slice inside your socks (at the bottom of your feet) and wear them to bed. It can give off a stinky, pungent smell but it really works.

Here’s How You Can Do It

A girl tugging down her sock to put a sliced onion inside it
Image: Created with Dall.E
  • Take an onion (red or white) and cut it into thin and flat slices (make sure it’s an organic onion to avoid any side effects of pesticides like fungal infections).
  • Place the onion slice in your socks (under your foot, like a platform), and sleep as you usually do.
What happens when you put onion in sock
Image: Picture credit: Shutterstock

As you sleep, the healing properties of the onions will be absorbed by the feet, and this will help in stimulating the meridians.

Onions are considered a part of folk medicine due to its application for treating various illnesses, and are known for their magical healing power. They are also known as natural air purifiers, and when applied directly to the skin, they tend to remove the bacteria and kill the germs. The phosphoric acid (the substance that irritates our eyes while chopping onions) present in onions helps in purifying the blood as it enters the blood vessels.

You have nothing to lose by giving this onion and sock therapy a try! It comes with a number of benefits. They are:

  • Blood purification.
  • Removal of germs and bacteria.
  • Elimination of toxins and chemicals from the feet and making them smell better (believe it or not, it works!)
  • Alleviating symptoms of fever like cold and flu.

However, reusing the same onion slice is not at all recommended. So, be careful about that.

Who knew that something so simple and inexpensive can turn out to be so beneficial for our health? But does science approve of it? Now that you know how to try this unusual remedy, it is time to dig into some facts. To evaluate this method’s credibility, let us look at its scientific explanation.

Key Takeaways

  • The sulfur compounds in the onion provide relief from colds and flu, boost the immune system, and help with breathing issues.
  • Sleeping with an onion sock may help with headaches, arthritis pain, and even snoring.
  • Do not place the onion directly on the skin, as it can cause irritation.
  • The onion-in-sock method is an intriguing idea. However, it cannot take the place of evidence-based procedures and expert medical advice.

Scientific Perspective

The onion-in-the-sock cure is a popular home remedy, but there is not enough scientific evidence to support it. Experts do agree that eating onions has health benefits. Onions applied topically, however, are not a medically validated remedy. Putting onions in socks to treat illness is an interesting idea at best. But remember that this is more of a home remedy than an established medical procedure. You can try it for fun, but it is not reliable for serious medical issues.

Disclaimer: When in doubt, see a doctor. While experimenting with this technique can be fun, it should not be used in place of proper medical care. For persistent or serious health issues, always consult a medical professional.

Infographic: Benefits Of The Onion And Sock Therapy

The onion and sock therapy is one of those hacks that keep making a comeback on the internet from time to time. This hack may take a while for most of us to digest. However, there are a few ways this therapy can be useful. Check out the infographic below, where we have presented an overview of this therapy.

benefits of the onion and sock therapy (infographic)

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

protip_icon Quick Tip
Remember that consuming onions as part of a balanced diet has several health advantages. Consider including them in a diet that includes plenty of fruits, veggies, and whole grains.

We understand if you are still skeptical about this. I was too, until I tried it! It is not a load of hogwash as you might assume it to be. You have read this article until the end anyway. Why not just go ahead and try it? What do you have to lose? Humor this onion in the sock method from ancient Chinese medicine, and go to sleep with a slice of onion in your socks. The worst that could happen is that it will not work and make your feet smelly. However, the best that could happen is that you would be waking up healthier each day!

Frequently Asked Questions

What does an onion do when you are sick?

The sulfur compounds in onions help expel mucus from your airways and ease your symptoms. Thus, it may be a possible solution for your respiratory problems.

How do onions in your socks help your body?

When you sleep with onions in your socks, the body will act as an absorbent and absorb all the sulfur compounds present in the onions. They help purify your blood and kill germs and bacteria.

How does onion cure cough?

Onions have powerful natural antibiotics that help fight viral and bacterial infections.

Discover the surprising benefits of sleeping with onions in your socks! See what happens when you try this unusual nighttime ritual!

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Dr. Saba
Dr. SabaBHMS, MD
Dr. Saba is a gold medalist with 6+ years of clinical experience. She specializes in treating both chronic and acute illnesses of all kinds. She also has three years of experience as a homeopathic editor, instructional designer, and subject matter expert.

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Jyotsana Rao
Jyotsana RaoBeauty & Lifestyle Writer
Jyotsana Rao is an engineering graduate from NIT, Nagpur, who discovered her love for writing during her undergraduate days. She is passionate about writing about everything related to beauty - makeup, fashion, hairstyles, skin care, or hair care and has 4 years of experience on writing in these genres.

Read full bio of Jyotsana Rao
Asmita De
Asmita DeAssociate Editor
Asmita De is an associate editor with over three years of experience. She graduated in English Literature from the University of Calcutta. She has collaborated with several digital companies and reputed publishing houses as an editor.

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Moksha Gandhi
Moksha GandhiHealth & Wellness Writer
Moksha is a health and wellness writer and a certified diet and nutrition coach. Her passion for science and writing has helped her excel in crafting evidence-based articles. Her previous experience in writing science-based research papers ensures that her articles are grounded in research and provide practical tips that are reader-focused.

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