With the kiddos back in school and all kinds of nasty viruses surging,  it seems everyone is again getting sick.  As a parent, I think one of the trickier things is supporting a sick child right at the beginning, when symptoms are just starting, trying to figure out what to do to nip the illness in the bud.  Of course, this is often when it is most inconvenient and you are unable to make it to the store to get stocked up on your usual remedies.  This, my friends, is when kitchen medicine rocks. 

There are lots of things you can use in your own kitchen to make easy syrups, tinctures, teas that can help your unwell child. Today though, let’s discuss everything you can do with an onion! 

Is your child complaining of ear pain?

Watch this video of how to make onion “earmuffs” for ear discomfort: 

Is your child starting to cough?

Try this easy recipe to make your own cough syrup with onions [PS – you should actually make this one now to have it on hand when you need it. It stays good for a month in the fridge]: 

Homemade Honey Cough Syrup Recipe:  For ages 1+ (honey is not recommended for babies under 1-year-old).

• ½ yellow or white onion sliced thinly
• 2-3 inches of ginger sliced thinly
• Honey
• 2-3 TBS cinnamon

Place ginger and onion in a glass bowl with lid. Pour local honey over ginger and onion, stir. Cover and let sit overnight. Remove ginger and onions. Pour honey back in original jar. Add cinnamon, close jar and shake.

Kids over 12 months: 1 teaspoon as needed for cough. Can mix with warm water to make a tea.  

Adults: 1 Tablespoon as needed for cough.

Generally not feeling well? 

Try an onion poultice: Chop onion and apply to chest, cover with towel and have your child rest for 30 min.  You can also apply the onions to the soles of the feet by doing “onion socks”.  Some say a night sleeping with onion socks cures everything.  It can’t hurt! 

Please let me know if you try any of these or other onion remedies and whether they were successful! I love hearing about the healing power of onions.  🙂

At Intuition Wellness Center, we specialize in health and wellness services for children, young adults, and their families. If you think you would like some extra support, we’re here for you.

Written by: Dr. Kate Sage, NMD, Naturopathic Family Physician