18.04.2025

Take an onion, leave it in your room, and you’ll see the unexpected result

By Vitia

Onion is a basic ingredient in almost every cuisine in the world, known for its flavor and nutritional properties. But what many people don’t know is that this humble vegetable can also have surprising uses outside of the kitchen.

Did you know that leaving an onion in your room overnight can bring unexpected benefits to your health and well-being? Although it sounds strange, this homemade trick has been used for generations for its purifying and protective effects.

The hidden power of onion in your room

Placing a cracked onion in a corner of the room may seem like another home remedy, but it has a basis in the natural properties of this vegetable. Onion acts as a natural air purifier, helping to absorb toxins, bacteria, and bad odors. In addition, it emits compounds that can have positive effects on the respiratory system and the home environment.

Benefits of leaving an onion in the room

  1. Purifies the air: Onion absorbs pollutant particles and bacteria from the air, leaving the environment cleaner and fresher.
  2. Relieves cold symptoms: Its aroma contains sulfurous compounds that help decongest the respiratory tract.
  3. Reduces nighttime coughing: Placing an onion near the bed can relieve dry or persistent coughs, especially in children.
  4. Repels insects: Its strong smell acts as a natural repellent against mosquitoes and other insects.
  5. Neutralizes bad odors: Helps eliminate unpleasant odors such as cigarette or humidity.
  6. Improves sleep: Some people report sleeping better when there’s an onion nearby, thanks to the feeling of purer air.

Tips and advice to use it correctly

  • Choose a fresh, firm onion, preferably white or purple.
  • Cut it in half or quarters to better release its compounds.
  • Place it on an open plate or container, and place it in a corner of the room, away from the bed.
  • Don’t reuse it: throw it in the trash the next day, as it absorbs bacteria from the environment.
  • Keep the room ventilated during the day to enhance the effect.
  • Don’t use this method if the smell is bothersome or if someone in the house is very sensitive to strong scents.

Although it may seem like a simple popular myth, the use of an onion in the room is based on its natural properties. Without the need for chemicals, you can try this inexpensive and natural trick to improve the air you breathe while you sleep. Of course, like any home remedy, it does not replace medical advice, but it can be a great ally to complement your well-being at home.