In the midst of the cultural wealth of the Huasteca region, the Tének community stands out for its ancestral wisdom in remedies and cultural rituals that have been carefully transmitted from one generation to another.
The Autonomous University of San Luis Potosí (UASLP)in conjunction with the National Council of Science and Technology (CONACYT), they developed a catalog of medicinal plants of the Huasteca biocultural regionin which they mention an ingredient as common as onion, which in addition to making you cry in the kitchen, has many medicinal properties.
Uses that traditional medicine gives to onion
According to Food and Development Research Centeras well as with the Catalog of medicinal plants of the Huasteca biocultural region, this particular vegetable has healing properties in, at least, 7 illnesses or diseases.
1.- Dermatological diseases:
Among the main benefits of onion are that it is good for the hair, it stands out for helping the blood circulation in the scalp, accelerate hair growth, reduce hair loss, regulate excess oil and dandruff.
It also helps treat some skin problems. such as calming acne, relieving insect bites, removing spots and healing wounds.
2.- Cultural diseases:
The belief in the protective power of onion against evil spirits has led to it being used in various cultural rituals, like the Haluk’laab, also known as “soul theft”.
Special photo/El Sol de San Luis
3.- Infectious diseases:
It is used as a vermifuge to eliminate intestinal parasites since it contains phenolic compounds, that is antioxidant properties that provide the ability to inhibit the growth of bacteria through mechanisms that limit the absorption of nutrients by bacterial cells.
4.- Metabolic diseases:
The onion, mainly the purple one, is rich in chromium, this helps regulate blood sugar and increases cellular sensitivity to insulin, benefiting people with diabetes, In addition to helping to improve the digestive system
5.- Psychiatric illnesses:
It is used in epilepsy cases as part of treatments in traditional Huasteca medicine.
6.-Diseases of the musculoskeletal system:
This vegetable is also used to prevent and relieve cramps in the body, as well as to reduce inflammation.
7.- Diseases of the respiratory system:
It is used in the treatment of flu, cough and other respiratory problems, Thanks to its expectorant and decongestant properties: it is a great remedy in the company of honey and lemon.
Eye:
This note has the intention of rescuing the culture and traditions related to the use of medicinal plants in Mexico, in accordance with the Digital Library of Traditional Mexican Medicinebut should not be interpreted as a medical prescription, we invite you to consult the opinion of a health professional before using any natural remedy.
