Onion powder (Allium cepa) – Dried Herb, Organic

Onion is a herbaceous biennial plant grown for its edible bulb, Also known as the bulb Onion or Common Onion, this plant is a vegetable and is the most widely cultivated species of the genus Allium. Most likely native to Central Asia and is now cultivated and used throughout the world in temperate zones. Onions come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and colours of white, yellow or red bulbs. Alliums have round flower heads composed of dozens of star-shaped flowers that are white purple and have hollow stems and leaves. Cultivated Onions are grown by seed or bulb and in the wild most pollination occurs by insects and wind. Onion is in the Lilaceae or Lilly family which includes include the Garlic, Scallion, Shallot, Leek and Chive.

Onions have been cultivated since prehistoric times, mentioned in the tomb paintings in Egypt in 3200 BCE, written and documentation from the Egyptians described the importance of Onions as a food and its use in art, medicine and mummification. Ancient Egyptians had such a high regard for Onions that they used them as currency for the workers who built the great pyramids. They were also thought to have high spiritual significance and as such were placed in the tombs of the pharaohs. Some Egyptian priests were forbidden to eat the Onion and throughout history Onion was thought to be a food of the poor.

Wild Onions were widely used as food and medicine by the Native Americans for colds, headaches and sinus trouble by inhaling smoke from the bulb. Blackfeet mothers drank a wild Onion tea to pass the medicinal properties on to their babies. Poultices were made for bug bites, chest cold and boils.

Onions are low in nutrients but are valued for their flavour in cooking. Allium cepa are savory and pungent and blend well with most spices and foods. Onion adds flavour to such dishes as stews, roasts, soups and salads, and are also served as a cooked or baked vegetable.

Properties:

The taste and energetics of Onion are pungent, warming and drying. Onion has an affinity to cardiovascular system, respiratory system, pancreas, immune system, musculoskeletal system and liver.

How to use:

Use Onion Powder in cooking. Add a bit to tea or mix in honey to eat as medicine, or apply as a poultice.

Cautions & contraindications:

This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease or illness. Please consult your healthcare provider prior to the use of this product if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications or have a medical condition. Individual results may vary.