Putting cloves into an onion may look strange, but it’s a well-known folk remedy used for generations because both ingredients have strong natural healing properties.

When combined, they create a simple, effective home treatment for several health concerns.

1. Helps Clear Congestion & Improve Breathing

Onions release sulfur compounds, which help open nasal passages and reduce mucus.
Cloves contain eugenol, a natural anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial compound.

Together they can:

• Ease blocked sinuses

• Reduce stuffy nose

• Allow easier breathing

• Help relieve cold and flu discomfort

Many people place a clove-studded onion in their bedroom to help them breathe better at night.

2. Natural Air Purifier for the Room

Both onion and cloves have strong antimicrobial properties.

They may help:

• Reduce bacteria in the air

• Neutralize unpleasant odors

• Freshen the environment

In older traditions, people kept a clove-studded onion by the bed when someone was sick.

3. Supports Immune Health

Onion: rich in antioxidants and sulfur compounds that support the immune system.
Cloves: high in antibacterials, antivirals, and antioxidants.

Together they are believed to:

• Boost natural immunity

• Help the body fight infections

• Reduce inflammation during illness

4. May Help Repel Insects Naturally

The smell of onions and cloves is strong and unpleasant to many insects.

Placing a clove-studded onion in a corner can help:

• Repel mosquitoes

• Keep bugs away from certain areas

• Naturally protect the home without chemicals

5. Traditional Remedy for Colds & Cough

In many cultures, onions and cloves were used to ease cold symptoms.

They may help:

• Calm coughs

• Soothe sore throat

• Reduce chest congestion

Sometimes people also boil onions with cloves to make a warm, soothing drink.

6. Absorbs Negative Energy or “Bad Air” (Folklore Belief)

In traditional households, it was believed that onions could absorb “bad air,” and cloves enhanced the cleansing energy.

While not scientifically proven, many families still follow this practice for cultural or spiritual comfort.

🌿 How to Prepare and Use an Onion with Cloves

1. Simple Room Remedy (Most Common Method)

Purpose: Clear air, reduce congestion, help with breathing at night.

How to prepare:

1. Peel one medium onion.

2. Make small holes on the surface using a knife or toothpick.

3. Insert whole cloves into the holes (10–20 cloves depending on the onion size).

4. Place the onion on a small plate or bowl.

How to use:

• Leave it in your bedroom or living room.

• Replace the onion every 2–3 days for best results.

2. Steam Inhalation Method

Purpose: Relieve stuffy nose, sinus pressure, and cold symptoms.

How to prepare:

1. Slice an onion into pieces.

2. Add 8–10 cloves.

3. Put everything into a pot of boiling water.

How to use:

• Lean over the pot (careful with the heat).

• Cover your head with a towel.

• Inhale the steam for 5–10 minutes.

• Do this once or twice a day.

3. Onion–Clove Tea (For Cough & Cold Relief)

Purpose: Soothe cough, warm the chest, reduce inflammation.

How to prepare:

1. Chop half an onion.

2. Add 5–7 whole cloves.

3. Boil in 2 cups of water for 10–15 minutes.

4. Strain and add honey or lemon if desired.

How to use:

• Drink 1–2 times a day when you’re feeling sick.

4. Natural Insect Repellent

Purpose: Keep mosquitoes and insects away from specific areas.

How to prepare:

1. Insert cloves into an onion just like in the first method.

How to use:

• Place it near windows, doors, or places where insects enter.

• Replace every few days.

5. Traditional Energy Cleansing (Folklore)

Purpose: Absorb negative energy or “bad air” in the home.

How to prepare:

• Prepare the onion with cloves as in Method 1.

How to use:

• Place it in a corner of the room or near the bed.

• Throw it away when it shrivels or turns dark.

 Notes

• This is a home remedy, not a medical treatment.

• Replace the onion once it starts to dry or smell too strong.

• Do not consume raw onion with cloves unless it was boiled or made into tea.