The onion, at one time or another, has been enthusiastically recommended as a remedy for colds in the head and worms in the intestines. For centuries, the onion's medicinal value has been praised by witch doctors, old wives and bartenders. Rome's Pliny the Elder listed the onion as a cure for 28 diseases. Early New England settlers believed that the onion would prevent fits; Neapolitans of the Middle Ages thought it averted the evil eye. A 16th Century French surgeon, Ambroise Parè, used it instead of ointment to heal powder burns.
The onion may be coming back into medical fashion. The Russians...
To continue reading: or Log-InWant the full story?
Subscribe NowLearn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber
If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!
