SafePlants

Onion (Allium cepa)

The onion is a well-known and widely cultivated vegetable with a long history of use.

Common Names: Onion

Considerations for People

• Cutting onions releases compounds that irritate the eyes, causing tears.
• Onions have a strong odor that some may find unpleasant or that can cause body odor.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Allium cepa
• Family: Not explicitly stated, but the text mentions related species in the genus Allium.
• Synonyms: Allium glandulosum and Allium allegheniense are mentioned as separate species, implying they may have been confused with Allium cepa at some point, though they are not direct synonyms.

Quirky Facts

• Historically, onions have been associated with various medicinal properties, including treating thyroid gland issues. A specific recipe involving massaging the neck with red onion halves is mentioned.
• One passage humorously refers to a cut piece of the onion as containing "the part/gland that makes baby Jesus."

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• The text describes cutting the onion to release its juices and using halves of the onion bulb for topical application.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• The onion fly (Delia antiqua) is mentioned, and its egg deposition is affected by extracts from male paragonial glands.

Traditional/Reported Uses

• The text details a traditional (folk) remedy involving red onions for thyroid gland issues, citing a recipe and recommendations from a Russian doctor named Igor Knjazkin.
• The content mentions the use of onions for skin cleansing and killing bacteria, suggesting traditional uses for skin health.