SLEEPING WITH ONIONS UNDER FEET: What the myth entails?

By Joan Chepkirui,

Yes, you heard me right. Putting onion slices inside socks before going to sleep. As oddly as that may sound, there are countless human beings out there who practice this ancient tradition. I have curiously explored into why they indulge in this bizarre practice and I’ve discovered that it is for numerous and varied reasons.

The habit has gained popularity with many people resorting to taping onion to their feet at night, or slipping a slice of onion in their socks as they sleep. It is not expressly clear which one between the red or white onion is used but a substantial percentage of the information I gathered specified the red onion to be more prevalently used.

The ‘onion-in-feet’ custom has been around for thousands of years, but is seemingly gaining increased popularity owing to ‘purported’ health benefits.

Treatment of cold and flu

While ‘normal’ people use ordinary methods to treat colds and flu, there are those who believe that slipping a slice of onion in their socks is a remedy for viral infections such as flu. Others also believe that it lowers fever in case one has an infection.

There are proven scientific theories that raw onion can actually enhance blood circulation and break down thick mucus subsequently reducing chest and nasal congestion. But how this works with placing it under the feet appears to beat logic and is simply a peculiar mystery.

So, does stuffing onion in your socks actually heal colds and flu? That remains a pertinent and unanswered question.

Remedy for smelly feet

In my study, I have also come across quite a number of respondents who validly claim and actually believe that they wake up with freshly smelling feet after using the onion slices overnight; therapeutic to their typically smelly feet. The tricky question however, is whether you wake up with nice and freshly smelling feet or with an onion-filled stinking odour in your feet!

Aids removal of pricking objects

There are unverified theories in some parts of the world that the onion presence overnight, has an effect that helps one to easily remove sharp objects that may have been stuck in feet after accidental pricking. These are usually tiny items that may have pierced the skin under the feet and are lodged inside the thick feet skin.

Raw onions absorb bacteria

Then there are those who believe that use of the onion slices overnight as you sleep aids in absorption of germs and harmful bacteria. The alleged theory asserts that onion helps in removal of toxins in the feet and possibly between the toes as well.

Bottom-line is that there might not be adequate research and study carried out about this ancient tradition of stuffing onions under the feet overnight as one sleeps. However, it is certainly a simple, practical and obviously inexpensive method of attempting to remedy whatever situation that you could be having with your feet.

Simply take care of your feet

The basic principles of foot reflexology demonstrate that taking care of our feet immensely aids our stress levels and eliminates anxiety. It aids in general relaxation consequently improving brain power. After all, a majority of our veins and nerves terminate at the feet.

Thus take an onion, (preferably red), cut it into nicely thin slices, ensure that you have washed and properly dried your feet, put on a pair of clean socks and carefully tuck at least one or two slices on each foot. Maintain the onions in that position until morning. In case you experience any magical result, be sure to share the outcome here in the comment section below. All the best.

Disclaimer: It is however advisable to consult your doctor/physician before you conduct any sort of experiment with any part of your body.