Can you put onion in a dish to absorb the flu virus?

Answer 1

There is no evidence that onions can stop the flu.

Second answer:

The 'flu is caused by a virus, and it's just as happy to sit on an onion and wait for you as it is to sit on your kitchen counter.

Answer 2

Onions, shallots and garlic have various chemical properties that are known to be antibacterial and antiviral. They have been used for centuries to cure earaches, colds and respiratory infections by herbal medicine practitioners. There is no scientific evidence that they "absorb" the flu or any other virus. In herbal medicine they are usually applied as a poultice either to the patient's chest, behind their ear or on the soles of their feet, where the active principals are absorbed through the skin.

During the middle ages, they were left around the house or worn upon the body and given credit for preventing infection from the plague. Since their strong odor is known to repel the rats that carried the plague, there is probably some truth to this part of the story, but rats aren't a major vector for the flu virus, so eating the onions during flu season sounds like a better use for this helpful vegetable than sticking them in bowls around your house.

If you are interested in trying an onion plaster for sinus or chest congestion, heat them slightly until soft and clear in olive oil over low heat, allow them to cool to luke warm and then wrap them in flannel and place them on the patient's chest. Check for skin reddening or irritation periodically

and discontinue the poultice if you see this. Reapply every 6-8 hours.

Answer 3

Unpeeled onions or peeled onions do not absorb bacteria or viruses. This a superstition that has been around for hundreds of years.

Answer 4

No. Viruses do not have a mechanism to propel them toward an object ; i.e. your onion .

Answer 5

That has not been studied scientifically, but an educated guess is that the onion will not prevent the virus from infecting you if you have been exposed to it.

Answer 6

No.