MODERN HOMESTEAD: HONEY ONION SYRUP
Common kitchen items like onions, garlic, honey, ginger, turmeric and even cayenne pepper have been used medicinally for hundreds of years. Your great grandparents most likely used ginger for stomach upset, honey for sore throats and onions for ear aches.
It’s not hard to see that there has been a resurgence in the last few years of going back to the basics, being more cognoscente of what we put into our bodies, paying more attention to ingredients lists. My family has been on this journey too and one of the things that has made a huge difference, especially for my husband who has Crohns and is immuno-compromised, is Honey Onion Syrup.
I was very skeptical of this but after seeing the benefits for my husband, I’m definitely a believer now.
Why Honey and Onions?
Onions have incredible anti-inflammatory and antibacterial benefits. They are pack full of flavonoids, which carry out important functions in the plant, but when looked at medicinally their benefits include antioxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties. One of the flavonoids that is most prevelant in onions is quercetin, which has become wildly popular as a health supplement since the Covid 19 Pandemic.
Honey has been used for hundreds of years to sooth sore throats and coughs. You can walk down any “cold and flu aisle” at the supermarket and see various cough medicines that are advertised to be made with honey. Honey is anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antimicrobial. Because of these properties, honey can help sooth a sore throat as well as aid in fighting off bacterial, viral and fungal infections. It is also a natural antiseptic that can be used in treatment of cuts and wounds. Honey local to your region is also known to help with seasonal allergens due to the bee pollination process.
When you combine the two together, you unlock a powerful natural medicine that can be used as a daily boost and/or treatment when you are sick.
What do I need to make Honey Onion Syrup?
1 medium onion (I use yellow or white)
local honey
mason jar or container with lid
colander or sieve
How do I make Honey Onion Syrup?
Slice 1 medium onion and place in a tall mason jar.
Pour local honey over the onion, stopping periodically to let it settle. Repeat until jar is filled.
Secure lid on mason jar.
Flip the jar upside down and let it sit for 24 hours. Periodically gently rotate the jar to mix, but always place it back on the counter upside down. This helps the honey not settle, but instead mix and ferment evenly.
After 24 hours, use a colander or sieve to separate the syrup from the onions.
Syrup can be store in the refrigerator for 6-8 weeks.
How do I use Honey Onion Syrup?
As a preventative tool, take 1 teaspoon daily. Because there is honey in the syrup, do not give to children under 12 months old.
If you feel a cough or cold coming on, take 1 teaspoon every 4-6 hours. Continue until symptoms have subsided and then return to the daily preventative dosage.
