You’ve likely heard the old saying passed down through grandparents, great-grandparents, or family friends:
“Stick a few cloves into a peeled onion and leave it in your room overnight to help with a cold!”
It sounds unusual—almost like something from an old folk-healing handbook—but for generations, people across many cultures have relied on this simple ritual to ease congestion, freshen the air, or provide comfort during the sick, stuffy days of winter. This small tradition often appears during cold and flu season, when people hope for anything that might help them breathe easier or fall asleep more comfortably. Even though the practice may feel like pure folklore, there’s actually a blend of history, chemistry, and psychology behind it—even if the actual health effects are far more modest than the legends claim.
This remedy typically involves placing a clove-studded onion near your bedside or somewhere else in the home. While it won’t cure an illness, many people enjoy the scent, the ritual, and the sense of homey care it brings. Let’s explore what this method really is, what people claim it does, what science says about onions and cloves, and how to use it safely if you decide to try it.
Benefits of Putting Cloves in an Onion: What the Tradition Says
The method is simple and has remained unchanged for decades:
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Peel a whole onion—either white or yellow works best.
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Stick 6–12 whole cloves into the onion, placing them around the surface like tiny aromatic pins.
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Set the onion on a saucer or bowl near your bed, on a nightstand, or in the corner of a room where someone is recovering from a cold.
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Leave it overnight or up to one or two days.
Families who use this remedy often claim it can:
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Absorb “germs” from the air
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Ease nasal congestion
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Support restful sleep
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Neutralize odors or “purify” the room
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Create a calming, comforting environment
These claims are usually passed down through oral tradition rather than through medical sources. Still, they offer insight into how our ancestors understood sickness, smell, and home care long before modern medicine or air purifiers existed.
What Science Actually Says
While the tradition is charming, it’s important to look at what researchers know about onions, cloves, and their chemical properties. The good news is that both ingredients do contain compounds with interesting antimicrobial or aromatic potential. The not-so-good news is that their effects are nowhere near as powerful as the myths suggest.
Onions Have Antimicrobial Compounds
Onions are rich in sulfur-based compounds and an antioxidant called quercetin. These naturally occurring chemicals have been studied for their ability to:
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Inhibit the growth of some bacteria
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Reduce inflammation in certain laboratory settings
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Release aromatic vapors that can affect air quality
For example, lab studies show that onions can inhibit the growth of E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus, two types of bacteria. This doesn’t mean the onion “absorbs” germs; rather, compounds inside the onion have antimicrobial effects in direct contact situations.
Historically, onions were famously placed in homes during the 1918 flu pandemic. People believed onions could trap “miasma”—the old idea of poisonous air responsible for illness. While we now understand viruses differently, the tradition continued because people felt it made rooms smell fresher and helped with congestion.
Cloves Are Natural Antiseptics
Cloves, on the other hand, contain a powerful compound called eugenol. Eugenol has been widely studied and is known for:
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Antibacterial effects
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Mild antiviral potential
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Antifungal activity
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Natural numbing properties (used in dentistry)
Clove oil is still used today as a natural remedy for mild toothaches due to its numbing and antimicrobial effects.
But They Don’t “Absorb Germs”
Despite the fascinating properties of both onion and cloves, science is clear:
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Onions do not pull viruses or bacteria from the air.
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They do not draw illness out of the body.
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They do not cure infections.
Any antimicrobial effects are local and limited. Most benefits are related to aroma, moisture release, and psychological comfort, not actual disease treatment.
The idea that the onion turns black because it “absorbed germs” is a myth. Onions discolor due to natural oxidation or moisture exposure—nothing more.
What You Might Actually Notice
Even though the remedy doesn’t perform miracles, some people genuinely feel better after placing a clove-studded onion in their room. Here are the possible real-world effects:
1. Aromatherapy-like Benefits
The strong scent of onion and cloves can help open nasal passages, acting similarly to mild aromatic decongestants. This may especially help in dry rooms or during nighttime breathing difficulties.
2. Humidity Boost
Onions naturally release moisture into the air. In a dry bedroom, this slight humidity increase may soothe irritated sinuses.
3. Odor Masking
Cloves provide a warm, spicy fragrance, while onions add a sharper, cleansing scent. Together, they can mask stale or sickroom smells.
4. Comfort Through Ritual
Sometimes the greatest benefit comes from the emotional aspect. Traditions passed down through family can create a sense of comfort, care, and hope during an illness. The placebo effect can play a major role in how we perceive relief.
What This Remedy Doesn’t Do
It’s important to be realistic. This method does not:
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Cure colds or flu
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Shorten illness duration
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Replace proper hygiene or medical treatment
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Prevent infection
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“Draw out toxins” or germs from the body
Colds are caused by viruses, and no home aroma remedy can eliminate them.
Additionally, cut onions left out for long periods can grow bacteria or mold, so they must be discarded after 24–48 hours.
A Safer Way to Try It
If you enjoy the idea of using this remedy for its scent or nostalgic comfort, here’s a safe approach:
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Use a fresh onion and fresh whole cloves.
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Place it on a clean plate or saucer in your bedroom or sickroom.
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Keep it away from food preparation areas to avoid contamination.
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Throw it away after 24 hours to prevent spoilage or bacterial growth.
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Wash your hands after handling raw onion.
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Never eat the onion afterward. It absorbs room moisture and may harbor bacteria.
This keeps the tradition intact while reducing potential risks.
Better Alternative for Real Decongestion
If you’re looking for something more effective than passive aromatherapy, try this instead:
Simmer onion, garlic, cloves, and ginger in a pot of water.
Then:
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Lean over carefully
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Inhale the warm, fragrant steam for 5–10 minutes
The warm moisture can help loosen mucus and ease nasal congestion much more effectively than a raw onion sitting in a room.
Final Thought: Tradition with Wisdom
The onion-and-cloves remedy isn’t magical—but it isn’t meaningless either. It’s a comforting ritual wrapped in history, aroma, and family memory. It may offer mild relief, a fresher-smelling room, and a sense of calm during sickness.
Use it if it brings you peace, but remember:
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It’s not a cure
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It’s not a disinfectant
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It works best as a supportive comfort, not a treatment
Let tradition bring warmth to your home—but always pair it with wise, evidence-based healthcare.