Several years ago, I was very good friends with an Iranian national and learned a lot about that culture. Iranians typically eat raw onions and herbs such as cilantro, basil, radish tops, etc., with their meals. My friend would eat at least one medium onion with both lunch and dinner. Almost every Iranian dish contains onions that have been sauted in olive oil as well. My friend would mention in passing how onion would help one sleep and keep one healthy. Most Iranians and perhaps Middle Easterners and others around the world know many health benefits of onions. This knowledge is still passed from generation to generation. I think raw onion, as well as raw garlic and fresh-out-of-the-garden hot peppers, which are also eaten plentifully in Iran and other countries, help to kill bacteria that would cause digestive and other health problems in many areas of the world where proper sanitary conditions are not available.

I have found that when my sinuses start to become congested, I can cut and saute onions on low heat to reduce or alleviate the stuffiness. I do the same when my 8-year-old son has sinus, respiratory or allergy-type problems and also make sure he eats lots of the onions. This has been part of my herbal practice that has eliminated his serious sinus infections that would end with ear infections and antibiotics.