Varicose veins are a common problem, affecting up to 30% of the adult population. Although they are more common in women, they often affect men as well. The condition can cause not only aesthetic problems but also painful symptoms such as swelling, leg fatigue and itching. Many people resort to expensive medications or surgery as a solution. But there is a natural and affordable alternative: onion peels.

For most people, onion peels are a waste. But they have many uses. They can be put in the compost, of course. But if you dry and grind them, you can also use them as a spice. Last but not least, you can also use them to make all sorts of decoctions and teas, which are used internally as well as externally.

Onion skins: A natural miracle for varicose veins

Onion peels are not a waste, in fact, they contain a number of bioactive substances that can help in the treatment of varicose veins. They are rich in flavonoids, especially quercetin, which has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. There are a number of studies that confirm what our grandmothers knew long ago: onion skins help to protect the vascular system and improve blood circulation.

Other research has shown that onion peel extract can reduce inflammatory processes. So, it’s not just that the peels help with varicose veins, but overall the decoction is very beneficial to the body. It improves immunity, helps protect the intestines and can help with the absorption of certain substances that the body needs.

How to use the peels?

The first way to use onion skins is internally. This means making teas and decoctions from them to drink regularly. Simply cover the peels with hot water and let them infuse. After 15 minutes, strain the tea, sweeten with honey and add lemon. The taste of the tea is not as bad as one would expect.

The onion skins alone are sweet, and together with the honey and lemon they make a delicious drink that will boost your immunity and help with a whole host of other problems. If you don’t like the tea, you can let the drink cool completely and simply drink it quickly as a medicine.

Onions are very healthy. But keep in mind that even the peels have many medicinal substances and can be used. ━━ Onions are very healthy. But keep in mind that even the peels have many medicinal substances and can be used. ( Source: Mehmet Ali Turan /  Pexels )

External use of onion skins

You can also make a decoction from onion peels to rub on your feet. If you apply it directly to the affected area, the varicose veins should lighten at least a little within a few days, and may even disappear completely over time.

Prepare the decoction by boiling onion skins in water, then soak a cloth in the lukewarm liquid for 20 minutes and apply it to the body. You can apply the packs to the affected areas for a longer period of time, for example overnight. Onion skins are also good for rashes and bruising, so external use is recommended in these cases as well.