Onion Tea Recipe for Cough

ONION: A medium onion adds natural flavor and helps soothe your throat.

WATER: Used to boil the onion and create the tea base.

HONEY: Optional, but it adds sweetness and can help calm coughing.

When you’re making this onion tea, one simple trick that really helps is how you slice the onion. Instead of just chopping it any which way, try to slice the onion into even, thin pieces. Here’s how you can do it step by step:

1. Peel off the outer skin of the onion.
2. Cut the onion in half from top to bottom.
3. Place one half flat side down on the cutting board.
4. Hold the onion steady with your fingers curled back so you don’t accidentally cut yourself.
5. Use a sharp knife to make thin, even slices from one end to the other.

Doing this makes a big difference because when the onion slices are about the same size, they cook evenly in the water. If some pieces are big and some are tiny, the smaller ones might get too soft or even burn a little, while the bigger ones stay hard. Even slices help the onion release its flavor smoothly into the water, making your tea taste just right.

I remember the first time I made onion tea, I just chopped the onion roughly, and some chunks didn’t soften at all after simmering. It made the tea a bit bitter and not as comforting. Now, I always take a little extra time to slice carefully, and it’s worth it. Also, using a sharp knife makes slicing easier and safer, so if your knife feels dull, ask an adult to help sharpen it or use a different one.

Once your onion is sliced well, just follow the rest of the steps—boil, simmer, strain, and add a spoonful of honey if you like. The warm, sweet onion tea is a gentle way to soothe a cough, and the simple slicing trick helps make it taste better every time.

• onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a milder flavor and can provide a similar soothing effect for a cough.

• onion - Substitute with leeks: Leeks have a gentle, sweet flavor that can be comforting and are also known for their health benefits.

• water - Substitute with chicken broth: Chicken broth can add a richer flavor and additional nutrients, which can be soothing for a cough.

• water - Substitute with herbal tea: Herbal teas like chamomile or ginger can enhance the soothing properties of the drink.

• honey - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup can provide a similar sweetness and has its own health benefits.

• honey - Substitute with agave nectar: Agave nectar is a good alternative for sweetness and is also soothing for the throat.

• Allow the onion tea to cool to room temperature before storing. This prevents condensation and bacterial growth.
• Pour the cooled tea into an airtight container, such as a glass jar or a BPA-free plastic container. Make sure the container is clean and dry.
• Store the container in the refrigerator. The onion tea can be kept in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Always check for any off smells or changes in appearance before consuming.
• For freezing, transfer the cooled tea into freezer-safe containers or ice cube trays. This allows for easy portioning and quick thawing.
• Label the containers with the date of preparation. This helps you keep track of freshness and ensures you use the oldest batches first.
• When ready to use, thaw the frozen onion tea in the refrigerator overnight or reheat directly from frozen in a saucepan over low heat until warmed through.
• If you prefer, you can add honey after reheating to maintain its beneficial properties and taste.

• Pour the onion tea into a small saucepan and heat over low to medium heat until it reaches your desired temperature. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating.
• Transfer the onion tea to a microwave-safe mug. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking every 30 seconds to avoid overheating.
• If you have a kettle with a temperature control feature, pour the onion tea into the kettle and set it to a low heat setting. Heat until warm.
• For a quick reheat, use a double boiler. Place the onion tea in a heatproof bowl and set it over a pot of simmering water. Stir gently until warmed through.
• If you prefer a more traditional method, pour the onion tea into a thermos and fill the thermos with hot water. Let it sit for a few minutes to warm up before drinking.

• Saucepan: A deep cooking pan used to boil the water and simmer the onions.

• Knife: Essential for slicing the onion into thin pieces.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface to slice the onion.

• Strainer: Used to separate the onion slices from the liquid after simmering.

• Mug: The vessel in which you will pour the strained liquid to drink.

• Spoon: Useful for stirring in the honey to ensure it is well mixed.

Pre-slice the onion: Slice the onion in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge.

Boil water first: Boil the water before adding the onion to reduce overall cooking time.

Use a kettle: Use an electric kettle to boil the water faster than on the stove.

Batch preparation: Make a larger batch and store the extra tea in the fridge for reheating later.

Honey on hand: Keep honey readily available to quickly add it to your tea if desired.