Natural Cold Remedy: Complete Guide to Green Onion Root (Chongbaek) Benefits and Uses

Hello.

Are you struggling with recurring colds and body aches during seasonal changes? Worried about side effects from over-the-counter cold medications? Today, I'll share everything about green onion roots, commonly discarded in our kitchens but known as 'Chongbaek' in traditional Korean medicine - a natural cold remedy.

Green onion roots have been used as a precious medicinal ingredient in herbal medicine for treating colds and body aches since ancient times. Particularly, their excellent diaphoretic (sweat-inducing) and antipyretic (fever-reducing) properties make them highly effective for early-stage colds by promoting sweating to expel cold energy and lower fever. Through this article, you'll learn everything from benefits to practical applications and precautions.

"

"Unlock the health secrets hidden in green onion roots - don't throw them away"

What Benefits Do Green Onion Roots (Chongbaek) Offer?

[Benefits Summary]

• Promotes sweating to relieve early cold symptoms
• Reduces fever and eliminates chills
• Alleviates headaches and body aches
• Promotes blood circulation and relieves fatigue
• Strengthens immunity and improves rhinitis
• Improves urinary difficulties and digestive functions

1. Diaphoretic and Antipyretic Actions for Cold Relief

Green onion roots, called 'Chongbaek' in traditional medicine, are used as a representative diaphoretic agent. The allicin component raises body temperature to induce sweating, expelling cold energy and viruses from the body. When experiencing cold-induced chills, fever, and body aches, drinking boiled green onion root tea quickly relieves symptoms as you perspire.

2. Headache and Pain Relief

It's particularly effective for cold-induced headaches, especially frontal headaches. According to Donguibogam (Principles and Practice of Eastern Medicine), Chongbaek effectively treats wind-cold headaches, neck stiffness, and whole-body muscle pain. Combining green onion roots with ginger enhances the analgesic effect.

3. Blood Circulation Promotion and Fatigue Recovery

The abundant allicin in green onion roots facilitates blood circulation and aids vitamin B1 absorption. This promotes carbohydrate breakdown, quickly eliminating fatigue substances, helping restore vitality when feeling heavy and lethargic.

4. Immunity Enhancement and Rhinitis Improvement

Green onion roots contain high amounts of vitamin C and flavonoids, providing antioxidant effects and immunity enhancement. Additionally, the diaphoretic action expels waste products through sweat, alleviating rhinitis symptoms. Regular consumption of green onion root tea can also prevent colds.

5. Digestive Function Improvement and Appetite Stimulation

Green onion roots have a warm nature that promotes gastric juice secretion and aids digestion. They also have anti-inflammatory properties, helping when gastrointestinal function is weak or experiencing bloating, and stimulate appetite when lacking.

6. Urinary Function Improvement

Chongbaek has diuretic properties that facilitate urination and improve urinary difficulties. According to Bencao Gangmu (Compendium of Materia Medica), applying roasted Chongbaek as a compress on the lower abdomen relieves urinary retention. It also helps alleviate symptoms of cystitis or nephritis.

Precautions When Consuming Green Onion Roots (Are There Side Effects?)

[Precautions Summary]

• Excessive consumption may cause energy depletion
• Those with hot constitutions should consume moderately
• Don't boil too long due to allicin's volatile nature
• Pregnant women should consult with oriental medicine doctors
• Those with weak stomachs should avoid empty stomach consumption

1. Avoid Excessive Consumption

Donguibogam states, "Chongbaek should not be consumed in large amounts as it opens joints and induces sweating, making people weak." Because of its strong diaphoretic effect, excessive intake can deplete energy and weaken stamina, so appropriate amounts should be observed.

2. Adjust Consumption Based on Constitution

Green onion roots have a warm nature, so those with naturally hot bodies or heat constitutions should consume only moderate amounts. Conversely, they're very suitable for people with cold bodies and poor circulation. When fever accompanies colds, use only the white part (Chongbaek), not the green leaves.

3. Cooking Precautions

The main component, allicin, is highly volatile, so prolonged soaking in water or excessive heating reduces efficacy. Boiling for about 30 minutes on low heat is appropriate - avoid over-boiling.

4. Pregnant Women's Consumption Caution

According to Donguibogam, Chongbaek stabilizes fetal movement and helps pregnant women's indigestion and colds, but effects vary by individual constitution and condition. Pregnant women should always consult with oriental medicine doctors before consumption.

5. Sensitive Stomach Caution

Green onion roots have a pungent nature that may cause stomach discomfort when consumed on an empty stomach in those with weak stomachs. People with sensitive stomachs should consume after meals or add honey to make it gentler.

How Can You Use Green Onion Roots Healthily? (Applications)

1. Basic Green Onion Root Tea Recipe

Ingredients

• Green onion roots (including white parts) 10cm length, 2-3 pieces
• Water 300ml
• Honey or jujubes (optional)

Preparation Method

1. Wash green onion roots thoroughly to remove soil and debris.
2. Put roots and water in a pot and boil for 30 minutes on medium-low heat.
3. Turn off heat when slimy liquid emerges and sweet taste develops.
4. Strain and drink warm, 20-30ml per serving, 2-3 times daily.
5. Add honey according to preference for a smoother taste.

2. Special Cold Relief Green Onion Root and Jujube Tea

Ingredients

• Green onion roots 3-4 pieces
• Ginger 1 piece
• Jujubes 6 pieces
• Water 1.5 cups

Preparation Method

1. Soak green onion roots in baking soda water for 3 minutes, then wash thoroughly.
2. Peel ginger and cut in half.
3. Put all ingredients in a pot, cover, and boil for 20 minutes on medium heat.
4. Increase ingredient quantities proportionally for stronger flavor.
5. Drink 2-3 times daily when experiencing early cold symptoms.
   
   

3. Drying and Storage Method

1. Collect green onion roots separately when preparing green onions.
2. Wash thoroughly multiple times to completely remove soil.
3. Soak in water for about 30 minutes to remove remaining debris.
4. Drain on a strainer and dry thoroughly in sunny, well-ventilated areas.
5. Once completely dried, store in plastic bags, refrigerated or at room temperature.
6. Use as needed for broth or tea.
   
   

4. Using Green Onion Roots for Broth

Boil 5-6 dried green onion roots with 1L of water to make broth. This broth can be used as a base for soups and stews, simultaneously adding flavor and health benefits. It's especially useful in cold winter soups to warm the body.

5. My Personal Green Onion Root Experience

I used to catch colds frequently during seasonal changes. Over-the-counter cold medicines made me drowsy, interfering with daily life. Then I started drinking green onion root tea that my grandmother taught me.

Initially, I worried about the onion smell, but when I actually brewed it, it had a subtle sweetness that made it surprisingly pleasant to drink. Especially when drinking green onion root tea at the onset of cold symptoms and sweating under blankets, I experienced symptoms dramatically improving the next day.

Now, whenever I prepare green onions, I collect and dry the roots to use in broths. Utilizing what I used to discard is economical and health-promoting - killing two birds with one stone. It's especially great that I can give it to my children without worry when they have colds.

Conclusion

Green onion roots (Chongbaek) are precious natural cold remedies commonly found in our kitchens but previously discarded without thought. They have excellent benefits for inducing sweating to expel cold, reducing fever, and strengthening immunity, making them particularly effective in early-stage colds.

For those worried about over-the-counter cold medicine side effects or wanting to protect health naturally, green onion roots can be an excellent alternative. However, avoiding excessive intake and consuming appropriate amounts according to one's constitution is important.

From now on, don't discard green onion roots - wash them clean, dry them, and use them when experiencing cold or body ache symptoms, or when immunity boost is needed. Small practices become great strength in protecting your and your family's health.

[ References ]

1. RFA Free Asia Broadcasting - Green Onions and Our Health
2. Health Kyunghyang - Han Dong-ha's Food Medicine Classic, Green Onions Hollow Inside but Full of Health
3. Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine Herbal Resources Research Center - Chongbaek Medicinal Information
4. Donguibogam - Chongbaek Benefits and Prescription Records
5. Bencao Gangmu - Chongbaek Properties and Pharmacological Actions

#GreenOnionRoot #Chongbaek #ColdRemedy #NaturalMedicine #FeverRelief #HerbalTea #ImmuneBoost #TraditionalMedicine #HealthTea #NaturalHealing