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~Onion: Allium cepa~

The Onion, also known as the Bulb Onion, Common Onion, is the most cultivated species of the genus Allium. Other kinds of Onion are the Japanese bunching Onion, Egyptian Onion, and the Canadian Onion. Onion is a biennial, but can also be perennial or even triennial. Onions usually have a golden-brown papery skin. Onions can also be white and purplelish-red. When the bulb of an onion is cut, it is composed of soft, pungent tissue. The flower stalk can sometimes be seen in the center. Onion has been used to make various dyes.

As all of you know, when you begin to cut an Onion, your eyes become irritated and your eyes begin to tear. To prevent eye irritation, you should cut your Onions in a basin of water or under a running sink. You may wear goggles as well. If you are wearing contact lens, this can lessen the irritation to the eye as it is protecting your eye in a way.

Medicinally, Onions are good for guarding against many chronic diseases. Onion can help combat heart disease, inhibit strokes, lower blood pressure and cholesterol, and stimulate the immune system. Onions have 25 compounds that help to inhibit the growth of cancerous cells.

In folklore, the Egyptians used to worship Onion, believing its spherical shape and concentric rings symbolized eternal life. They were used in burials as well. Athletes in Ancient Greece were given Onion to lighten their blood, and Gladiators were rubbed down with Onion to firm their muscles. In the Middle Ages, Onion was so important, people would pay rent with Onion, and give them as gifts.

The Magickal properties of an Onion are: Prosperity, stability, endurance, and protection. Burn an Onion to banish bad habits and negative influences. Cut onions in half and place in the corners of a room to absorb illness, then bury or burn the onion halves in the morning. Onions are also sacred to the moon.

I hope this has helped you.

~Amora

~Sources~
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Onion
http://www.herballegacy.com/Wilson_Medicinal.html
http://ezinearticles.com/?The-Marvelous-Onion---Facts-and-Folklore&id=1271698
http://socyberty.com/folklore/10-strange-superstitions-about-onion/
http://www.themagickalcat.com/Articles.asp?ID=242

All credit goes to these sites for the information I have gotten.