Insect Bites and Stings

During the old times, tribesmen relieved the discomfort of insect bites and stings with onions, a plant they so revered they offered a prayer of thanks to the heavens while picking it. Recent studies show that when onions are chopped, alliin, the sulfur compound in the bulb is converted into a broad-spectrum antibiotic that helps keep bites from getting infected. Plus, it has a cooling effect, thanks to onion's moisture, that soothes the itch on contact.

It works internally and externally, so you can get relief by adding them to your favorite recipes, or you can apply them directly to skin. To do: Chop an onion, leek or scallion in half and let sit on skin for ten minutes.