You’ve likely heard the old saying passed down through grandparents, great-grandparents, or family friends:

“Stick a few cloves into a peeled onion and leave it in your room overnight to help with a cold!”

It sounds unusual—almost like something from an old folk-healing handbook—but for generations, people across many cultures have relied on this simple ritual to ease congestion, freshen the air, or provide comfort during the sick, stuffy days of winter. This small tradition often appears during cold and flu season, when people hope for anything that might help them breathe easier or fall asleep more comfortably. Even though the practice may feel like pure folklore, there’s actually a blend of history, chemistry, and psychology behind it—even if the actual health effects are far more modest than the legends claim.

This remedy typically involves placing a clove-studded onion near your bedside or somewhere else in the home. While it won’t cure an illness, many people enjoy the scent, the ritual, and the sense of homey care it brings. Let’s explore what this method really is, what people claim it does, what science says about onions and cloves, and how to use it safely if you decide to try it.