Allium cepa (red onion)

Imagine standing in a warm stuffy room slicing strong onions, then think of the last time you went bicycling through a sea of pollen filled goldenrod (or whatever triggers your hay fever). Any difference except that one was more fun?
   Though irritating to the eyes, the tears usually don't burn, but if you chop long enough, the nose will burn and run - that's Allium cepa. Whether you get a Spring cold or a bout of hay fever, Allium cepa can bring great relief when burning watery nasal discharge makes the upper lip feel raw, and bland tears may stream down the cheeks, especially in damp cold weather.
   A headache often starts soon after the nose and eyes start flowing, which may be followed by a hacking cough, hoarseness and a raw sore throat that sends pain to the ears on swallowing.
   Though cold air makes their symptoms worse, people needing Allium cepa hate warm stuffy rooms. Oddly enough, its best patients will even crave a raw onion now and then.