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An Instagram reel claims that onion, garlic, ginger, and lemon clears the respiratory airways. Hence, the claim by the user is FALSE.ClaimIn an Instagram reel, it is claimed that onion, garlic, ginger, and lemon clears the respiratory airways. In the reel by healthy.organic.ways it is said, "Add lemon to onion. Pharmacies don't want you to know this. In a blender, add one onion, two cloves of garlic, a few pieces of ginger, and the juice of three lemons. Blend for 1 minute. This will help expel phlegm, soothe the dry cough, and clear the respiratory airways."The claim can be accessed here.Fact CheckThe claim is FALSE. There’s no scientific evidence or medical consensus that onion, garlic, ginger, or lemon can clear the respiratory airways. In fact, respiratory airways cannot truly be cleared by any remedy.What are Respiratory Airways?Respiratory airways are the passages that allow air to move in and out of the lungs, forming an essential part of the respiratory system. They are divided into upper airways (nose, sinuses, pharynx, and larynx) and lower airways (trachea, bronchi, and bronchioles), which eventually lead to the alveoli where gas exchange occurs. Their main role is to provide a pathway for breathing, but they also filter, warm, and humidify air, protect against harmful particles, help clear mucus, and enable speech and smell.Can respiratory airways be cleared?It is not true that respiratory airways can always be completely cleared. While coughing, sneezing, and the mucociliary escalator (tiny hairs that move mucus upward) help remove irritants, mucus, or small particles, the airways cannot be entirely “cleaned out.” In some cases, blockages, chronic diseases (like asthma or COPD), infections, or structural problems prevent the airways from clearing themselves effectively. This is why medical treatments or interventions are often needed when airway obstruction or buildup occurs.What are the Nutritional Benefits of onion, garlic, ginger, and lemon?Onions are a low-calorie, nutrient-rich food used worldwide for flavoring dishes. They provide fiber, vitamin C, B6, potassium, folate, calcium, and iron, along with organosulfur compounds that may help lower blood pressure and cholesterol. Rich in quercetin, onions also offer anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and potential cancer-protective benefits.Garlic, a spice rich in polyphenols and organosulfur compounds, has been consumed since ancient times. Research shows it possesses antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cholesterol-lowering properties.Ginger is well known for its health-promoting and medicinal properties. Packed with bioactive compounds, it offers strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that protect against oxidative stress and strengthen the immune system. It helps reduce inflammation, ease muscle tension, and manage pain, while its immune-boosting qualities support overall wellness. These natural compounds make ginger a therapeutic food that contributes to better health and relief from various conditions, making it a beneficial part of a healthy diet.Lemon is a low-calorie fruit rich in nutrients and widely valued for its culinary, medicinal, and nutritional benefits. An unpeeled lemon has about 22 calories, while a tablespoon of lemon juice contains just 3 calories. A quarter cup of lemon juice offers around 31% of the daily vitamin C requirement, along with small amounts of folate and potassium.Can onion, garlic, ginger, and lemon clear the respiratory airways?Onion, garlic, ginger, and lemon may contribute to overall respiratory health because of their anti-inflammatory and immune-strengthening properties, but they do not actually “clear” blocked airways. It’s important to emphasize that respiratory airways cannot be cleared through such natural remedies.Onions are thought to act as natural expectorants. Research published in the Journal of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Research suggests they can help thin mucus and reduce its production. Garlic may help in managing respiratory conditions because of its anti-inflammatory effects. A study published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences, found that the sulfur compounds in garlic offer antioxidant, antibacterial, and antiviral benefits, which can reduce inflammation. These properties suggest that garlic could play a supportive role in improving respiratory health.Emerging research suggests ginger may help in managing respiratory conditions. In a study from the Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences, ginger exhibited protective effects against lung injury caused by high oxygen levels and inflammation, indicating its potential as an alternative treatment for bronchopulmonary dysplasia.Lemon has been shown to support respiratory health. According to a study by Iqra Ramzan et. al., it may help in managing conditions such as asthma, along with relieving nausea, throat infections, and fever.It can be concluded that there is no scientific evidence or medical consensus to back the...
