Shallot, binomial name Allium Aggregatum / Allium Ascalonicum has been cultivated for over five thousand years and has been used in Siddha and Ayurveda Medical System due to its various medicinal properties. It is also commonly used in various Indian cuisines as an essential flavoring agent because; it contains very less amount of calories and packed with loads of nutrients. It is a vegetable that can be cooked or eaten raw. In Tamil language, it is called chinna vengayam or sambar vengayam.

It has rich source of vitamins such as vitamin A, pyridoxine, folates, thiamin, vitamin C etc. and also  it has good source of minerals such as iron, calcium, copper, potassium and phosphorous.

It has great anti-oxidant compounds which convert to allicin, when their cell surface is disrupted while crushing and chopping. Allicin is responsible for lowering the fats and waxes and also it has anti-blood coagulation, anti-hypertension, anti-cancer, antioxidant and anti-microbial effects.

Pyridoxine in shallots raises gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) chemicals in brain which may help in relieving anxiety, improving mood, reducing symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), and treating attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Some of the many benefits of Shallots include: 

• Anti-Bacterial

• Anti-Viral

• Anti-Diabetic

  • It prevents the degradation of insulin and increases the metabolism of glucose.

• Anti-Oxidant

  • It can help to strengthen your immune system and increase your body's fighting power against infection

  • It helps protect from lung, stomach and oral cavity cancers.

  • Improves stamina

  • Anti-Fungal

  • Anti-Inflammatory

• Blood Purifier

  • It helps liver in eliminating toxins from the body and improves blood circulation

  • It regulates the body’s  fluid levels

  • It helps for proper functioning of red blood cells  which improves your metabolism

• Hypolipidemic

  • It has very low fat content

  • Allicin in shallots reduces the cholesterol production

• May reduce cardiovascular risk

  • Produces an anti-coagulant that thins the blood and exhibit strong anti-platelet activity

  • Rich in its potassium helps in maintaining healthy heart by lowering blood pressure

  • Allicin in shallots is helpful in decreasing blood vessel stiffness, as they release chemical nitric oxide (NO) that lowers the high blood pressure.

• It is low in Sodium which is good for people who have high blood pressure and kidney problems

• It helps in proper functioning of nerve and muscle cells

• It helps soften stools and prevents constipation.

• It lowers blood pressure

• It helps hair growth

• Improves eye health and eye sight

Storage Method:

Fresh ones can be stored in cool, dry, well-ventilated area for about a month

Alternately, you can store them in the refrigerator, but they will only last for about 2 weeks.

The above information is to share the knowledge of Traditional Siddha Herbs and do not serve as a medical advice.