Onion is strong antiseptic (during several famous wars, onions were used in extreme quantities to disinfect soldier wounds), and can also be used to increase blood circulation by applying it to the skin. Red onions are ubiquitous on salads, sandwiches and other raw preparations partly because of their appealing deep-purple color. Reddin warns, however, Red onions, specifically, can have a really peppery, spicy flavor to them.
