Onions have a long history of medicinal use. Many experts believe that the first onions appeared in Central Asia. Most agree the vegetable has been cultivated for nearly 5,000 years and might be one of the first cultivated crops since they are easy to grow and transport, and have a long shelf life. Gaius Plinius Secundus (A.D. 23/24–79), called Pliny the Elder, cataloged how Romans used onions in Pompeii before being killed by the volcano. His documents showed that onions were used to induce sleep, heal toothaches and mouth sores, and address vision problems. Others have documented their use in the treatment of headaches and heart disease. In the Middle Ages, onions were used to help relieve headaches, hair loss, and help to pay the rent. The first pilgrims brought them on the Mayflower to America to cultivate, where they became one of the first products brought to market in …