Asafoetida

Ferula asafoetida

Asafoetida is a perennial plant native to Afghanistan, Iran, and Pakistan. It grows six feet (two meters) tall from a fleshy taproot, and bears composite leaves and umbels of white flowers at its head. Asafoetida produces a gum gathered in summer from the roots of plants at least four years old (if a plant is not a minimum of four years old, its gum is considered worthless). The oldest plants are the most productive. The sterns are cut off, and successive slices are made through the roots. The gum wells up and is collected after it has hardened.

Despite its common name devil's dung, asafoetida was the favorite flavoring of ancient Rome. With a pungent aroma that is more persistent than garlic, asafoetida is still used as an ingredient in Worcestershire sauce.

Other names

• Devil's Dung
• Food Of The Gods
• Ferula asafoetida
• Narthex

Uses

According to ayurvedic medicine, asafoetida is a valuable spice and remedy for nervous disorders, colic, bowel spasms, and for spasmodic coughing due to whooping cough, pneumonia, and bronchitis. It is also regarded as an effective remedy for worms and other intestinal parasites. There have also been reports of people who have noticed benefits for flatulence, digestive weakness, candidiasis, and chronic fatigue.

Benefits of asafoetida for specific health conditions include the following:

• Colic. Asafoetida is a local stimulant of mucous membranes, especially in the alimentary tract. As a result, it is useful in reducing flatulence and easing colic, and as a laxative medicine.
• High cholesterol. Asafoetida oil, taken in a relatively high dose, has been shown to lower cholesterol levels associated with high fat consumption. (Unfortunately, the dosage of asafoetida in Worcestershire sauce does not compensate for the cholesterol in a steak.)
• Insect bites. Due to its pungent smell, asafoetida repels insects from the skin and body.
• Irritable bowel syndrome. Asafoetida oil relieves gas buildup and irritation in irritable bowel syndrome. It also calms muscle spasms and digestive disturbances associated with anxiety.
• Nervous disorders. Asafoetida was one of the most commonly prescribed herbs throughout the nineteenth century for the treatment of hysteria and for many symptoms associated with mood swings and depression.

Considerations

Asafoetida is used as powder or tincture. The pale yellow or orange-yellow essential oil, occasionally used in aromatherapy in place of garlic, is not a substitute.

The uncooked herb can cause nausea and vomiting. Using asafoetida over long periods may cause throat irritation, gas, diarrhea, and burning urination. This herb should be avoided during pregnancy. It may affect the menstrual cycle, and it is known to induce miscarriage.

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