Asafetida is commonly known as Hing in Hindi, it is a latex gum
extracted from several species of a perennial herb, Ferula.
It is available in
the market as solid mass or smaller pieces, as well as in the form of tablets
or powder. This powerful odor spice is commonly used in
Persian and Indian cuisine to flavor, and preserve the fragrance of food.
Due to its strong smell, it is also known as devil's dung. From a nutritional point of view, asafetida provides proteins, fiber, carbohydrates, calcium, phosphorus, iron, niacin, carotene, and riboflavin.
Due to its strong smell, it is also known as devil's dung. From a nutritional point of view, asafetida provides proteins, fiber, carbohydrates, calcium, phosphorus, iron, niacin, carotene, and riboflavin.
In addition to its culinary uses, asafetida has a
prominent place in traditional medicine. Its health benefits come from its
properties carminative, antiviral, antibacterial, antioxidant,
anti-inflammatory, anticoagulant, antispasmodic, expectorant, sedative,
diuretic, vermifuge, emmenagogue, aphrodisiac, and anti-carcinogenic properties.
Considering it's numerous therapeutic and healing properties, this spice is also known as the "food of the gods".
1 It is used to treat stomach problems
Asafetida is a surprising species for the
treatment of various types of stomach problems. It's antispasmodic,
anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antiflatulent properties help to alleviate
problems such as indigestion, upset stomach, intestinal gas, intestinal worms,
flatulence and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It is also considered useful in
the treatment of food poisoning.
· · Consume a little asafetida daily adding it to curry and food.
· Another option is to dissolve a few pieces of asafetida in a cup and a half of water. Drink daily after eating your food.
2 Cures Respiratory disorders
Because of its anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and
antibiotic effects, asafoetida is often used to treat breathing problems such as
asthma, bronchitis, dry cough, whooping cough, and colds. In addition, it acts
as a respiratory stimulant, which is very useful in relieving chest congestion
and releasing phlegm.
· A paste
prepared by grinding asafoetida in water and then applying it to the chest is
an effective remedy to relieve cough.
· You can
also mix half a teaspoon of asafetida powder and dried ginger powder and two
tablespoons of honey. Take this mixture at least three times a day to get
relief from dry cough, whooping cough, bronchitis, and asthma.
3 Relieves menstrual problems
Asafetida is really a great help for women, since
it helps to eliminate menstrual pain, irregular menstruation, and abundant blood
flow during menstruation. Asafetida increases the secretion of progesterone and
promotes blood flow without problems, and therefore provides relief from these
very common female problems.
· Mix a
pinch of asafetida, half a teaspoon of fenugreek powder and salt to taste in a cup of milk.
· Drink
this two or three times a day for a month to relieve menstrual periods pain and
discomfort that accompany it.
4. Relieves headaches
If you have a headache due to a common cold or a
migraine, asafetida can certainly solve your problem. Due to its
anti-inflammatory properties, it can help reduce inflammation of the blood
vessels in the head, and in turn, reduce headaches.
· Heat a
pinch of asafetida in one and a half cups of water. Let it simmer for about 15
minutes and then drink a few times a day to relieve a mild tension headache.
5 Relieves toothaches
Due to its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and
antioxidant properties, asafetida helps relieve tooth pain and fight infection.
It can also help treat bleeding gums and tooth decay.
· Simply
place a small piece of asafetida on the affected tooth to get quick relief.
· You can
also make a mouthwash with asafetida. Boil a little asafetida in a cup of
water. When it is lukewarm, use it as a mouthwash.
· Another
option is to make a poultice by heating with half a teaspoon of asafetida in
two teaspoons of lemon juice. Soak a cotton swab in it and apply it on the
affected tooth.
Follow any of these remedies a couple of times a
day until you get relief.
6 Relieves earaches
The anti-inflammatory and antibiotic properties of
asafoetida can help relieve the earache caused by an infection.
· Heat
the coconut oil in a small pot.
· Add a
small piece of asafetida and let it melt.
· When it
is warm, use this mixture as eardrops.
· Two or
three drops of this solution can be used and repeated as necessary.
7 It is used to treat the pain of colic
L Asafetida can effectively relieve the pain
symptoms of colic in babies by soothing the mucous membranes lining the
gastrointestinal tract.
Before using asafetida for the treatment of colic
pain, make sure your baby is suffering from gas and not from any other problem.
If your baby's stomach is tight and swollen, it is probably gas
· Make a thin paste of asafetida and warm water.
· Apply
the paste around the navel area (do not put it in the navel).
· Repeat
as necessary.
Note: For
infants and young children, it is not advisable to give asafetida internally.
8 Prevents
cancer
As asafetida is a powerful antioxidant, which
helps protect the body against free radicals. Studies show its anti-cancer
property that helps stop the growth of malignant cells and therefore prevents
cancer.
Of the various compounds in asafetida that have
the potential to treat or prevent cancer, two compounds are more widely
studied, these are ferulic acid and umbelliprenin, which help prevent the development
of new cancer cells.
9 It is
used to treat impotence
Asafetida has also been used for centuries to
treat impotence or erectile dysfunction in men.
· Fry a
quarter of a teaspoon of asafetida in a little clarified butter.
· Remove
from the heat and mix with a half teaspoon of fresh latex from the fig tree and
a little honey.
· Take
this mixture once a day in the early morning for 40 days and you will notice
improvement in your condition.
According to a study in Egypt, asafetida is also
useful in the treatment of genital infections.
10 heals
insect bites and stings
Asafetida is also very beneficial in the treatment
of insect bites and bee and wasp stings. It relieves pain and inflammation and
helps reduce toxic effects. In fact, asafetida is also used in insect repellent
products to protect against mosquitoes, gnats and other insects due to its
pungent odor.
· Make a
paste of asafetida powder and water.
· Apply
it as a poultice on the affected area.
· Let it
dry and then rinse.
· Repeat
as necessary.
Caution
People who take medications for hypertension,
those who suffer from blood clotting problems and pregnant women should avoid
taking asafoetida.
Resources for Health Benefits of Asafetida:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3459456/
http://www.phytojournal.com/vol2Issue4/Issue_nov_2013/14.1.pdf
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