Asafoetida Health Benefits And Medicinal Uses

Asafoetida (Ferula asafoetida) is a common culinary spice, a perennial plant, known also as Giant Fennel, Hing, Ferula or Devil’s Dung. It is native to India, the Mediterranean region and the Middle East. In ancient times it was believed that Asafoetida can ward off evil spirits and demons. Health benefits of Asafoetida were used in Ancient Rome, where it was consumed along with garlic to banish many common diseases and ailments. In Asia, it was used to treat intestinal parasites and fungal infections.

Asafoetida consists of various natural elements: two thirds of it are carbohydrates, about 16% is water, and 7 % are minerals like iron, calcium, phosphorus, sulfur compounds and others. This herb is also a good source of fiber, proteins and vitamins. 100 g of Asafoetida powder has 297 calories. Since the early ages it’s known for its great sedative, spasmodic, expectorant, antibacterial, anti-fungal, carminative, nervine stimulant and other valuable medicinal properties. For preparing various herbal remedies and herbal preparations, mostly Asafoetida powder and tincture are used.

Though this medicinal plant has been used for many centuries in cooking as it adds a special flavor to the vegetable meals, the list of Asafoetida health benefits and medicinal uses is quite large. First of all, it can be used to treat various respiratory disorders like asthma, bronchitis, coughs and others. For this purpose, it is recommended to try Asafoedita concoctions or combine this herbal remedy with honey, onion juice and betel juice. Besides, this remedy can be used to treat many digestive problems and related ailments like flatulence, colic, abdominal pains,  spasmodic disorders, excessive gas, constipation, weak digestion and so on.

Another important type of Asafoetida health benefits is treating numerous women’s problems like painful or irregular periods, leucorrhoea, etc. Studies have shown that this medicinal herb can be used to prevent premature labor. Also this is one of the best natural remedies for post-delivery period as it can effectively cure various stomach disorders. In addition, natural remedies with Asafoetida can be recommended to men for treating impotency. Sedative and relaxing properties are also very important health benefits of Asafoetida which can be used to relieve the symptoms of nervous tension, depression, mood swings, hysteria, as well as children’s nervous disorders.

Since the early times Asafoetida was used to relieve the condition of those people who suffer from high blood pressure. It is considered one of the most effective herbal remedies to treat toothache: for this purpose, it can be combined with lemon juice. Other important Asafoetida health benefits include easing the condition of those who suffer from insect of snake bites, relieving migraines and headaches, being an antidote for opium. Do not forget to consult a health care specialist prior to starting any sort of therapy involving Asafoedita, because in some people this medicinal herb can cause side effects like nausea, dizziness, stomach burning, etc.

Author Info: Hi! My name is Carla and I am a 5th year medical student at HYMS. I am interested in alternative medicine and I have done months researching the topic of herbal medicine. Besides, I like interviewing people and learning more about their experiences with one or another type of herbal treatments. I am willing to contribute to this site with my knowledge, and I would be happy to help you out to the best of my ability with any specific questions or problems related to alternative medicine.

Comments are closed.