Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews

Overview

Asafoetida is a plant that has a bad smell and tastes bitter. It is sometimes called “devil’s dung.”

People use asafoetida resin, a gum-like material, as medicine. Asafoetida resin is produced by solidifying juice that comes out of cuts made in the plant’s living roots.

People use asafoetida for conditions such as breathing or throat problems, digestion problems, or by women to restart their menstrual periods after menstruation has stopped for some reason. Asafoetida is also sometimes applied directly to the skin for corns and calluses, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

In manufacturing, asafoetida is used as a fragrance in cosmetics and as a flavoring ingredient in foods and beverages. Asafoetida is also used in products meant to repel dogs, cats, and wildlife.

There is some scientific evidence that the chemicals in asafoetida might help treat irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and also might protect against high blood levels of certain fats including cholesterol and triglycerides. Chemicals called coumarins in asafoetida can thin the blood.

Uses & Effectiveness ?

Insufficient Evidence for

• Asthma.
• Bronchitis.
• Convulsions.
• Corns and calluses.
• Hysteria.
• Intestinal gas.
• Irritable colon.
• Menstrual problems.
• Nerve disorders.
• Stomach upset.
• Other conditions.

More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of asafoetida for these uses.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Asafoetida is LIKELY SAFE for most people in the amounts typically found in foods. There is some evidence that asafoetida is POSSIBLY SAFE when taken by mouth as medicine. It might cause swelling of the lips, burping, intestinal gas, diarrhea, headache, convulsions, blood disorders, and other side effects.

When applied to the skin: There isn’t enough reliable information to know if asafoetida is safe or what the side effects might be.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: Asafoetida is LIKELY SAFE for most people in the amounts typically found in foods. There is some evidence that asafoetida is POSSIBLY SAFE when taken by mouth as medicine. It might cause swelling of the lips, burping, intestinal gas, diarrhea, headache, convulsions, blood disorders, and other side effects.

When applied to the skin: There isn’t enough reliable information to know if asafoetida is safe or what the side effects might be. Pregnancy and breast-feeding: It is LIKELY UNSAFE to take asafoetida by mouth if you are pregnant. It might cause a miscarriage. Avoid use.

It is UNSAFE to take asafoetida by mouth if you are breastfeeding. The chemicals in asafoetida could pass into breast milk and cause blood disorders in the nursing infant. Avoid use.

Children: Asafoetida is UNSAFE for infants when taken by mouth because it might cause certain blood disorders.

Bleeding disorders: There is concern that asafoetida might increase the risk of bleeding. Don’t use asafoetida if you have a bleeding disorder.

Epilepsy or history of convulsions: Don’t use asafoetida if you have epilepsy or some other central nervous system condition that might lead to seizures or convulsions.

Stomach and intestinal (gastrointestinal, GI) problems: Asafoetida can irritate the GI tract. Don’t use it of you have a GI infection or other GI condition.

High blood pressure (hypertension) or low blood pressure (hypotension): There is some concern that asafoetida might interfere with blood pressure control. Avoid use if you have a blood pressure problem.

Surgery: Asafoetida might slow blood clotting. There is concern that asafoetida might increase the risk of bleeding during and after surgery. Stop taking asafoetida at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.

Interactions ?

Moderate Interaction

Be cautious with this combination

• Asafoetida seems to decrease blood pressure. Taking asafoetida along with medications for high blood pressure might cause your blood pressure to go too low.

  Some medications for high blood pressure include captopril (Capoten), enalapril (Vasotec), losartan (Cozaar), valsartan (Diovan), diltiazem (Cardizem), Amlodipine (Norvasc), hydrochlorothiazide (HydroDiuril), furosemide (Lasix), and many others.

• Asafoetida might slow blood clotting. Taking asafoetida along with medications that also slow clotting might increase the chances of bruising and bleeding.

  Some medications that slow blood clotting include aspirin, clopidogrel (Plavix), diclofenac (Voltaren, Cataflam, others), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others), naproxen (Anaprox, Naprosyn, others), dalteparin (Fragmin), enoxaparin (Lovenox), heparin, warfarin (Coumadin), and others.

Dosing

The appropriate dose of asafoetida depends on several factors such as the user’s age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for asafoetida. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.

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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020.

What Is Asafoetida? Benefits, Side Effects, and Uses

Asafoetida (Ferula asafoetida) is the dried sap — or gum resin — obtained from the roots of Ferula plants. It’s commonly dried, ground into a coarse, yellow powder, and used for either culinary or medicinal purposes (1, 2, 3).

While it’s native to Afghanistan and Iran, asafoetida is commonly used in Indian cuisine, where it’s referred to as hing (1).

As a seasoning, asafoetida is known for its strong, pungent odor, which is due to its high concentration of sulfur compounds. In fact, due to its unpleasant smell, it’s sometimes referred to as stinking gum (4).

However, when cooked, its flavor and smell become much more palatable and are often described as being similar to those of leeks, garlic, and even meat (1, 4).

In Ayurvedic medicine, hing is used to aid digestion and gas, as well as treat bronchitis and kidney stones. During the Middle Ages, some people wore the dried gum around their necks to help ward off infection and disease (4).

Still, many traditional uses of asafoetida haven’t been proven by modern science.

This article examines the benefits, downsides, and uses of asafoetida.

While research is limited, asafoetida may offer a few health benefits.

Good source of antioxidants

Asafoetida has been found to be a good source of antioxidants (1, 5, 6).

These compounds help protect your cells against potential damage caused by unstable molecules called free radicals. As a result, antioxidants may also help protect against chronic inflammation, heart disease, cancer, and type 2 diabetes (7, 8).

Specifically, asafoetida has been shown to contain high amounts of phenolic compounds, such as tannins and flavonoids, which are known for their potent antioxidant effects (6, 9).

While test-tube and animal studies have found asafoetida to exhibit anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity, more research needs to be done on its potential antioxidant effects in humans (5, 10).

Additionally, as asafoetida is used in such small amounts in cooking, it’s unclear whether culinary use of the spice provides these benefits.

May be good for digestion

One of the most common uses of asafoetida is as an indigestion aid (1).

In one 30-day study including 43 adults with moderate to severe indigestion, those taking 250-mg capsules containing asafoetida twice a day reported significant improvements in bloating, digestion, and overall quality of life, compared with a placebo group (11).

This study was funded by the company that produced the supplement, so that may have influenced the results.

Asafoetida has also been shown to help boost digestion by increasing the activity of digestive enzymes. Specifically, it may increase the release of bile from your liver, which is needed for digesting fat (1, 12).

While the spice is also frequently used to prevent or reduce gas after eating, no research currently supports this effect.

May help reduce symptoms of IBS

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic digestive condition that’s characterized by abdominal pain or discomfort, bloating, and gas, as well as constipation, diarrhea, or both (13).

Due to its potential effects on digestion, asafoetida is thought to help reduce symptoms associated with IBS.

Two small studies in adults with IBS found a significant improvement in reported IBS symptoms after 2 weeks of taking asafoetida supplements. Yet, another study found that this supplement had no effect on IBS symptoms (14).

Overall, the available research is quite limited.

However, one less direct way that asafoetida may benefit people with IBS is as a substitute for onion and garlic in cooking, as it offers a similar flavor.

Onion and garlic contain high amounts of fructans, which are indigestible, fermentable carbs that may cause digestive distress in some individuals with IBS (15, 16, 17).

Other possible benefits

While studies on asafoetida are limited, early research suggests that it may have additional benefits, including:

• Antibacterial, antifungal, and antimicrobial effects. Test-tube studies have found that asafoetida may protect against pathogens, such as various strains of Streptococcus bacteria (1, 18, 19).
• May help lower blood pressure. Asafoetida may help lower blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels. However, research is limited to animals (1, 20).
• Potential anticancer effects. Animal and test-tube studies suggest that asafoetida may help stop the growth and spread of certain cancer cells, including breast and liver cancer (1, 21, 22).
• May protect brain health. Several animal studies have indicated that asafoetida may help safeguard against memory loss and nerve damage in the brain (23, 24).
• May ease asthma symptoms. Animal studies have shown asafoetida to have a relaxing effect on airway smooth muscles, which is important for the treatment of asthma (25, 26, 27).
• May lower blood sugar levels. One study in rats found that 22.7 mg of asafoetida extract per pound (50 mg per kg) of body weight helped reduce fasting blood sugar levels (1, 4).

While these animal and test-tube studies may be promising, human research is lacking.

It’s also worth noting that these studies use a concentrated form of asafoetida rather than the amounts typically used when cooking. As a result, culinary uses of the spice may have minimal effects.

summary

Asafoetida is rich in antioxidants and may provide multiple benefits, particularly for digestive health. However, further research in humans is necessary.

While research on the safety of asafoetida in humans is limited, the amounts of asafoetida that are typically used in cooking are thought to be generally safe.

A 30-day study in humans found that participants tolerated 250 mg twice per day well (11).

However, animal studies suggest that large doses of asafoetida may cause gas, diarrhea, anxiety, headaches, and mouth swelling. Also, a study in mice suggests possible liver toxicity at daily doses of 91 mg per pound (200 mg per kg) of body weight for 6 weeks (1, 28).

Additionally, due to a lack of research, asafoetida isn’t recommended for children or those who are pregnant or breastfeeding (1).

Because it may lower blood pressure or thin blood, people on blood pressure medications or blood thinning drugs should avoid asafoetida supplements (4).

When used as a spice, asafoetida is often mixed with either wheat or rice flour. As a result, asafoetida (or hing) products may not be gluten-free.

If you have any questions or concerns, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional before trying asafoetida.

summary

When used in small amounts for cooking, asafoetida is likely safe. However, due to a lack of research, you should avoid this supplement if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.

Asafoetida has been used for thousands of years to flavor dishes. In fact, ancient Romans used to store it in jars alongside pine nuts to be used as a seasoning (4).

Today, ground asafoetida powder, often labeled as hing, can be found online and at some Indian grocery stores.

If you follow a gluten-free diet, make sure to look for hing powder that’s blended with rice flour instead of wheat.

In the kitchen, it’s recommended to add it to hot oil or another source of fat to help reduce its sulfurous flavor and smell.

In Indian cuisine, hing powder is often paired with other spices like turmeric or cumin to provide a savory, umami flavor to lentil- or vegetable-based dishes. In France, it’s sometimes added to steaks (4).

As a supplement, asafoetida is available in capsule form. While one study found 250 mg twice daily to be an effective dose, overall research on proper dosage is lacking (11).

summary

Asafoetida or hing powder imparts a savory, umami quality to cooked dishes. While asafoetida is also sold as a supplement, a safe and effective dose hasn’t yet been established.

Asafoetida is a dried plant sap that has been used for centuries for its potential health benefits and unique flavor.

It has been shown to be a good source of antioxidants. While limited research suggests multiple benefits — particularly for digestive health — much more human research is needed.

Still, when ground into a powder, this ingredient — also known as hing — makes a great addition to your spice cabinet. A small pinch can add a savory, umami quality to dishes like curries, lentil dal, soups, and stews.

Just one thing

Try this today: If you’re interested in trying hing in the kitchen, check out our article on scrumptious, healthy dishes from across India to brainstorm for your next meal.

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Asafoetida – useful properties and contraindications

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Spices and health

Article reviews ( 3 )

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• What is asafoetida?
• How to replace asafoetida and how to apply?
• Health benefits of asafoetida
• Asafoetida contraindications

What is asafoetida?

There is a perennial herbaceous plant of the genus Ferula that exudes a special type of juice from its tap root. This juice is a resin (latex) called asafoetida. The second fairly well-known name of asafoetida is Ferula.

Native to Iran and the Middle East, but widely cultivated in India. The powder has been used for thousands of years in its native lands, and only in the 16th century did it enter the dishes of Europeans.

Asafoetida spice can be purchased from our shop:

Although the resin has a rather pungent smell, it is widely used in cooking, cooking, medicine and especially in Ayurveda. It is worth noting that the price of asafoetida depends on its concentration.

The effective and real benefits of asafoetida appear in the field of herbal medicine, where it has dozens of useful properties and purposes. The resin is made up of 15% essential oils, including ferulic acid, terpenes, coumarins and many other health benefits.

How to replace asafetida and how to use it?

The taste and aroma of the powder resembles a mixture of onion and garlic, the best chefs have concluded that it can be replaced with juice of onions, leeks and garlic. Its pungent odor tends to be reduced to more tolerable levels when cooked in oil or ghee.

Photo of asafoetida:

Benefits of asafoetida

1. Cancer prevention. There is a huge amount of research in the world regarding the prevention and treatment of cancer. The asafoetida plant has received significant attention in this medical field. One teaspoon of asafoetida powder contains a high concentration of antioxidants, namely ferulic acid, ash and sulfur. With the help of these chemical constituents, spices actively seek out and neutralize free radicals in the body, which are directly related to the reduction of cancer cells.
2. Pain relieving properties. Although the exact mechanism of pain relief is still a bit of a mystery to medical professionals, asafedita is recommended as a safe analgesic for a wide range of pain levels: chronic pain, pain from trauma or surgery, colic, pain in babies. The spice is also known as a remedy for pain relief in bloating, elimination of flatulence. Regardless of pain symptoms, doctors recommend buying and adding asafoetida powder to your diet.
3. Skin protection. Insect bites that are accompanied by itching and irritation. Fortunately, it is recommended to apply asafoetida resin paste directly to the affected area. Thus, such a tool accelerates the healing process, reduces inflammation.
4. Asafoetida for men and women. The Indian spice has been used since ancient times as a sexual stimulant. The powder is used to eliminate the symptom of impotence in men and infertility in women. It increases hormonal activity, increases energy and blood flow.
5. Digestive system. The asafoetida herb is often prescribed by physicians for those suffering from gas, intestinal worms, indigestion, and just about any other gastrointestinal problem. This can include reduced spasms, constipation, diarrhea, ulcers, excess flatulence, food poisoning, and even colorectal cancer.
6. Respiratory system. As an antiviral antibiotic, anti-inflammatory expectorant, asafoetida is ideal for treating respiratory problems. The spice can help eliminate excess mucus and phlegm from the lungs and respiratory ducts, and most importantly, neutralize bacteria or pathogens at the same time. Asafoetida actively helps to boost the immune system, make it easier to breathe if you have asthma.
7. Headache. The anti-inflammatory property of asafoetida is used for prolonged headaches associated with inadequate blood flow in the capillaries. Thus, the powder is able to eliminate excess free radicals and stress. It also effectively treats migraines.
8. Nervous disorders. Smog asafoetida is used as a treatment for hysteria, mood swings, chronic anxiety, depression and stress. The spicy ingredients will calm the body and mind, thereby not harming the nervous system and the digestive tract.
9. Reproductive health. The hormone progesterone, which is an important element for female reproductive health, is produced by asafoetida. This benefit of the powder can help increase the safety of expectant mothers by preventing preterm labor, excessive bleeding, and infertility. The spice also reduces menstrual symptoms for women in general.
10. Tooth and ear pain. A popular traditional use of asafoetida in India is in the treatment of tooth and ear pain. It is recommended to rinse the mouth with a solution of asafoetida and water for toothache. And if coconut oil is added to it, then the mixture is ideal for ear pain. Both of these benefits are due to the anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antibacterial effects of this beneficial and versatile herb.

Asafoetida contraindications

• Excessive consumption of the Indian spice asafoetida can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, discomfort and urination
• If the spice is used for a long time, the menstrual cycle may be disturbed in women.
• Before using the powerful substance asafoetida powder, it is recommended to seek the advice of a doctor (if we are talking about doses above average).

Author of the article: Antonova I.G. (associate professor of KNRTU)

Publication date: 10-10-2015

Updated date: 08-19-2020

Publication rights holder: Deluxe Spice Shop

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what it is, what is its use, how to use it in cooking

Asafoetida is the most important spice in Indian vegetarian cooking. It is called the food of the gods because of its great health benefits. On pripravkino.ru you will learn what asafoetida is, why some love it very much, while others cannot stand it, as well as what useful properties it has and how to use it correctly.

What is asafoetida?

Asafoetida is the dark brown hardened resin of the perennial Ferula plant used as a spice with a sharp bitter taste and a strong smell reminiscent of a mixture of onions and garlic.

This seasoning is very popular in India, where it is used to flavor numerous dishes, including dal and various chutneys.

To make the taste and smell of asafoetida less intense, it is usually mixed with rice, wheat or grain flour and sold in powder form. In India, you can buy spice in its pure form, it must be fried in oil before use. Asafoetida powder does not require any preparation.

Asafoetida looks like – photo

Fresh asafoetida is greyish white but darkens with age to yellow, red and eventually brown.

How and where it grows

Asafoetida is a perennial plant of the Umbelliferae family (the same as carrots). It has an unpleasant odor and a bitter taste. This explains why asafoetida is sometimes called:

• Ferula stink
• Devil’s Dung
• Stinky gum
• Evil spirit

Botanical name – Ferula asafoetida In nature, it can reach a height of about 4 m. Distributed in Iran, Afghanistan and northern India. It blooms only once, and then dies.

The genus Ferula includes dozens of species of fairly large plants with wide leaves and tall stems. As a spice, resin of only one variety is used – “stinky”, or asafoetida. Others are used for the production of medicines.

• Aerial part of the plant – thin leaves and stems with yellow flowers.
• Underground – thick and fleshy roots.

The whole plant exudes a characteristic powerful smell, which many find very unpleasant. From the thick stems and root, when cut, a milky resin is released, which is used to make spices. The plant gains weight and reaches maturity by 5-8 years.

“Asafetida” is one of the beautiful names of spices, there are also “hing ilan”, “asmargok”, other names are not so harmonious and can discourage appetite.

How the seasoning is made

The resin is collected from asafoetida plants that are at least 4 years old.

Resin is collected before flowering, when the lower leaves turn yellow, because in flowering plants the amount of juice is sharply reduced, and the root becomes fibrous.

1. The tops of the roots are notched, then several times, at intervals of several days, the secreted milky juice is collected.
2. To obtain the spice, the collected juice is kept to thicken and ripen in pits lined with stems and leaves, and then formed into lumps and briquettes.
3. Further, this mass is re-cleaned from fragments of roots, stems, earth, sand and sorted.

Lactic sap collection lasts about 3 months before the root dries up. Up to 900 g of resin is obtained from one plant.

What does asafoetida smell and taste like

Many people find the smell of asafoetida disgusting and describe it as a combination of dung and boiled cabbage. To some, it resembles sulfur. Indeed, raw asafoetida has a pungent smell of spoiled garlic. However, it completely changes when added to hot dishes. Sulfur compounds, which cause a specific smell, volatilize when heated.

As it cooks, the asafoetida flavor transforms into a more delicate, onion-garlic mixture, but with a pronounced garlic aroma.

Smell is affected by several factors – the part of the plant from which the resin is extracted, the time of collection, the method of manufacture, the purity and the amount of impurities.

The spice is spicy in taste, somewhat reminiscent of garlic and is also felt in the mouth for several hours.

How to choose and where to buy

Asafoetida is sold as a resin or powder. You can buy it in various packaging in stores with Indian goods and spices, online stores. It is better to buy it in small quantities, it is spent very economically.

According to quality, this spice is divided into two categories and three grades:

• Hing (Hing)

1. Hadda
2. Shabani
3. Kabulidana

• Hingra

The Hingra category is not divided into grades, as it is the lowest in quality.

Purified (100%) asafoetida of the highest grade Hing consists of round resin granules 5-30 mm in size. It should not contain other resinous plants, artificial colors, debris and impurities.

To determine if purchased asafoetida is pure, place a portion of the powder in a glass of water. If it sinks to the bottom, it means that there are a lot of impurities in it. Pure asafoetida should dissolve slowly and completely, making the water cloudy but leaving no residue.

Bandhani Hing or compounded asafetida – in the form of a white, light yellow or yellow powder. As a rule, the mixture consists of ground ferula resin and filler in the form of starch or grain flour and turmeric. The composition and proportions of the mixture vary depending on the manufacturer, the amount of pure asafoetida in powder ranges from 5 to 50%.

A popular asafoetida brand is Vandevi from India. It can be recognized by its bright packaging in the signature yellow and blue colors.

Counterfeits

Galbanum, a uterine resin obtained from other species of the ferula plant, can sometimes be passed off as asafoetida. Outwardly, these are grains of a dirty brown color, the size of a pea. The taste is bitter, unpleasant, similar to musty onions, but sharper and more repulsive. The smell when rubbed resembles fresh rubber (rubber). Galbanum should not be consumed as a spice. It is used only as a medicine.

Sometimes asafoetida is adulterated by mixing it with wheat flour and gum arabic.

How and how long it is stored

Asafoetida is stored in a tightly closed container because of the strong and pungent odor that can be drunk on neighboring spices and products. The shelf life of asafoetida powder in a cool, dry and dark place is up to a year. Even when ground, it retains a powerful aroma under proper storage conditions.

Pure asafoetida pieces will keep indefinitely.

Culinary uses of asafoetida

This spice is mainly used in vegetarian Indian cuisine as a substitute for onions and garlic.

Where to add

Asafoetida is put:

• in meat dishes;
• in curry;
• dishes of beans and beans, rice;
• in canned vegetables;
• in mushroom dishes;
• in stewed vegetables.

When and how to add

Asafoetida pieces are added to the liquid or oil part of the dish at the beginning of cooking so that they can dissolve and be evenly distributed in the food. Powder – when everything is almost ready.

To prepare masala (fried spices in oil), 100% asafoetida is taken on the tip of a knife and fried all together.

What goes well with

When combined with other spices, asafoetida creates a wonderfully appetizing aroma. It pairs well with turmeric, cumin, mustard, and ginger.

How much asafoetida to add

In India, resin pieces are traditionally used, but here asafetida is most often found in powder form. Ground asafoetida is usually almost half mixed with rice flour, starch, turmeric, so it is put in dishes in smaller quantities.

If using unground asafoetida, cut off a piece no larger than a peppercorn.

The powdered form is added in amounts ranging from a pinch to half a teaspoon, depending on how much asafoetida is in that particular brand.

• 1 tsp. resin is about 4 grams
• 1 tsp powder – 2 grams

For example, to make curry for 1 kg of food you will need:

• Powder – ¼ tsp
• Resins – at the tip of a tsp.

Substitute for asafoetida in recipes

If you can’t find asafoetida, there are several food combinations you can use to replace it.

1. Onion + garlic. A mixture of onion and garlic powder in a 1:1 ratio is similar to the taste of the powdered form of asafoetida. This means that you can take the same amount of mixture as the spice recipe calls for and achieve a similar result.

If using fresh vegetables: half a teaspoon of asafoetida powder corresponds to half a medium-sized onion, combined with a large clove of garlic.

2. Leek + fresh garlic. Leek will bring a mild onion flavor to the dish, and fresh garlic will add spice. Together they will effectively replace asafoetida. Before adding to the dish, grind them and fry in ghee or vegetable oil. To start, take a small amount of the 50/50 mix, taste it, and adjust the amount.

3. Garlic onion. This is one of the varieties of green onions. It has a garlic flavor that complements its mild onion flavor. It is also a good substitute for asafoetida.

Asafoetida surprises with its unusual name and disgusting smell when raw. However, when used correctly, it adds a special savory taste to dishes, as well as brings health benefits.

Chemical composition

Asafoetida is a source of vitamins, nutrients and minerals. Its calorie content is 295 calories.

Nutritional value of 100 g pure asafoetida

Item	Number
Calories	295 cal
Carbohydrates	67. 8 g
Water	16.0 g
Protein	4.0 g
Fats	1.1 g
Fiber	4.1 g
Calcium	690 mg
Phosphorus	50 mg
Iron	39 mg
Carotene	4 mcg
Riboflavin	40 mcg
Niacin	300 mcg
Magnesium	80 mg
Copper	430 mcg
Manganese	1120 mcg
Zinc	830 mcg
Chrome	79 mcg

Asafoetida is 15% volatile oils, including ferulic acid, some tannols, and a number of other active ingredients that contribute to its health benefits.

Health Benefits

Asafoetida has many beneficial properties due to the compounds it contains.

• Effective for the treatment of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. The antispasmodic and carminative properties of asafoetida are used to cure indigestion, constipation and flatulence.
• The spice helps with asthma, bronchitis and other respiratory diseases due to its antiviral and anti-inflammatory effects. Asafoetida works as an expectorant that gets rid of the accumulation of phlegm.
• Useful for women, especially those who have painful menstruation. By increasing progesterone levels, asafoetida relieves pain and helps regulate the cycle.
• Lowers blood pressure. Asafoetida contains coumarin, which thins the blood and reduces its clotting. Thanks to anticoagulant properties, triglycerides and cholesterol return to normal. As a result, high blood pressure is reduced.
• Useful in diabetes. The tannins and ferulic acid in asafoetida extract help pancreatic cells produce more insulin. This lowers blood sugar levels.
• Beneficial for men: Asafoetida has been used for centuries to treat impotence.
• Acts as a mild pain reliever. Asafoetida also has anti-inflammatory properties, which reduce inflammation.
• Fights free radicals. The powerful antioxidant properties of asafoetida protect the body’s cells from harmful free radicals, thereby reducing the number of malignant cells in the body.

Pure asafoetida resin approved for use in modern European and American medicine. For medicinal purposes, the daily dose varies from 200 to 500 mg.

Contraindications (harms) and side effects

The benefits and harms of asafoetida depend on the amount consumed. It is safe for most people when used as a condiment. In medicinal dosages, asafoetida is recommended only according to indications and under the control of well-being.

Asafoetida contraindications:

• Pregnancy, as it contains substances that cause uterine contractions and miscarriage.
• Epilepsy or any other disorder of the central nervous system which may lead to convulsions.
• Breastfeeding as the chemicals in asafoetida can pass into milk and cause bleeding disorders in the infant.
• Problems with the gastrointestinal tract, since asafoetida irritates the walls of the stomach and intestines.

Not recommended:

• Take at least 2 weeks before elective surgery as asafoetida slows blood clotting.
• Children under five years of age as it may cause certain blood disorders.
• Taken together with antihypertensive drugs can lead to a strong decrease in blood pressure.
• Taken with drugs that also thin the blood, as it increases the likelihood of bruising and bleeding.

Asafoetida can cause individual reactions in some people: swelling of the lips, belching, intestinal gas, diarrhea, headache, convulsions and other side effects. In this case, its use should be abandoned and contact an allergist.

Although asafoetida is used in cooking to prevent problems with the gastrointestinal tract, flatulence or diarrhea can occur after excessive use of this spice.