We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What are the Medical Uses of Asafetida?

Marjorie McAtee
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 8,879
Share

Asafetida, or asafoetida, is a gum resin commonly used in spices or to preserve food. Though clinical studies have not yet been conducted into asafetida's efficacy as a medicine, proponents believe that it has antispasmodic, antiviral, expectorant, and other helpful effects on health. Asafetida is typically derived from the rhizomes and roots of the plant F. asa-foetida, which is native to Western Afghanistan and Eastern Iran. It is believed to have a centuries-long history of medical use.

Asafetida gum resin is typically made by extracting sap from the roots of the plant F. asa-foetida. The process of creating gum resin from the sap of a single plant typically takes about three months. One plant typically produces 2.2 pounds (1 kg) of gum resin. The resin is said to have a foul odor and is typically yellowish to reddish-brown, with a bitter taste. It is believed to have been used historically to treat respiratory problems, abdominal tumors, and hysteria.

Today, asafetida is commonly used as a food spice or food preservative. Asafetida's medicinal use continues. The resin is believed to have antiviral properties, particularly against flu virus H1N1 or swine flu. Research suggests that asafetida's antioxidant properties may make it an effective chemotherapy agent.

Proponents of medicinal asafetida believe that it can treat asthma, bronchitis, and whooping cough. The resin is believed to have sedative properties and is still used to calm hysteria and nervous problems. Asafetida is often used to treat stomach cramps and is believed to have antiflatulent properties. The resin is also believed to have aphrodisiac, stimulant, diuretic, and contraceptive properties.

Asafetida gum resin typically consists of four to 20 percent F. asa-foetida oil, 40 to 60 percent resin, and 25 percent gum. The resin typically contains organic sulfur compounds including asadisulfide and tetrasulfides, which account for its foul odor and bitter taste. Carotene, niacin, riboflavin, calcium, and phosphorous are often found in the finished resin preparation.

Asafetida has been traditionally administered in doses ranging from 200 to 500 miligrams (0.01 to 0.02 ounces) per day. A dietary supplement of ground asafetida gum resin and hot water may be prepared and consumed twice a week. Asafetida gum resin is not considered toxic to adults. It is believed, however, to be potentially fatal to infants.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Marjorie McAtee
By Marjorie McAtee
Marjorie McAtee, a talented writer and editor with over 15 years of experience, brings her diverse background and education to everything she writes. With degrees in relevant fields, she crafts compelling content that informs, engages, and inspires readers across various platforms. Her ability to understand and connect with audiences makes her a skilled member of any content creation team.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Marjorie McAtee
Marjorie McAtee
Marjorie McAtee, a talented writer and editor with over 15 years of experience, brings her diverse background and education to everything she writes. With degrees in relevant fields, she crafts compelling content that informs, engages, and inspires readers across various platforms. Her ability to understand and connect with audiences makes her a skilled member of any content creation team.
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-are-the-medical-uses-of-asafetida.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.