What Is Asafoetida?
Asafoetida (Ferula asafoetida) is a wild perennial fennel plant that grows up to six feet and has pale greenish-yellow flowers. It takes about five years to reach maturity. It is a strange astringent ingredient with a foul smell due to its high concentration of sulfur compounds, thus giving it names like Devil’s Dung or Hing. There are two main varieties: the more popular Hing Kabuli Sufaid, a sweeter milky white that is water soluble, and Hing Lal, which is red, very bitter, and oil soluble.
Historical Significance
To understand why this herb is so important to the Indian culture, we must look at its history and religious beliefs. Hindus and the Hindu tradition of Jains do not believe in eating garlic, onions, or any of the plants in the Allium family. All these plants are considered too stimulating to the nervous system and major internal organs. The Hindus believe this detracts from focusing on the spiritual life and practices. Ayurvedic medicine also uses garlic to stimulate sexual desires as it is an aphrodisiac and thus is also a distraction from the spiritual life.
Current Research Experiment
Farmers in the northern valley of Luhaul, high in the Himalayan mountains of India, have been given 800 plants by the government research group, Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology, to cultivate as a pilot project. This area in the Luhaul Valley is a cold desert and ideal because asafoetida thrives in temperatures varying from 10–20 degrees C (50–68 degrees F). The soil is similar to the regions in Iran where a majority of the Indian import of asafoetida grows.
Medicinal Uses
Ayurvedic medicine, the traditional medical system of India for thousands of years, is based on three basic cleansing principles for balancing body, mind, and spirit. These three categories, called doshas, are Vata (air), Pitta (digestion), and Kapha (earth and water). As an alternative practice, treatments use holistic and natural approaches to healing. In addition to herbal medicines, it incorporates other healing methods like exercise, meditation, breathing, and physical therapy.
Today, Ayurveda uses asafoetida for many other ailments besides those of the stomach, such as those listed in the aforementioned paper. Breathing problems such as asthma and bronchitis are treated using a paste of asafoetida gently smeared around the chest and under the nose so that its aroma enters the body and lungs for a curative response. Often prescribed to kill parasites and worms, a paste can also be used directly on the skin to treat corns and calluses.
Side Effects and Risks
Although asafoetida has been used for thousands of years in Ayurvedic treatments, records show there are possible side effects and risks for some people if ingested in large amounts. Some have reported tingling of the lips, burping, intestinal gas, diarrhea, and headaches. It may cause nausea and vomiting because of its intense flavor.
Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid using asafoetida. The chemical substances in this spice might cause a miscarriage, and it has not been proven safe for babies.
Asafoetida is known to decrease blood pressure and slow blood clotting. Therefore, it is not recommended if you are taking medications for bleeding disorders, epilepsy, or high blood pressure.
Dosages have not yet been scientifically determined. Ayurvedic practitioners rely on their knowledge and experience to determine the appropriate amounts of asafoetida to prescribe depending on the ailment and the patient’s dosha. Those with questions or concerns should seek a qualified practitioner before taking asafoetida.