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Origin, Distribution and Composition
Asafoetida is a resinous gum of a tall perennial herb, with robust
carrot-shaped roots. It is dirty yellow in color with a pungent smell. It
is used as a flavoring agent and forms a constituent of many spice
mixtures.
Asafoetida has several varieties which are distributed from the
Mediterranean region to Central Asia. It is grown in Iran and Afghanistan.
The other species, known botanically as Ferula northex, grow abundantly in
Kashmir, Western Tibet and Afghanistan. It forms a good substitute for
asafoetida.
An analysis of asafoetida shows it to consist of carbohydrates 67.8 per
cent per 100 gms, moisture 16.0 per cent, protein 4.0 per cent, fat 1.1
per cent, minerals 7.0 per cent and fiber 4.1 per cent. Its mineral and
vitamin contents include substantial calcium besides phosphorus, iron,
carotene, riboflavin and niacin. Its calorific value is 297.
Asafoetida contains resin, gum, volatile oil and ash. The resin consists
chiefly of asaresinotennol, free or combined with ferulic acid.
Umbelliferone seems to be present in the combined state.
Healing Power and Curative Properties
Asafoetida has been held in great esteem amongst indigenous medicines from
the earliest times in India. It is reputed as a drug which expels wind
from the stomach and counteracts any spasmodic disorders. It is also a
nervine stimulant, digestive agent and a sedative.
Respiratory Disorders
Asafoetida is useful in the treatment of respiratory disorders like
whooping cough, asthma and bronchitis. About 3 to 6 centigrams of this
gum, mixed with 2 teaspoons of honey, a quarter teaspoon of white onion
juice and 1 teaspoon of betel leaf juice, taken thrice daily would keep
the patient away from such disorders.
Hysteria
The herb is an effective remedy for hysteria. Inhaling this gum prevents
hysterical attacks. An emulsion made by 2 grams of the gum with 120 ml of
water is a valuable enema per rectum in treating hysteria, when oral
dosage not advisable.
Impotency
The herb is beneficial in the treatment of impotency. About 6 centigrams
of asafoetida should be fried in ghee and mixed with honey and a teaspoon
of fresh latex of banyan tree. This mixture should be taken once daily for
40 days before sunrise. It is also considered a specific medicine for
spermatorrhoea and premature ejaculation.
Children's Disorders
The herb is extensively used in the treatment of nervous disorders of
children. There is an old European belief that a small piece of this gum,
hung around a child's neck, would protect it from many diseases,
especially germs which are sensitive to its particular odor.
Women's Ailments
The herb is considered useful in the treatment of several problems
concerning women such as sterility, unwanted abortion, pre-mature labor,
unusually painful, difficult and excessive menstruation and leucorrhoea.
About 12 centigrams of gum fried in ghee mixed with 120 grams of goat's
fresh milk and a tablespoon of honey, should be given thrice daily for a
month. It excites the secretion of progesterone hormone.
Asafoetida is also useful for women after childbirth. Owing to its
antiflatulent and digestive properties, the herb can be taken with
beneficial results during the post-delivery period. In southern India, the
powder of the herb mixed with rice is given to women after delivery.
Stomach Disorders
The herb is an effective remedy for several diseases of the stomach. It is
one of the best remedies available for flatulence and is an essential
ingredient for most of the digestive powders.
In case of flatulence and distension of the stomach, asafoetida should be
dissolved in hot water and a pad of cloth steeped in it may be used for
fomenting the abdomen.
Toothache
Asafoetida is useful in alleviating toothache. After being pestle in
lemon juice, it is slightly heated. A cotton piece, soaked in the lotion
and placed in the cavity of the tooth, relieves pain quickly.
Preparation and Doses: Asafoetida fried in ghee is administered either as
a solution, emulsion or pills. The dose is 30 to 90 centigrams. The
solution is made by thoroughly mixing 20 grams of the gum with half a
liter of hot water. The dosage for adults is one to two tablespoons and
one-fourth to half for children.
Other Uses
Antidote of Opium: The herb is used as an antidote of opium. Given in the
same quantity as opium ingested by the patient, it will counteract the
effect of the drug.
The gum resin is relished as a condiment in India and Iran where it is
used to flavor curries, meatballs, dal and pickles. It is used in Europe
and the United States in perfumes and for flavoring. The whole plant is
used as a fresh vegetable.
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