Asafoetida is used in vegetables and pulses in all households. It enhances the aroma and taste of food and has many such health benefits due to which asafoetida is used in almost every kitchen. It helps to digest food quickly. Apart from this, asafoetida also works to reduce vomiting, stomach pain and other stomach-related problems. Therefore, asafoetida is considered a classy medicine in Ayurveda.

What is Asafoetida?

There are many species of asafoetida. Its plant is 1.5 to 2.4 meters high and fragrant and remains green for many years. There are a lot of branches in its trunk and the stem is soft. Resin or gum is obtained by making an incision in its stem and root, which is called asafoetida. It is usually dark red and brown in color and is known by many names in India such as Perungayam in Tamil, Inguva in Telugu, Kayam in Malayalam, Heenga in Marathi, and Yang in Kashmir.

Benefits of Asafoetida

Improves digestion-

Asafoetida helps in dealing with digestive problems. Its intake helps to flush out all the harmful toxins from the digestive system which keeps away problems like indigestion. It also controls the digestive process and keeps the pH level of the stomach normal.

Relief in stomach disorders-

Many diseases such as abdominal pain, bloating, gas and acidity affect the whole body. Asafetida is good as a home remedy to get rid of these diseases. For this, taking asafetida with lukewarm water eliminates stomach disorders. In this regard, scientific research on NCBI website shows that asafetida has analgesic properties which acts as pain relievers. Therefore, the consumption of asafoetida reduces abdominal pain. In addition, asafoetida increases the secretion of gastric juice and helps to absorb food better due to which it is easy to pass feces. As a result, the problem of constipation is relaxed.

For bronchitis and asthma-

Asafoetida is also good in getting rid of respiratory problems like bronchitis and asthma. The main reason for these problems arising is swelling of the respiratory tract. Asafoetida has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antifungal properties to protect against bronchitis and asthma and to fight infection by increasing immunity. Apart from this, asafoetida has an anti asthma effect which has a positive effect on the respiratory system and reduces problems like asthma.

Cold Prevention-

The properties of asafoetida include cold prevention. The anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antifungal properties present in asafoetida help to protect against cold. For this, drinking a pinch of asafoetida in lukewarm water gives relief to the body from cold. Apart from this, it also works to clean the upper respiratory system by removing the mucus from the mouth.

Effective in headache-

The anti-inflammatory properties of asafetida are effective in relieving headaches. It helps in reducing inflammation in the blood vessels of the head. For this, drinking asafetida in lukewarm water provides relief in headache.

Helps in reducing weight-

The intake of asafoetida water helps in increasing metabolism in the body which works to control abdominal obesity. Actually a higher metabolic rate means better weight loss. Therefore, to reduce weight, consuming asafetida water in the morning is a good solution.

As an antioxidant-

Asafoetida plays an important role as an antioxidant in many physical and mental problems. According to research published on the NCBI website, the antioxidant present in asafoetida works to increase the capacity of memory. Apart from this, asafoetida also works to reduce oxidative damage and oxidative stress. This reduces the risk of diabetes, metabolic disorder, high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, cardiomyopathy, cancer, and many other problems such as congestive heart failure. Therefore, the consumption of asafoetida is considered good for the body.

Antifungal activity-

Asafoetida is beneficial in the problem of fungus. According to medical research, asafoetida has antifungal activity which works against trichophyton in the body. Trichophyton is a type of fungus which causes itching and ringworm in the skin.

As an antidiabetic-

According to scientific research, antidiabetic activity is found in asafoetida extracts which has a positive effect against pancreatic B cells affected by diabetes. Apart from this, asafoetida works by reducing blood sugar and increasing the serum insulin level. Therefore, the consumption of asafoetida is a good option for diabetes.

Relief in Periods Pain-

Asafoetida is an excellent remedy for women to get rid of lower back and lower abdominal pain during menstruation. It works by thinning the blood and also helps to keep the blood flow in the body running smoothly which provides relief from period pain. For this, asafetida mixed lukewarm water should be consumed.

Beneficial for the skin-

The use of asafetida is beneficial for the skin. A scientific research published on NCBI website shows that ferulic acid is mainly found in asafetida which is a kind of antioxidant. Research also found that ferulic acid activates injury healing cells. It also protects the skin from the sun's UV rays. Apart from this, it also helps in getting rid of skin irritation and damage.

How to consume Asafoetida?

• Asafoetida is consumed by mixing it with lukewarm water.
• Asafoetida is used in curries.
• It is used to add tempering to lentils.
• Asafoetida is used to enhance the flavor of pickles.
• It is consumed by mixing it with honey and ginger juice.
• Asafetida can also be consumed by mixing it with jaggery.

Side effects of Asafoetida

• Asafoetida is hot in effect. Therefore, excessive intake can cause digestive problems and heartburn.
• Excessive intake of asafetida causes spots and rashes on the skin.
• A person with hyper-sensitivity should not use asafoetida.
• Excess intake of this can cause swelling in the mouth.
• Excessive use of asafetida can also cause headaches.
• Pregnant women should avoid excessive intake of asafoetida because it can cause blood related problems.