53-Health benefits of Asafoetida
Asafetida (Ferula Asafoetida) is recognized as other names: A Wei, Asafétida, Ase Fétide, Hing, Assant, Crotte du Diable, Devil’s Dung, Ferula Asafoetida, Ferula Assa Foetida, Ferula assa-foetida, Ferula foetida, Ferula pseudalliacea, Ferula rubricaulis, Férule, Férule Persique, Food of the Gods, Fum, Giant Fe…
Asafetida, also referred to as hing, is actually a latex gum obtained from numerous varieties of a perennial herb, Ferula. Asafetida can be found in the market like a solid brick or even smaller pieces, along with tablet or even powder form.
This particular potent-smelling spice is often utilized in Persian as well as Indian cooking for flavoring, food preservation as well as fragrance. Because of its powerful odor, Asafetida is additionally known as Devil’s dung. From the nutritional viewpoint, asafetida offers protein, fiber, carbohydrates, calcium, phosphorous, iron, niacin, carotene as well as riboflavin.
Along with its cookery uses, asafetida features a notable place in traditional medicinal practises. Its health advantages originate from its carminative, antiviral, anti-bacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticoagulant, antispasmodic, expectorant, sedative, diuretic, vermifuge, emmenagogue, aphrodisiac as well as anti-carcinogenic qualities.
Bouquet of Asafetida: a pungent smell of rotting onions or even sulfur. The smell disappears along with cooking.
Flavour of Asafetida: by itself, incredibly unpleasant, just like concentrated rotten garlic. Whenever cooked, Asafetida provides an onion-like taste.
Health benefits of Asafoetida
Asafoetida is really a latex gum extracted from a perennial plant. The latex is generally gathered in earthen pots as well as dried. It really is either packed in solid blocks or even powdered and sold. Asafoetida is commonly known as “Hing” in Hindi, “Perungayam” in Tamil. It is better buy in blocks, since they stay fresh longer and break it into tiny pieces, sun dry as well as store it. Asafoetida has a powerful stinky smell, that numerous don’t like. If we touch asafoetida with the hands, the smell may remain even after we wash our hands along with soap. You won’t ever discover a Indian household without this spice. We use it in nearly all our dishes in a small amount. Asafoetida aside from being an essential spice within our day to day cooking, occupies an essential place in natural home remedies too. Since we usually have asafoetida in your own home, it is among the first spice that people turn to, if any one is struggling with indigestion. Aside from utilizing it for indigestion, we also utilize it like a home cure for menstrual pain, ear ache, body pains as well as tooth ache. However individuals with high blood pressure levels should prevent taking asafoetida separately, since they hinder pressure medicines. Pregnant women and people struggling with blood clotting issues ought to practice caution whenever taking asafoetida separately.
Listed below are some health benefits of Asafoetida
- Respiratory Disorders
Hing, among the earliest treatments to use for the treatment of respiratory tract infections, behaves as a respiratory stimulant as well as expectorant to release phlegm as well as reducing chest blockage. Hing combined with honey as well as ginger is utilized for respiratory problems including constantly dry cough, whooping cough, bronchitis, asthma, etc. It’s already been successfully used to combat influenza. Research has shown that antiviral drug compounds made by the roots of the hing plant can easily kill H1N1, the swine flu virus and could be useful for new drug development against the virus.
- Menstrual Problem
Hing could be a effective against a number of women’s menstrual issues just like pain, cramps, abnormal periods as well as dysmenorrhoea. The herb is additionally beneficial in the management of candida infection as well as leucorrhoea (thick white/yellow coloured discharge from the vagina).It is definitely an advantage for ladies, since it helps you to eliminate menstrual pain. Asafoetida is fried in the empty kadai as well as powdered and also included with the buttermilk together with bit of sugar as well as provided to women along with menstrual pain also it really helps. Asafoetida consists of special chemicals which could thin the blood therefore making the blood flow easy. This particular remedy has been utilized for a long time within our village side and may help reduce the discomfort. The only con relating to this remedy is that the odor of asafoetida is extremely strong and it lingers within the mouth for quiet some time.
- Male Impotence
Natural remedies making use of this medicinal herb assist assuage sexual dysfunction. For problems associated with impotency a bit of asafetida fried in ghee might be taken just before sunrise, for around a month and a half, in conjunction with honey and also the gum procured from the banyan tree.
- Asafoetida for Digestive Health
Asafoetida is common as grandmas treatment for indigestion, for a long period now. Hence, it is really an crucial component utilized in ayurvedic formulations. That contains carminative properties, they encourage digestive health and offer immense rest from gastritis, indigestion, flatulence, colic, stomach pain, intestinal worms as well as irritable bowel syndrome. Consumed along with buttermilk, Asafoetida provides fast rest from unwanted gas as Asafoetida helps reduce the development of micro flora within the intestines. In India therefore, this spice is utilized liberally in curries using lentils, to enhance digestion. Besides assisting digestion, asafoetida likewise helps boost taste as well as increases hunger.
- For Stings
Asafoetida is extremely useful for dealing with stings of bees, wasps etc. The paste of asafoetida needs to be utilized like a poultice on the affected region as well as left to dry. To help make the paste, a little piece of asafoetida is rubbed on the stone, together with little water till you obtain a thick paste. Use this paste within the stings.
6.Worm Repellent
Possibly, the pungent odor of Asafoetida works in favor of its worms repelling advantage. It ought to be taken during the night along with warm water. It eliminates the intestinal worms whenever taken frequently along with Ajwain.
- For Tooth Ache
Asafoetida is excellent for the treatment of tooth pains. To create a poultice for tooth aches, create a paste of asafoetida and lemon juice in the mortar as well as pestle and use with the aid of a ear bud on the affected tooth. You’ll find your pain progressively reducing.
- Beneficial for H1N1
Research has shown that antiviral drug compounds made by the roots of the hing plant can easily kill H1N1, the swine flu virus and could be utilized for new drug development against the virus.
- Cholesterol Health
Because of asafoetida’s hypotensive advantages, the gum was utilized throughout ancient times, like a remedial measure to deal with hypertensive patients. Besides, the sulphur and also the cur cumin substances contained in the gum helps prevent thickening of the blood and facilitates circulatory health therefore serving as an all natural blood thinner. Additionally, particular anticoagulant qualities contained in the spice guard against rising triglycerides and blood cholesterol levels brought on due to fatty food intake. Taking asafoetida along with juice of bitter gourd is effective for blood sugar control, that is one of many contributing factors towards Cholesterol.
- Asafoetida Benefits for Neurological Health
Besides being effective for medical conditions, this particular medical herb additionally helps emotional health. Therefore, was most often suggested by herbal healthcare specialists for the treatment of neurological disorders since the spice consists of sedative properties which encourage sleep. As a result, it will help reduce signs of depression, anxiety disorders, panic attacks as well as mood swings. Apart from, breathing in the fumes of Asafoetida eliminates hysteric attacks.
- Increases Physical Well Being
Asafoetida works towards increasing and maintaining the heart health. Additionally it is an excellent respiratory medication towards cough as well as breathing issues. Therefore, it really is clear that this herbal spice boosts the supply of blood to all tissues and cells. This boosts and helps to ensure that every cell gets the needed oxygen content. Therefore, it lowers physical exhaustion by providing the tired tissues an opportunity to get repaired.
- For Ear Ache
Asafoetida is additionally extremely effective for treating ear ache /ear pain. Next time you will find your self along with ear ache, heat coconut oil in small pan and put in a small piece of asafoetida and allow it to melt. Once it gets to room temperature, use the oil within the ears together with your hands. This really is among the efficient treatments for ear pain which has been utilized for many years.
- Pain
Taking hing dissolved in water relieves migraines as well as headaches. A piece of hing combined with lemon juice could work miracles for the painful tooth.
- Antidote for Opium
Hing counters the effect of opium. Hence, it really is utilized as an opium antidote.
- Anti-Depressive Benefits
Asafoetida has got historically been utilized as an anti-depressive medication. Its capability to stimulate happiness and reduce the thoughts of failure as well as negativity causes it to be a robust natural anti-depressant too.
- Increases Metabolism
This unique health advantage aids several health problems. Asafoetida boosts the body’s metabolism largely. This enhances digestion of food. Therefore, it triggers fat metabolism too. This particular hampers the circulation of LDL (bad cholesterol) in the blood of humans. Therefore, Asafoetida keeps you safe of all of the heart disease caused by cholesterol formation as well as accumulation.
- Cancer
Hing is really a effective anti-oxidant as well as safeguards the body cells from free radicals. In accordance with research, the anti-carcinogenic property of hing prevents the development of cancerous cells.
- For Young Babies
For young babies, it’s not preferable to give asafoetida internally. Even for toddlers, they’ll refuse to drink it as it features a quite strong stinky odor. For the treatment of young babies, we make a paste from asafoetida and water and apply on the babies stomach. To know whether your baby is struggling with gas, touch their tummy, if it’s tight as well as bloated than they are susceptible to gas. Simply use asafoetida and they’ll be much better quickly.
- Indigestion
Hing has been utilized since ancient times like a home cure for indigestion, the reason why it really is routinely utilized in most day to day Indian cuisine. Its anti-inflammatory as well as anti-oxidant qualities assist relieve digestion issues just like upset stomach, intestinal gas, intestinal worms, flatulence, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), etc. Consuming a few small pieces of asafoetida dissolved in half a cup of water provides fast rest from indigestion. Hing is a wonderful laxative as well as helps prevent bowel problems. A pinch of asafoetida taken along with butter milk offers fast rest from flatulence. Additionally it is regarded as a great fix for colic in infants. Numerous Ayurvedic formulations available in the market for gastric problems make use of hing just as one component.
- Anti-Asthmatic Benefits
Asthma and bronchitis are two acute respiratory syndromes. Asafoetida is really a natural opponent to these respiratory syndromes mostly. It activates the creation of natural antibodies as soon as an individual catches cold. This particular powerful boost in immunity triggers the process of reducing respiration. Therefore, it is just a strong treatment against cold, asthma as well as bronchitis.
- Beneficial for Diabetes
Hing is utilized within the management of diabetes since it assists pancreatic cells to secrete more insulin therefore lowering blood glucose levels. To lower blood sugar levels, consume bitter gourd cooked along with hing. According to research Asafetida extract is used against the pancreatic beta-cells damage from alloxan-induced diabetes in rats and some hormones related to diabetes mellitus. Research result shows Asafetida induced significant reduction in blood glucose and increasing of serum insulin (source)
- High blood pressure
Coumarins contained in the herb help with thinning of blood and stop blood clotting. The anticoagulant property combined with the healing effect of hing safeguards against higher triglycerides as well as cholesterol and helps lower blood pressure level.
- Women’s Health
Asafoetida improves progesterone secretion, as a result offers rest from reproductive issues like infertility, irregular menstruation, too much painful Dysmenorrhoea as well as pre-mature labour. About 12 centigrams of gum fried in ghee combined with 120 grams of goat’s fresh milk along with a tablespoon of honey, taken thrice every single day for the month allows effective secretion of progesterone hormone. For alleviating Dysmenorrhoea or even painful menstruation, consume a cup of buttermilk combined with a pinch of asafoetida, salt together with half a teaspoon of fenugreek powder. Furthermore, normal consumption of asafoetida fried in ghee on an everyday basis assists diminish the pain as well as discomfort accompanying menstrual periods throughout postpartum.
- For Pimples
Asafoetida may also be used successfully for acne and acne scars. A pinch of asafoetida powder could be combined with water and applied within the acne spots. Frequent app will progressively cure acne flares. However do a small patch test before you apply the paste.
- For Cough
Asafoetida may also be used to deal with cough in kids. A paste created by grinding asafoetida in water applied on the chest is an excellent home cure to help remedy cough.
- Anti-Viral Benefits
This is simply the start of a long list of health benefits this unique herbal spice offers. Latest research has proven that Asafoetida constricts and hampers the development and reproduction of harmful viruses just like H1N1. Once this herbal spice comes in contact with the influenza leading to virus H1N1, it activates the creation of natural antibiotics towards a viral attack. Detailed researches as well as independent research is being carried out till today to find much more about the amazing advantages of this herbal formula towards other viral agents as well. To sum up, this unique edible component provides powerful immunity towards influenza viral infection.
- Contraceptive Benefits
Modern science is still working towards locating the contraceptive advantages of Asafoetida. However, historically this particular herbal spice has been utilized like a effective contraceptive towards unwanted pregnancy. It absolutely was historically utilized as an abortive pill too. Thus, be cautious about using this spice in case you are pregnant or even breastfeeding a kid.
- Mood Elevating Benefits
Asafoetida can be noted for its mood-elevating advantages. This isn’t a drug, however a herbal formula which induces the creation of happiness hormone as well as hampers the production of stress. This can be a effective stress controlling spice that needs to be combined with caution. Usually do not incline to the use in case you have a reported history of mania.
- Mouth Rinse
Asafoetida utilized a mouth rinse additionally provides great rest from tooth pain. To help make the rinse, asafoetida as well as few cloves are boiled in cup of water. This particular water whenever utilized as a mouth rinse provides excellent rest from tooth ache
- Anti-Epileptic Benefits
The amazing health advantages of Asafoetida are not only limited to the traditional means of dealing with cough and cold. The spice is another effective anti-epileptic Unani medication. Unani is definitely the ancient science of dealing with illnesses. It’s still common along with a all-natural means of avoiding diseases largely. However, be cautious about utilizing Asafoetida as a safety measure towards epilepsy. In cases of having verified epilepsy, you have to speak with an authorized doctor.
- Treating Muscle Spasms
One of asafetida’s traditional uses is within the management of muscle spasms. Research along with animals backs this up, showing that asafetida can be quite a powerful anti-spasmodic agent. Particularly, the same 2011 review in the “Journal of Ethnopharmacology” suggests that water extracts of asafetida gum seem to decrease the severity of muscle spasms once they occur. Additionally, since the potency of the extract increases, the frequency of muscle spasms appears to decrease. Even though these findings may appear promising, no research along with humans has yet to show similar effects.
- Migraine
Make a paste utilizing a teaspoon each of camphor, dried ginger as well as asafoetida to two teaspoons of cubeb together with milk Use this particular remedial stuff on forehead to set right migraine as well as tension headaches.
- Anti-Acidic Benefits
Asafoetida works just like a natural alkali which dilutes extreme acids within the stomach. It helps reduce intestinal gastric issues too. Therefore, it is really an incredible anti-flatulent agent which helps reduce gastric as well as acidic pain.
- Hysteria
Asafoetida is traditionally utilized in treatment physical and emotional symptoms associated with mood swings as well as depression. Pungent sulphurous odor of Asafoetida is considered to calm hysteria as well as Epilepsy.
- Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Research carried out in Egypt additionally states that asafoetida is anti-parasitic curing numerous genital infections as well as sexually transmitted diseases just like Trichomonas vaginalis or Trichomoniasis.
- Anti flatulence
Beans, potatoes, cabbage are among the recognized food groups that can cause bloating, flatulence in excess also it stay very difficult to avoid that. Bloating an all natural tendency individuals body to release gaseous can often be exaggerated due such food products. The easiest method to prevent such bloating is simply by including tiny amount of this herb whilst cooking them. Cooking beans just include a bit of asafoetida to it and find out the result.
- Colic Pain
Toddlers and infants are definitely the number one group which do experience upset stomach as well as colicky pain because of excessive eating or even a number of other reasons. Even in adults bad eating behavior result in such unpleasant situations. Since ancient times healers in India as well as surrounding areas utilized to apply a mixture of asafoetida, rock salt as well as oil on stomach and also the umbilicus to ease such types of colicky pain. Test it the next time anyone has got such colicky pain.
Skin Benefits Of Asafoetida
- Anti-Ageing Benefits
This particular herbal spice makes an incredible anti-ageing agent. It provides the goodness of decreasing wrinkles, fine lines as well as age spots through the face. Asafoetida could be combined with rose water as well as fuller’s earth to create a highly effective anti-wrinkle face mask.
- Skin Whitening Benefits
Asafoetida can be used as a whitening agent which encourages fairness and demotes dark spots, acne marks as well as oiliness. It naturally hinders the creation of Tyrosine within the skin. Tyrosine encourages the creation of melanin in human skin which leads to skin darkening, premature ageing as well as dullness. Asafoetida keeps a check on the creation of tyrosine. Therefore, you are able to display a blemish-free as well as glowing, younger skin with the aid of Asafoetida face masks largely.
- Anti-Acne Benefits
Have you got a troubled acne affected skin? Asafoetida may be only the magic factor that you were missing within your skin care regimen till now. This unique herbal formula hampers the creation of acne causing bacteria on the skin. It can make skin disorders undesirable for the development of bacteria. Therefore, it may stop your year’s long acne too.
- Radiance Promoting Benefits
Asafoetida works just like a radiance enhancer which imparts an endless glow to the skin. It improves the supply of oxygen to facial tissues, causing them to be lively as well as plump. You receive a pink tinted fair skin which glows beautifully well. The very best side-benefit of the radiance promotion benefit is definitely the elimination of ugly under-eye dark circles completely.
- Anti-Dryness Benefits
Pollution and stress leaves the skin as well as hair dry and damaged. Asafoetida works just like a dryness repairing agent that provides smooth as well as moist skin. It may remove all of the noticeable indications of skin dryness just like dullness, peeling, cracking, freckles, wrinkles and pigmentation.
- Treats Allergies And Corns
Apart from making the skin pimple free, Asafoetida also activly works to cure skin allergies and corns. Different skin allergies due to sun damage or dryness is often curable utilizing Asafoetida in just a few weeks of usage.
Hair Benefits Of Asafoetida
- Hair Conditioning Benefits
Asafoetida may also be used to make hair conditioning masks. It effectively works to trap moisture within the scalp. This unique benefit makes it a deep moisturizing product which can control the problem of hair dryness and frizz to the large extent.
- Hair Fall Controlling Benefits
Asafoetida enhances the texture of the hair. Additionally, it guards the hair against un-natural and heavy hair fall. Therefore, it is utilized as a solution to baldness in men as well as thin hair in females. You have to look forward to the amazing hair follicle strengthening as well as dandruff managing advantages of Asafoetida, because it regulates hair fall as well as makes hair thicker.
- Scalp Health Maintenance
Scalp gives rise to hair follicles. Once the scalp health dis-orients, it straight turns the hair roots weaker. This can lead to hair fall as well as hair damage. Asafoetida restores as well as maintains the normal PH level of the scalp. Additionally, it keeps the scalp protected from sweat, oil and acne. It normally removes the scalp issues such as acne, oil, dandruff and dryness. Consequently, the overall hair strength, texture as well as quality improve.
History of Asafetida
If we go through the history of asafoetida it really is recognized that asafoetida has come by land across Iran from European countries. It really is considered that it went into Europe from the dominant expedition of Alexander The Great, who, after recurring from the journey to northeastern Persia, thought they had identified a plant roughly the same to the famed Silphium of Cyrene in North Africa, though less flavorsome. Discords, in the early century, wrote, “the Cyrenaica kind, even when one just tastes it, at the same time arouses a funniness throughout the body and it has an extremely powerful healthy aroma, so that it’s not noticed on the inhalation, or just a little; however the Iranian is weaker in clout and it has a nasty aroma”.
Nevertheless, it may be utilized as an alternative to Silphium in cooking, that was fortunate, just because a few decades subsequent to Dioscorides’s time, the true Silphium of Cyrene became vanished, as well as asafoetida became more accepted in the midst of physicians, in addition to Cooks. After the fall of the Roman empire within the 16th century, asafoetida became rare in Europe and when ever encountered, it was seen and utilized as a medication. However in India it still popular both in the fields of cooking as well as medication.
Types of Asafoetida
The two forms of Asafoetidas utilized generally are white and the dark. Although the composition of both varieties is identical, white Asafoetida is water-soluble whilst the dark one is fried in the oil and powdered to be used in cuisines.
Nutritional value of Asafoetida
Nutritive Value of Hing or Asafoetida Values Given below are per 100 grams
| Nutrients | Amount |
| Calcium | 690mg |
| Carbohydrates | 67.8g |
| Carotene | 4 Micro grams |
| Energy | 297cal |
| Fat | 1.1g |
| Fiber | 4.1g |
| Iron | 39.4mg |
| Magnesium | 80 mg |
| Minerals | 7.0g |
| Phosphorus | 50mg |
| Proteins | 4.0g |
Ayurvedic health benefits of Asafoetida
- Taking a combination of a quarter teaspoon of dry ginger powder, a pinch of asafoetida as well as black salt in the cup of warm water helps in reducing flatulence.
- Having a pinch of asafoetida combined in a cup of buttermilk functions as a great natural home cure for bloating as well as gas problems. If you don’t have buttermilk, just use lukewarm water.
- Prepare a powder of the mixture composed of one tablespoon each of dried ginger, long pepper, curry leaves, Bishop’s weed (ajwain), black pepper as well as cumin. Fry this mix in the teaspoon of sesame oil together with one teaspoon of asafoetida. Finally, add some rock salt within it. Take one teaspoon of this natural medicine (combined with clarified butter) together with steamed rice to avoid indigestion.
- Taking 250 mg of hing combined in one teaspoonful each of betel (paan) juice as well as honey is effective in respiratory disorders just like asthma, bronchitis and cough.
- Dissolve a piece of asafoetida in the cup of water. Soak the solution in the cloth and utilize like a fomentation on stomach to calm stomach ache brought on by indigestion.
- Smelling asafoetida gum is extremely valuable in coping with Hysteria.
- Take one teaspoon each of asafoetida, dried ginger, camphor and two teaspoons of tailed pepper (cubeb). Add some milk within it, enough to make a paste. Use this therapeutic paste in your forehead to cure tension as well as migraine headaches.
- Fry about 6 centigrams of asafoetida in cleared up butter, combine a teaspoon of fresh latex of banyan tree plus some honey in it. Using this home medication every day just before sunrise is considered to avoid issues just like premature ejaculation as well as spermatorrhoea. Benefits of asdafoetida (Hing) include enhanced libido and feminine sterility.
- Consuming two teaspoons of bitter gourd juice combined with a quarter teaspoon of asafoetida powder is effective in managing Diabetes.
- Add a quarter teaspoon of asafoetida and half a teaspoon each of onion juice as well as betel leaf juice in two teaspoons of honey. Take this particular asafoetida home cure 3 times in one day to cope with the signs of asthma along with other respiratory problems.
- Mix half a teaspoon of asafoetida powder in two teaspoons of lime juice. Heat the solution a bit. Lastly, dip a cotton ball within this solution and put it in your aching tooth to ease toothache.
- Applying this particular herb directly on skin may serve as one of the simplest possible asafoetida natural home remedies for corns and calluses.
- Hing or Asafoetida benefits in lessening Dysmenorrhoea or even painful menstruation. For this, you have to consume a cup of buttermilk combined with a pinch of asafoetida, half a teaspoon of fenugreek powder and little salt.
- A thick emulsion of the herb put on the infected area offers immediate rest from snake and insect bites.
- Combined with limejuice it really is probably the most helpful cures for the treatment of toothache.
- In the aromatherapy process, the essential oil of Asafoetida is extremely valuable.
- Improving Voice: Gargling along with Asafoetida or even consuming buttermilk with a teaspoon of Asafoetida within it helps enhance the voice. This really is very theraputic for the singers who would like to have a sweet voice permanently.
- Rubbing this spice in the impacted areas cures corns.
- Due to its unpleasant smelly nature, Asafoetida is utilized as the ingredients in a few mosquito as well as insect repellents.
- Asafoetida works as an antidote for opium to combat the effect of the drug
- You may also mix together one-half teaspoon each of asafetida powder as well as dry ginger powder and two tablespoons of honey. Have this mix a minimum of three times each day to get rest from a dry cough, whooping cough, bronchitis and asthma.
- Heat a dash of asafetida in one and one-half cup of water. Let it simmer for around 15 minutes after which drink it a few times each day to ease mild tension headache.
- Another choice is to take one teaspoon all of asafetida, dried ginger, camphor and two teaspoons of tailed pepper. Include enough milk or rose water to create a paste. Use this particular paste in your forehead to deal with tension as well as migraine headaches.
- Simply place a very small piece of asafetida around the aching tooth to get quick rest from a toothache.
- Make a poultice simply by heating one-half teaspoon of asafetida in two teaspoons of lemon juice. Soak a cotton swab within it and use it around the affected tooth.
- Stomachache/Gas/Burping: Mix a pinch of asafoetida in hot water as well as use throughout the navel. 1/2 gram of asafoetida could be consumed together with any food too.
- If there is pain because of gas build up within the stomach then, boil 2 grams asafoetida in 500 ml of water until 125 ml remains. Drink this particular while still warm for relief.
- Pain In Ribs: Mix asafoetida in hot water and apply around the area of pain.
- Headache Due To Cold: Mix asafoetida in hot water and apply within the forehead.
- Migraine: Combine asafoetida in water as well as smell this for relief.
- Indigestion: Mix equivalent amount of asafoetida, rock salt, carom seeds and Inknut or Terminalia chebula fruit (choti harad). Grind them fine. Consume 1 tsp of the combination along with hot water Three times each day.
- Burping/Hiccups: Place a piece of asafoetida equal in size to the grain of Pearl Millet (bajra) in piece of banana or even jaggery and consume this for relief.
- Worms In Children: Combine some asafoetida in water and use this solution on the anus using a cotton ball.
- Toothache: Keep a small piece of asafoetida underneath the aching tooth for rest from pain.
- Urticaria: Mix asafoetida in clarified butter (ghee) as well as massage using this.
- Hysteria: Smelling asafoetida reduces hysteria.
- Pneumonia: Mix a pinch of asafoetida in water and drink.
- Menses Pain: Mix a pinch of asafoetida in buttermilk. Add 1/2 tsp fenugreek powder as well as salt to taste. Consume this.
- Poisoning: Mix a pinch of asafoetida mixed in water. It causes vomiting as well as eliminates the poison and its particular effects.
- Cold: Smell asafoetida. It eliminates gathered mucus.
- Hoarseness: Mix 1/2 gram asafoetida in hot water and gargle with this particular water.
- Weak Heart: Asafoetida provides strength to the weak heart, helps prevent blood from clotting and enhances blood circulation.
- Corns/Callus: Apply asafoetida right on the affected spot.
- Diabetes: Mix 1/4 tsp asafoetida in 2 tsp bitter gourd juice and consume. It manages blood glucose levels.
How to Select
- Two main varieties can be found, categorized according to their place of origin, flavour as well as colour: Hing Kabuli Sufaid (milky white asafoetida) as well as Hing Lal (red asafoetida). Select the variety that meets your taste.
- Check the manufacturing as well as expiration date, packaging etc. just before buy.
- You can purchase it in block form or perhaps in powdered form.
How to Store
- Store asafoetida in the air-tight container since it features a stinky smell that may fill your cupboard!
- Also, since the smell lingers within the container a long time after it is emptied, try and utilize the same container month after month, or get a disposable one.
How to Use Asafoetida
Asafoetida is not a spice to utilize in everything, however that does not mean it’s not an excellent everyday spice. It enhances most commonly-used Indian veggies: potatoes, onions, cauliflower, peas, as well as quick-cooking greens. Whether making a more involved vegetable curry or perhaps a simpler sauté a pinch or two (or maybe your container is much like the one above, only a squeeze from the top) additional at the start will go a long way. It is also a typical component of tarkas, the flavored fats made and poured on dishes before serving. In either case, once your oil or even butter (preferably clarified) gets hot, incorperate your asafoetida and allow it to incorporate for around 15 seconds just before adding other spices and aromatics. Your nose will tell you when it is ready.
Asafoetida is most beneficial utilized as a background note for other complimentary spices, just like cumin, mustard seeds, dried chiles, curry leaves, ginger, as well as garlic. Include any mixture of these things in your tarka to drizzle over beans, stewed vegetables, or even anything at all. Or begin your dish along with asafoetida. As a dish cooks the asafoetida graciously recedes in the background, though although it lets other flavors develop it never disappears. The end result is an intensely fragrant dish along with layers of flavor along with a full mouthfeel. Regularly getting those layers and that texture appear to be a challenge for a lot of home cooks, myself included. With asafoetida that’s only a pinch away.
Culinary Uses
- It can be used typically in Indian food for flavouring.
- It is incorporated minute quantities like a powder, or even dissolved in water.
- Jains along with other communities who avoid the usage of onion and garlic and make use of asafoetida as an alternative.
- Temper dals, curries, upmas, rasam etc utilizing hing for the added flavour as well as aroma. It smells best along with ghee than with oil.
- Dissolve powdered asafoetida in buttermilk as well as temper along with curry leaves. It behaves as a digestive aid.
How to know if your Hing is pure or adulterated
Nowadays, it is hard to get unadulterated hing since wheat flour and gum of keekar tree are blended in it. Spurious and adulterated hing sinks and settles if put in a glass of water whereas pure hing, without leaving sediments, gradually yet totally dissolves into water, turning it into a milky liquid. Pure hing also gets burnt whenever put near to a flame.
Side Effects Associated with Asafoetida
Anything in limit is protected for the body system. However, anything utilized in excessive is likely to respond with a negative, unwanted reaction. Asafoetida in normal limits can also be safe for human beings. Consumption of about 15 g of the resin produces no ill-effects. Anything beyond this particular safe limit leads to undesired effects. Side effects generally noticed because of extreme consumption of asafoetida are discussed below.
- Hemorrhaging in Livestock
Coumarin constituents contained in Ferula communis are toxic naturally and therefore are recognized to decrease prothrombin concentrations therefore, leading to hemorrhaging in livestock.
- Contact Dermatitis
Ferula galbaniflua as well as Ferula rubricaulis are two other types of asafoetida that have a gum which is rubefacient and it has irritant qualities. Individuals responsive to these species develop contact dermatitis as a side effect.
- Swollen Lips
Patients cured with asafoetida develop swollen lips as a side effect. Their lips become enlarged as well as puffy right after taking the dose and get normal again after sometime. Some individuals also develop swelling in the face and throat, only when they are very likely to its effects.
- Abdominal Gas and Diarrhea
Patients on herbal treatment with asafoetida are affected from abdominal problems just like gas and diarrhea. Regular loose stools add to the misery of patients, and abdominal gas leads to burping and belching. These side effects could be reduced by snacking before the resin dosage.
- Skin Rashes
Several patients develop skin rashes in response to asafoetida use. Rashes result in intense pain since they lead to redness, itching, and tingling sensation. Such individuals need to avoid scratching the sensitized skin as it could worsen the situation.
- Headache and Dizziness
These side effects are noticed in patients that have the unusual habit of taking huge doses of asafoetida. Headache results in trouble in concentration as well as undertaking regular activities, whilst dizziness causes lack of ability to move properly.In addition to the negative effects mentioned previously, prolonged usage of this gum is recognized to cause nausea, vomiting, as well as throat irritation in individuals. Asafoetida formulation is additionally available in the form of tincture which might result in burning sensation whilst urinating and is particularly recognized to alter menstruation time.
Children: Asafoetida is UNSAFE for babies since it could potentially cause certainblood disorders.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: It really is UNSAFE to utilize asafoetida in case you are pregnant. It could result in a miscarriage. Avoid use.It’s also UNSAFE to utilize asafoetida in case you are breast-feeding. The chemicals in asafoetida might pass into breast milk and then result in bleeding disorders within the nursing infant. Avoid use.
Bleeding disorders: There’s concern that asafoetida may possibly boost the risk of bleeding. Don’t use asafoetida for those who have a bleeding disorder.
Epilepsy or history of convulsions: Don’t use asafoetida in case you have epilepsy as well as other central nervous system problem that may result in seizures or even convulsions.
Stomach and intestinal (gastrointestinal, GI) problems: Asafoetida can bother the GI tract. Don’t utilize it of you have a GI infection or any other GI condition.
High blood pressure (hypertension) or low blood pressure (hypotension): There is some problem that asafoetida might hinder blood pressurecontrol. Avoid use in case you have a blood pressure problem.
COMPILED BY – KRISHNA RAO KHANAPUR
53-Health benefits of Asafoetida
Asafetida (Ferula Asafoetida) is recognized as other names: A Wei, Asafétida, Ase Fétide, Hing, Assant, Crotte du Diable, Devil’s Dung, Ferula Asafoetida, Ferula Assa Foetida, Ferula assa-foetida, Ferula foetida, Ferula pseudalliacea, Ferula rubricaulis, Férule, Férule Persique, Food of the Gods, Fum, Giant Fe…
Asafetida, also referred to as hing, is actually a latex gum obtained from numerous varieties of a perennial herb, Ferula. Asafetida can be found in the market like a solid brick or even smaller pieces, along with tablet or even powder form.
This particular potent-smelling spice is often utilized in Persian as well as Indian cooking for flavoring, food preservation as well as fragrance. Because of its powerful odor, Asafetida is additionally known as Devil’s dung. From the nutritional viewpoint, asafetida offers protein, fiber, carbohydrates, calcium, phosphorous, iron, niacin, carotene as well as riboflavin.
Along with its cookery uses, asafetida features a notable place in traditional medicinal practises. Its health advantages originate from its carminative, antiviral, anti-bacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticoagulant, antispasmodic, expectorant, sedative, diuretic, vermifuge, emmenagogue, aphrodisiac as well as anti-carcinogenic qualities.
Bouquet of Asafetida: a pungent smell of rotting onions or even sulfur. The smell disappears along with cooking.
Flavour of Asafetida: by itself, incredibly unpleasant, just like concentrated rotten garlic. Whenever cooked, Asafetida provides an onion-like taste.
Health benefits of Asafoetida
Asafoetida is really a latex gum extracted from a perennial plant. The latex is generally gathered in earthen pots as well as dried. It really is either packed in solid blocks or even powdered and sold. Asafoetida is commonly known as “Hing” in Hindi, “Perungayam” in Tamil. It is better buy in blocks, since they stay fresh longer and break it into tiny pieces, sun dry as well as store it. Asafoetida has a powerful stinky smell, that numerous don’t like. If we touch asafoetida with the hands, the smell may remain even after we wash our hands along with soap. You won’t ever discover a Indian household without this spice. We use it in nearly all our dishes in a small amount. Asafoetida aside from being an essential spice within our day to day cooking, occupies an essential place in natural home remedies too. Since we usually have asafoetida in your own home, it is among the first spice that people turn to, if any one is struggling with indigestion. Aside from utilizing it for indigestion, we also utilize it like a home cure for menstrual pain, ear ache, body pains as well as tooth ache. However individuals with high blood pressure levels should prevent taking asafoetida separately, since they hinder pressure medicines. Pregnant women and people struggling with blood clotting issues ought to practice caution whenever taking asafoetida separately.
Listed below are some health benefits of Asafoetida
- Respiratory Disorders
Hing, among the earliest treatments to use for the treatment of respiratory tract infections, behaves as a respiratory stimulant as well as expectorant to release phlegm as well as reducing chest blockage. Hing combined with honey as well as ginger is utilized for respiratory problems including constantly dry cough, whooping cough, bronchitis, asthma, etc. It’s already been successfully used to combat influenza. Research has shown that antiviral drug compounds made by the roots of the hing plant can easily kill H1N1, the swine flu virus and could be useful for new drug development against the virus.
- Menstrual Problem
Hing could be a effective against a number of women’s menstrual issues just like pain, cramps, abnormal periods as well as dysmenorrhoea. The herb is additionally beneficial in the management of candida infection as well as leucorrhoea (thick white/yellow coloured discharge from the vagina).It is definitely an advantage for ladies, since it helps you to eliminate menstrual pain. Asafoetida is fried in the empty kadai as well as powdered and also included with the buttermilk together with bit of sugar as well as provided to women along with menstrual pain also it really helps. Asafoetida consists of special chemicals which could thin the blood therefore making the blood flow easy. This particular remedy has been utilized for a long time within our village side and may help reduce the discomfort. The only con relating to this remedy is that the odor of asafoetida is extremely strong and it lingers within the mouth for quiet some time.
- Male Impotence
Natural remedies making use of this medicinal herb assist assuage sexual dysfunction. For problems associated with impotency a bit of asafetida fried in ghee might be taken just before sunrise, for around a month and a half, in conjunction with honey and also the gum procured from the banyan tree.
- Asafoetida for Digestive Health
Asafoetida is common as grandmas treatment for indigestion, for a long period now. Hence, it is really an crucial component utilized in ayurvedic formulations. That contains carminative properties, they encourage digestive health and offer immense rest from gastritis, indigestion, flatulence, colic, stomach pain, intestinal worms as well as irritable bowel syndrome. Consumed along with buttermilk, Asafoetida provides fast rest from unwanted gas as Asafoetida helps reduce the development of micro flora within the intestines. In India therefore, this spice is utilized liberally in curries using lentils, to enhance digestion. Besides assisting digestion, asafoetida likewise helps boost taste as well as increases hunger.
- For Stings
Asafoetida is extremely useful for dealing with stings of bees, wasps etc. The paste of asafoetida needs to be utilized like a poultice on the affected region as well as left to dry. To help make the paste, a little piece of asafoetida is rubbed on the stone, together with little water till you obtain a thick paste. Use this paste within the stings.
6.Worm Repellent
Possibly, the pungent odor of Asafoetida works in favor of its worms repelling advantage. It ought to be taken during the night along with warm water. It eliminates the intestinal worms whenever taken frequently along with Ajwain.
- For Tooth Ache
Asafoetida is excellent for the treatment of tooth pains. To create a poultice for tooth aches, create a paste of asafoetida and lemon juice in the mortar as well as pestle and use with the aid of a ear bud on the affected tooth. You’ll find your pain progressively reducing.
- Beneficial for H1N1
Research has shown that antiviral drug compounds made by the roots of the hing plant can easily kill H1N1, the swine flu virus and could be utilized for new drug development against the virus.
- Cholesterol Health
Because of asafoetida’s hypotensive advantages, the gum was utilized throughout ancient times, like a remedial measure to deal with hypertensive patients. Besides, the sulphur and also the cur cumin substances contained in the gum helps prevent thickening of the blood and facilitates circulatory health therefore serving as an all natural blood thinner. Additionally, particular anticoagulant qualities contained in the spice guard against rising triglycerides and blood cholesterol levels brought on due to fatty food intake. Taking asafoetida along with juice of bitter gourd is effective for blood sugar control, that is one of many contributing factors towards Cholesterol.
- Asafoetida Benefits for Neurological Health
Besides being effective for medical conditions, this particular medical herb additionally helps emotional health. Therefore, was most often suggested by herbal healthcare specialists for the treatment of neurological disorders since the spice consists of sedative properties which encourage sleep. As a result, it will help reduce signs of depression, anxiety disorders, panic attacks as well as mood swings. Apart from, breathing in the fumes of Asafoetida eliminates hysteric attacks.
- Increases Physical Well Being
Asafoetida works towards increasing and maintaining the heart health. Additionally it is an excellent respiratory medication towards cough as well as breathing issues. Therefore, it really is clear that this herbal spice boosts the supply of blood to all tissues and cells. This boosts and helps to ensure that every cell gets the needed oxygen content. Therefore, it lowers physical exhaustion by providing the tired tissues an opportunity to get repaired.
- For Ear Ache
Asafoetida is additionally extremely effective for treating ear ache /ear pain. Next time you will find your self along with ear ache, heat coconut oil in small pan and put in a small piece of asafoetida and allow it to melt. Once it gets to room temperature, use the oil within the ears together with your hands. This really is among the efficient treatments for ear pain which has been utilized for many years.
- Pain
Taking hing dissolved in water relieves migraines as well as headaches. A piece of hing combined with lemon juice could work miracles for the painful tooth.
- Antidote for Opium
Hing counters the effect of opium. Hence, it really is utilized as an opium antidote.
- Anti-Depressive Benefits
Asafoetida has got historically been utilized as an anti-depressive medication. Its capability to stimulate happiness and reduce the thoughts of failure as well as negativity causes it to be a robust natural anti-depressant too.
- Increases Metabolism
This unique health advantage aids several health problems. Asafoetida boosts the body’s metabolism largely. This enhances digestion of food. Therefore, it triggers fat metabolism too. This particular hampers the circulation of LDL (bad cholesterol) in the blood of humans. Therefore, Asafoetida keeps you safe of all of the heart disease caused by cholesterol formation as well as accumulation.
- Cancer
Hing is really a effective anti-oxidant as well as safeguards the body cells from free radicals. In accordance with research, the anti-carcinogenic property of hing prevents the development of cancerous cells.
- For Young Babies
For young babies, it’s not preferable to give asafoetida internally. Even for toddlers, they’ll refuse to drink it as it features a quite strong stinky odor. For the treatment of young babies, we make a paste from asafoetida and water and apply on the babies stomach. To know whether your baby is struggling with gas, touch their tummy, if it’s tight as well as bloated than they are susceptible to gas. Simply use asafoetida and they’ll be much better quickly.
- Indigestion
Hing has been utilized since ancient times like a home cure for indigestion, the reason why it really is routinely utilized in most day to day Indian cuisine. Its anti-inflammatory as well as anti-oxidant qualities assist relieve digestion issues just like upset stomach, intestinal gas, intestinal worms, flatulence, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), etc. Consuming a few small pieces of asafoetida dissolved in half a cup of water provides fast rest from indigestion. Hing is a wonderful laxative as well as helps prevent bowel problems. A pinch of asafoetida taken along with butter milk offers fast rest from flatulence. Additionally it is regarded as a great fix for colic in infants. Numerous Ayurvedic formulations available in the market for gastric problems make use of hing just as one component.
- Anti-Asthmatic Benefits
Asthma and bronchitis are two acute respiratory syndromes. Asafoetida is really a natural opponent to these respiratory syndromes mostly. It activates the creation of natural antibodies as soon as an individual catches cold. This particular powerful boost in immunity triggers the process of reducing respiration. Therefore, it is just a strong treatment against cold, asthma as well as bronchitis.
- Beneficial for Diabetes
Hing is utilized within the management of diabetes since it assists pancreatic cells to secrete more insulin therefore lowering blood glucose levels. To lower blood sugar levels, consume bitter gourd cooked along with hing. According to research Asafetida extract is used against the pancreatic beta-cells damage from alloxan-induced diabetes in rats and some hormones related to diabetes mellitus. Research result shows Asafetida induced significant reduction in blood glucose and increasing of serum insulin (source)
- High blood pressure
Coumarins contained in the herb help with thinning of blood and stop blood clotting. The anticoagulant property combined with the healing effect of hing safeguards against higher triglycerides as well as cholesterol and helps lower blood pressure level.
- Women’s Health
Asafoetida improves progesterone secretion, as a result offers rest from reproductive issues like infertility, irregular menstruation, too much painful Dysmenorrhoea as well as pre-mature labour. About 12 centigrams of gum fried in ghee combined with 120 grams of goat’s fresh milk along with a tablespoon of honey, taken thrice every single day for the month allows effective secretion of progesterone hormone. For alleviating Dysmenorrhoea or even painful menstruation, consume a cup of buttermilk combined with a pinch of asafoetida, salt together with half a teaspoon of fenugreek powder. Furthermore, normal consumption of asafoetida fried in ghee on an everyday basis assists diminish the pain as well as discomfort accompanying menstrual periods throughout postpartum.
- For Pimples
Asafoetida may also be used successfully for acne and acne scars. A pinch of asafoetida powder could be combined with water and applied within the acne spots. Frequent app will progressively cure acne flares. However do a small patch test before you apply the paste.
- For Cough
Asafoetida may also be used to deal with cough in kids. A paste created by grinding asafoetida in water applied on the chest is an excellent home cure to help remedy cough.
- Anti-Viral Benefits
This is simply the start of a long list of health benefits this unique herbal spice offers. Latest research has proven that Asafoetida constricts and hampers the development and reproduction of harmful viruses just like H1N1. Once this herbal spice comes in contact with the influenza leading to virus H1N1, it activates the creation of natural antibiotics towards a viral attack. Detailed researches as well as independent research is being carried out till today to find much more about the amazing advantages of this herbal formula towards other viral agents as well. To sum up, this unique edible component provides powerful immunity towards influenza viral infection.
- Contraceptive Benefits
Modern science is still working towards locating the contraceptive advantages of Asafoetida. However, historically this particular herbal spice has been utilized like a effective contraceptive towards unwanted pregnancy. It absolutely was historically utilized as an abortive pill too. Thus, be cautious about using this spice in case you are pregnant or even breastfeeding a kid.
- Mood Elevating Benefits
Asafoetida can be noted for its mood-elevating advantages. This isn’t a drug, however a herbal formula which induces the creation of happiness hormone as well as hampers the production of stress. This can be a effective stress controlling spice that needs to be combined with caution. Usually do not incline to the use in case you have a reported history of mania.
- Mouth Rinse
Asafoetida utilized a mouth rinse additionally provides great rest from tooth pain. To help make the rinse, asafoetida as well as few cloves are boiled in cup of water. This particular water whenever utilized as a mouth rinse provides excellent rest from tooth ache
- Anti-Epileptic Benefits
The amazing health advantages of Asafoetida are not only limited to the traditional means of dealing with cough and cold. The spice is another effective anti-epileptic Unani medication. Unani is definitely the ancient science of dealing with illnesses. It’s still common along with a all-natural means of avoiding diseases largely. However, be cautious about utilizing Asafoetida as a safety measure towards epilepsy. In cases of having verified epilepsy, you have to speak with an authorized doctor.
- Treating Muscle Spasms
One of asafetida’s traditional uses is within the management of muscle spasms. Research along with animals backs this up, showing that asafetida can be quite a powerful anti-spasmodic agent. Particularly, the same 2011 review in the “Journal of Ethnopharmacology” suggests that water extracts of asafetida gum seem to decrease the severity of muscle spasms once they occur. Additionally, since the potency of the extract increases, the frequency of muscle spasms appears to decrease. Even though these findings may appear promising, no research along with humans has yet to show similar effects.
- Migraine
Make a paste utilizing a teaspoon each of camphor, dried ginger as well as asafoetida to two teaspoons of cubeb together with milk Use this particular remedial stuff on forehead to set right migraine as well as tension headaches.
- Anti-Acidic Benefits
Asafoetida works just like a natural alkali which dilutes extreme acids within the stomach. It helps reduce intestinal gastric issues too. Therefore, it is really an incredible anti-flatulent agent which helps reduce gastric as well as acidic pain.
- Hysteria
Asafoetida is traditionally utilized in treatment physical and emotional symptoms associated with mood swings as well as depression. Pungent sulphurous odor of Asafoetida is considered to calm hysteria as well as Epilepsy.
- Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Research carried out in Egypt additionally states that asafoetida is anti-parasitic curing numerous genital infections as well as sexually transmitted diseases just like Trichomonas vaginalis or Trichomoniasis.
- Anti flatulence
Beans, potatoes, cabbage are among the recognized food groups that can cause bloating, flatulence in excess also it stay very difficult to avoid that. Bloating an all natural tendency individuals body to release gaseous can often be exaggerated due such food products. The easiest method to prevent such bloating is simply by including tiny amount of this herb whilst cooking them. Cooking beans just include a bit of asafoetida to it and find out the result.
- Colic Pain
Toddlers and infants are definitely the number one group which do experience upset stomach as well as colicky pain because of excessive eating or even a number of other reasons. Even in adults bad eating behavior result in such unpleasant situations. Since ancient times healers in India as well as surrounding areas utilized to apply a mixture of asafoetida, rock salt as well as oil on stomach and also the umbilicus to ease such types of colicky pain. Test it the next time anyone has got such colicky pain.
Skin Benefits Of Asafoetida
- Anti-Ageing Benefits
This particular herbal spice makes an incredible anti-ageing agent. It provides the goodness of decreasing wrinkles, fine lines as well as age spots through the face. Asafoetida could be combined with rose water as well as fuller’s earth to create a highly effective anti-wrinkle face mask.
- Skin Whitening Benefits
Asafoetida can be used as a whitening agent which encourages fairness and demotes dark spots, acne marks as well as oiliness. It naturally hinders the creation of Tyrosine within the skin. Tyrosine encourages the creation of melanin in human skin which leads to skin darkening, premature ageing as well as dullness. Asafoetida keeps a check on the creation of tyrosine. Therefore, you are able to display a blemish-free as well as glowing, younger skin with the aid of Asafoetida face masks largely.
- Anti-Acne Benefits
Have you got a troubled acne affected skin? Asafoetida may be only the magic factor that you were missing within your skin care regimen till now. This unique herbal formula hampers the creation of acne causing bacteria on the skin. It can make skin disorders undesirable for the development of bacteria. Therefore, it may stop your year’s long acne too.
- Radiance Promoting Benefits
Asafoetida works just like a radiance enhancer which imparts an endless glow to the skin. It improves the supply of oxygen to facial tissues, causing them to be lively as well as plump. You receive a pink tinted fair skin which glows beautifully well. The very best side-benefit of the radiance promotion benefit is definitely the elimination of ugly under-eye dark circles completely.
- Anti-Dryness Benefits
Pollution and stress leaves the skin as well as hair dry and damaged. Asafoetida works just like a dryness repairing agent that provides smooth as well as moist skin. It may remove all of the noticeable indications of skin dryness just like dullness, peeling, cracking, freckles, wrinkles and pigmentation.
- Treats Allergies And Corns
Apart from making the skin pimple free, Asafoetida also activly works to cure skin allergies and corns. Different skin allergies due to sun damage or dryness is often curable utilizing Asafoetida in just a few weeks of usage.
Hair Benefits Of Asafoetida
- Hair Conditioning Benefits
Asafoetida may also be used to make hair conditioning masks. It effectively works to trap moisture within the scalp. This unique benefit makes it a deep moisturizing product which can control the problem of hair dryness and frizz to the large extent.
- Hair Fall Controlling Benefits
Asafoetida enhances the texture of the hair. Additionally, it guards the hair against un-natural and heavy hair fall. Therefore, it is utilized as a solution to baldness in men as well as thin hair in females. You have to look forward to the amazing hair follicle strengthening as well as dandruff managing advantages of Asafoetida, because it regulates hair fall as well as makes hair thicker.
- Scalp Health Maintenance
Scalp gives rise to hair follicles. Once the scalp health dis-orients, it straight turns the hair roots weaker. This can lead to hair fall as well as hair damage. Asafoetida restores as well as maintains the normal PH level of the scalp. Additionally, it keeps the scalp protected from sweat, oil and acne. It normally removes the scalp issues such as acne, oil, dandruff and dryness. Consequently, the overall hair strength, texture as well as quality improve.
History of Asafetida
If we go through the history of asafoetida it really is recognized that asafoetida has come by land across Iran from European countries. It really is considered that it went into Europe from the dominant expedition of Alexander The Great, who, after recurring from the journey to northeastern Persia, thought they had identified a plant roughly the same to the famed Silphium of Cyrene in North Africa, though less flavorsome. Discords, in the early century, wrote, “the Cyrenaica kind, even when one just tastes it, at the same time arouses a funniness throughout the body and it has an extremely powerful healthy aroma, so that it’s not noticed on the inhalation, or just a little; however the Iranian is weaker in clout and it has a nasty aroma”.
Nevertheless, it may be utilized as an alternative to Silphium in cooking, that was fortunate, just because a few decades subsequent to Dioscorides’s time, the true Silphium of Cyrene became vanished, as well as asafoetida became more accepted in the midst of physicians, in addition to Cooks. After the fall of the Roman empire within the 16th century, asafoetida became rare in Europe and when ever encountered, it was seen and utilized as a medication. However in India it still popular both in the fields of cooking as well as medication.
Types of Asafoetida
The two forms of Asafoetidas utilized generally are white and the dark. Although the composition of both varieties is identical, white Asafoetida is water-soluble whilst the dark one is fried in the oil and powdered to be used in cuisines.
Nutritional value of Asafoetida
Nutritive Value of Hing or Asafoetida Values Given below are per 100 grams
| Nutrients | Amount |
| Calcium | 690mg |
| Carbohydrates | 67.8g |
| Carotene | 4 Micro grams |
| Energy | 297cal |
| Fat | 1.1g |
| Fiber | 4.1g |
| Iron | 39.4mg |
| Magnesium | 80 mg |
| Minerals | 7.0g |
| Phosphorus | 50mg |
| Proteins | 4.0g |
Ayurvedic health benefits of Asafoetida
- Taking a combination of a quarter teaspoon of dry ginger powder, a pinch of asafoetida as well as black salt in the cup of warm water helps in reducing flatulence.
- Having a pinch of asafoetida combined in a cup of buttermilk functions as a great natural home cure for bloating as well as gas problems. If you don’t have buttermilk, just use lukewarm water.
- Prepare a powder of the mixture composed of one tablespoon each of dried ginger, long pepper, curry leaves, Bishop’s weed (ajwain), black pepper as well as cumin. Fry this mix in the teaspoon of sesame oil together with one teaspoon of asafoetida. Finally, add some rock salt within it. Take one teaspoon of this natural medicine (combined with clarified butter) together with steamed rice to avoid indigestion.
- Taking 250 mg of hing combined in one teaspoonful each of betel (paan) juice as well as honey is effective in respiratory disorders just like asthma, bronchitis and cough.
- Dissolve a piece of asafoetida in the cup of water. Soak the solution in the cloth and utilize like a fomentation on stomach to calm stomach ache brought on by indigestion.
- Smelling asafoetida gum is extremely valuable in coping with Hysteria.
- Take one teaspoon each of asafoetida, dried ginger, camphor and two teaspoons of tailed pepper (cubeb). Add some milk within it, enough to make a paste. Use this therapeutic paste in your forehead to cure tension as well as migraine headaches.
- Fry about 6 centigrams of asafoetida in cleared up butter, combine a teaspoon of fresh latex of banyan tree plus some honey in it. Using this home medication every day just before sunrise is considered to avoid issues just like premature ejaculation as well as spermatorrhoea. Benefits of asdafoetida (Hing) include enhanced libido and feminine sterility.
- Consuming two teaspoons of bitter gourd juice combined with a quarter teaspoon of asafoetida powder is effective in managing Diabetes.
- Add a quarter teaspoon of asafoetida and half a teaspoon each of onion juice as well as betel leaf juice in two teaspoons of honey. Take this particular asafoetida home cure 3 times in one day to cope with the signs of asthma along with other respiratory problems.
- Mix half a teaspoon of asafoetida powder in two teaspoons of lime juice. Heat the solution a bit. Lastly, dip a cotton ball within this solution and put it in your aching tooth to ease toothache.
- Applying this particular herb directly on skin may serve as one of the simplest possible asafoetida natural home remedies for corns and calluses.
- Hing or Asafoetida benefits in lessening Dysmenorrhoea or even painful menstruation. For this, you have to consume a cup of buttermilk combined with a pinch of asafoetida, half a teaspoon of fenugreek powder and little salt.
- A thick emulsion of the herb put on the infected area offers immediate rest from snake and insect bites.
- Combined with limejuice it really is probably the most helpful cures for the treatment of toothache.
- In the aromatherapy process, the essential oil of Asafoetida is extremely valuable.
- Improving Voice: Gargling along with Asafoetida or even consuming buttermilk with a teaspoon of Asafoetida within it helps enhance the voice. This really is very theraputic for the singers who would like to have a sweet voice permanently.
- Rubbing this spice in the impacted areas cures corns.
- Due to its unpleasant smelly nature, Asafoetida is utilized as the ingredients in a few mosquito as well as insect repellents.
- Asafoetida works as an antidote for opium to combat the effect of the drug
- You may also mix together one-half teaspoon each of asafetida powder as well as dry ginger powder and two tablespoons of honey. Have this mix a minimum of three times each day to get rest from a dry cough, whooping cough, bronchitis and asthma.
- Heat a dash of asafetida in one and one-half cup of water. Let it simmer for around 15 minutes after which drink it a few times each day to ease mild tension headache.
- Another choice is to take one teaspoon all of asafetida, dried ginger, camphor and two teaspoons of tailed pepper. Include enough milk or rose water to create a paste. Use this particular paste in your forehead to deal with tension as well as migraine headaches.
- Simply place a very small piece of asafetida around the aching tooth to get quick rest from a toothache.
- Make a poultice simply by heating one-half teaspoon of asafetida in two teaspoons of lemon juice. Soak a cotton swab within it and use it around the affected tooth.
- Stomachache/Gas/Burping: Mix a pinch of asafoetida in hot water as well as use throughout the navel. 1/2 gram of asafoetida could be consumed together with any food too.
- If there is pain because of gas build up within the stomach then, boil 2 grams asafoetida in 500 ml of water until 125 ml remains. Drink this particular while still warm for relief.
- Pain In Ribs: Mix asafoetida in hot water and apply around the area of pain.
- Headache Due To Cold: Mix asafoetida in hot water and apply within the forehead.
- Migraine: Combine asafoetida in water as well as smell this for relief.
- Indigestion: Mix equivalent amount of asafoetida, rock salt, carom seeds and Inknut or Terminalia chebula fruit (choti harad). Grind them fine. Consume 1 tsp of the combination along with hot water Three times each day.
- Burping/Hiccups: Place a piece of asafoetida equal in size to the grain of Pearl Millet (bajra) in piece of banana or even jaggery and consume this for relief.
- Worms In Children: Combine some asafoetida in water and use this solution on the anus using a cotton ball.
- Toothache: Keep a small piece of asafoetida underneath the aching tooth for rest from pain.
- Urticaria: Mix asafoetida in clarified butter (ghee) as well as massage using this.
- Hysteria: Smelling asafoetida reduces hysteria.
- Pneumonia: Mix a pinch of asafoetida in water and drink.
- Menses Pain: Mix a pinch of asafoetida in buttermilk. Add 1/2 tsp fenugreek powder as well as salt to taste. Consume this.
- Poisoning: Mix a pinch of asafoetida mixed in water. It causes vomiting as well as eliminates the poison and its particular effects.
- Cold: Smell asafoetida. It eliminates gathered mucus.
- Hoarseness: Mix 1/2 gram asafoetida in hot water and gargle with this particular water.
- Weak Heart: Asafoetida provides strength to the weak heart, helps prevent blood from clotting and enhances blood circulation.
- Corns/Callus: Apply asafoetida right on the affected spot.
- Diabetes: Mix 1/4 tsp asafoetida in 2 tsp bitter gourd juice and consume. It manages blood glucose levels.
How to Select
- Two main varieties can be found, categorized according to their place of origin, flavour as well as colour: Hing Kabuli Sufaid (milky white asafoetida) as well as Hing Lal (red asafoetida). Select the variety that meets your taste.
- Check the manufacturing as well as expiration date, packaging etc. just before buy.
- You can purchase it in block form or perhaps in powdered form.
How to Store
- Store asafoetida in the air-tight container since it features a stinky smell that may fill your cupboard!
- Also, since the smell lingers within the container a long time after it is emptied, try and utilize the same container month after month, or get a disposable one.
How to Use Asafoetida
Asafoetida is not a spice to utilize in everything, however that does not mean it’s not an excellent everyday spice. It enhances most commonly-used Indian veggies: potatoes, onions, cauliflower, peas, as well as quick-cooking greens. Whether making a more involved vegetable curry or perhaps a simpler sauté a pinch or two (or maybe your container is much like the one above, only a squeeze from the top) additional at the start will go a long way. It is also a typical component of tarkas, the flavored fats made and poured on dishes before serving. In either case, once your oil or even butter (preferably clarified) gets hot, incorperate your asafoetida and allow it to incorporate for around 15 seconds just before adding other spices and aromatics. Your nose will tell you when it is ready.
Asafoetida is most beneficial utilized as a background note for other complimentary spices, just like cumin, mustard seeds, dried chiles, curry leaves, ginger, as well as garlic. Include any mixture of these things in your tarka to drizzle over beans, stewed vegetables, or even anything at all. Or begin your dish along with asafoetida. As a dish cooks the asafoetida graciously recedes in the background, though although it lets other flavors develop it never disappears. The end result is an intensely fragrant dish along with layers of flavor along with a full mouthfeel. Regularly getting those layers and that texture appear to be a challenge for a lot of home cooks, myself included. With asafoetida that’s only a pinch away.
Culinary Uses
- It can be used typically in Indian food for flavouring.
- It is incorporated minute quantities like a powder, or even dissolved in water.
- Jains along with other communities who avoid the usage of onion and garlic and make use of asafoetida as an alternative.
- Temper dals, curries, upmas, rasam etc utilizing hing for the added flavour as well as aroma. It smells best along with ghee than with oil.
- Dissolve powdered asafoetida in buttermilk as well as temper along with curry leaves. It behaves as a digestive aid.
How to know if your Hing is pure or adulterated
Nowadays, it is hard to get unadulterated hing since wheat flour and gum of keekar tree are blended in it. Spurious and adulterated hing sinks and settles if put in a glass of water whereas pure hing, without leaving sediments, gradually yet totally dissolves into water, turning it into a milky liquid. Pure hing also gets burnt whenever put near to a flame.
Side Effects Associated with Asafoetida
Anything in limit is protected for the body system. However, anything utilized in excessive is likely to respond with a negative, unwanted reaction. Asafoetida in normal limits can also be safe for human beings. Consumption of about 15 g of the resin produces no ill-effects. Anything beyond this particular safe limit leads to undesired effects. Side effects generally noticed because of extreme consumption of asafoetida are discussed below.
- Hemorrhaging in Livestock
Coumarin constituents contained in Ferula communis are toxic naturally and therefore are recognized to decrease prothrombin concentrations therefore, leading to hemorrhaging in livestock.
- Contact Dermatitis
Ferula galbaniflua as well as Ferula rubricaulis are two other types of asafoetida that have a gum which is rubefacient and it has irritant qualities. Individuals responsive to these species develop contact dermatitis as a side effect.
- Swollen Lips
Patients cured with asafoetida develop swollen lips as a side effect. Their lips become enlarged as well as puffy right after taking the dose and get normal again after sometime. Some individuals also develop swelling in the face and throat, only when they are very likely to its effects.
- Abdominal Gas and Diarrhea
Patients on herbal treatment with asafoetida are affected from abdominal problems just like gas and diarrhea. Regular loose stools add to the misery of patients, and abdominal gas leads to burping and belching. These side effects could be reduced by snacking before the resin dosage.
- Skin Rashes
Several patients develop skin rashes in response to asafoetida use. Rashes result in intense pain since they lead to redness, itching, and tingling sensation. Such individuals need to avoid scratching the sensitized skin as it could worsen the situation.
- Headache and Dizziness
These side effects are noticed in patients that have the unusual habit of taking huge doses of asafoetida. Headache results in trouble in concentration as well as undertaking regular activities, whilst dizziness causes lack of ability to move properly.In addition to the negative effects mentioned previously, prolonged usage of this gum is recognized to cause nausea, vomiting, as well as throat irritation in individuals. Asafoetida formulation is additionally available in the form of tincture which might result in burning sensation whilst urinating and is particularly recognized to alter menstruation time.
Children: Asafoetida is UNSAFE for babies since it could potentially cause certainblood disorders.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: It really is UNSAFE to utilize asafoetida in case you are pregnant. It could result in a miscarriage. Avoid use.It’s also UNSAFE to utilize asafoetida in case you are breast-feeding. The chemicals in asafoetida might pass into breast milk and then result in bleeding disorders within the nursing infant. Avoid use.
Bleeding disorders: There’s concern that asafoetida may possibly boost the risk of bleeding. Don’t use asafoetida for those who have a bleeding disorder.
Epilepsy or history of convulsions: Don’t use asafoetida in case you have epilepsy as well as other central nervous system problem that may result in seizures or even convulsions.
Stomach and intestinal (gastrointestinal, GI) problems: Asafoetida can bother the GI tract. Don’t utilize it of you have a GI infection or any other GI condition.
High blood pressure (hypertension) or low blood pressure (hypotension): There is some problem that asafoetida might hinder blood pressurecontrol. Avoid use in case you have a blood pressure problem.
COMPILED BY – KRISHNA RAO KHANAPUR
53-Health benefits of Asafoetida
Asafetida (Ferula Asafoetida) is recognized as other names: A Wei, Asafétida, Ase Fétide, Hing, Assant, Crotte du Diable, Devil’s Dung, Ferula Asafoetida, Ferula Assa Foetida, Ferula assa-foetida, Ferula foetida, Ferula pseudalliacea, Ferula rubricaulis, Férule, Férule Persique, Food of the Gods, Fum, Giant Fe…
Asafetida, also referred to as hing, is actually a latex gum obtained from numerous varieties of a perennial herb, Ferula. Asafetida can be found in the market like a solid brick or even smaller pieces, along with tablet or even powder form.
This particular potent-smelling spice is often utilized in Persian as well as Indian cooking for flavoring, food preservation as well as fragrance. Because of its powerful odor, Asafetida is additionally known as Devil’s dung. From the nutritional viewpoint, asafetida offers protein, fiber, carbohydrates, calcium, phosphorous, iron, niacin, carotene as well as riboflavin.
Along with its cookery uses, asafetida features a notable place in traditional medicinal practises. Its health advantages originate from its carminative, antiviral, anti-bacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticoagulant, antispasmodic, expectorant, sedative, diuretic, vermifuge, emmenagogue, aphrodisiac as well as anti-carcinogenic qualities.
Bouquet of Asafetida: a pungent smell of rotting onions or even sulfur. The smell disappears along with cooking.
Flavour of Asafetida: by itself, incredibly unpleasant, just like concentrated rotten garlic. Whenever cooked, Asafetida provides an onion-like taste.
Health benefits of Asafoetida
Asafoetida is really a latex gum extracted from a perennial plant. The latex is generally gathered in earthen pots as well as dried. It really is either packed in solid blocks or even powdered and sold. Asafoetida is commonly known as “Hing” in Hindi, “Perungayam” in Tamil. It is better buy in blocks, since they stay fresh longer and break it into tiny pieces, sun dry as well as store it. Asafoetida has a powerful stinky smell, that numerous don’t like. If we touch asafoetida with the hands, the smell may remain even after we wash our hands along with soap. You won’t ever discover a Indian household without this spice. We use it in nearly all our dishes in a small amount. Asafoetida aside from being an essential spice within our day to day cooking, occupies an essential place in natural home remedies too. Since we usually have asafoetida in your own home, it is among the first spice that people turn to, if any one is struggling with indigestion. Aside from utilizing it for indigestion, we also utilize it like a home cure for menstrual pain, ear ache, body pains as well as tooth ache. However individuals with high blood pressure levels should prevent taking asafoetida separately, since they hinder pressure medicines. Pregnant women and people struggling with blood clotting issues ought to practice caution whenever taking asafoetida separately.
Listed below are some health benefits of Asafoetida
- Respiratory Disorders
Hing, among the earliest treatments to use for the treatment of respiratory tract infections, behaves as a respiratory stimulant as well as expectorant to release phlegm as well as reducing chest blockage. Hing combined with honey as well as ginger is utilized for respiratory problems including constantly dry cough, whooping cough, bronchitis, asthma, etc. It’s already been successfully used to combat influenza. Research has shown that antiviral drug compounds made by the roots of the hing plant can easily kill H1N1, the swine flu virus and could be useful for new drug development against the virus.
- Menstrual Problem
Hing could be a effective against a number of women’s menstrual issues just like pain, cramps, abnormal periods as well as dysmenorrhoea. The herb is additionally beneficial in the management of candida infection as well as leucorrhoea (thick white/yellow coloured discharge from the vagina).It is definitely an advantage for ladies, since it helps you to eliminate menstrual pain. Asafoetida is fried in the empty kadai as well as powdered and also included with the buttermilk together with bit of sugar as well as provided to women along with menstrual pain also it really helps. Asafoetida consists of special chemicals which could thin the blood therefore making the blood flow easy. This particular remedy has been utilized for a long time within our village side and may help reduce the discomfort. The only con relating to this remedy is that the odor of asafoetida is extremely strong and it lingers within the mouth for quiet some time.
- Male Impotence
Natural remedies making use of this medicinal herb assist assuage sexual dysfunction. For problems associated with impotency a bit of asafetida fried in ghee might be taken just before sunrise, for around a month and a half, in conjunction with honey and also the gum procured from the banyan tree.
- Asafoetida for Digestive Health
Asafoetida is common as grandmas treatment for indigestion, for a long period now. Hence, it is really an crucial component utilized in ayurvedic formulations. That contains carminative properties, they encourage digestive health and offer immense rest from gastritis, indigestion, flatulence, colic, stomach pain, intestinal worms as well as irritable bowel syndrome. Consumed along with buttermilk, Asafoetida provides fast rest from unwanted gas as Asafoetida helps reduce the development of micro flora within the intestines. In India therefore, this spice is utilized liberally in curries using lentils, to enhance digestion. Besides assisting digestion, asafoetida likewise helps boost taste as well as increases hunger.
- For Stings
Asafoetida is extremely useful for dealing with stings of bees, wasps etc. The paste of asafoetida needs to be utilized like a poultice on the affected region as well as left to dry. To help make the paste, a little piece of asafoetida is rubbed on the stone, together with little water till you obtain a thick paste. Use this paste within the stings.
6.Worm Repellent
Possibly, the pungent odor of Asafoetida works in favor of its worms repelling advantage. It ought to be taken during the night along with warm water. It eliminates the intestinal worms whenever taken frequently along with Ajwain.
- For Tooth Ache
Asafoetida is excellent for the treatment of tooth pains. To create a poultice for tooth aches, create a paste of asafoetida and lemon juice in the mortar as well as pestle and use with the aid of a ear bud on the affected tooth. You’ll find your pain progressively reducing.
- Beneficial for H1N1
Research has shown that antiviral drug compounds made by the roots of the hing plant can easily kill H1N1, the swine flu virus and could be utilized for new drug development against the virus.
- Cholesterol Health
Because of asafoetida’s hypotensive advantages, the gum was utilized throughout ancient times, like a remedial measure to deal with hypertensive patients. Besides, the sulphur and also the cur cumin substances contained in the gum helps prevent thickening of the blood and facilitates circulatory health therefore serving as an all natural blood thinner. Additionally, particular anticoagulant qualities contained in the spice guard against rising triglycerides and blood cholesterol levels brought on due to fatty food intake. Taking asafoetida along with juice of bitter gourd is effective for blood sugar control, that is one of many contributing factors towards Cholesterol.
- Asafoetida Benefits for Neurological Health
Besides being effective for medical conditions, this particular medical herb additionally helps emotional health. Therefore, was most often suggested by herbal healthcare specialists for the treatment of neurological disorders since the spice consists of sedative properties which encourage sleep. As a result, it will help reduce signs of depression, anxiety disorders, panic attacks as well as mood swings. Apart from, breathing in the fumes of Asafoetida eliminates hysteric attacks.
- Increases Physical Well Being
Asafoetida works towards increasing and maintaining the heart health. Additionally it is an excellent respiratory medication towards cough as well as breathing issues. Therefore, it really is clear that this herbal spice boosts the supply of blood to all tissues and cells. This boosts and helps to ensure that every cell gets the needed oxygen content. Therefore, it lowers physical exhaustion by providing the tired tissues an opportunity to get repaired.
- For Ear Ache
Asafoetida is additionally extremely effective for treating ear ache /ear pain. Next time you will find your self along with ear ache, heat coconut oil in small pan and put in a small piece of asafoetida and allow it to melt. Once it gets to room temperature, use the oil within the ears together with your hands. This really is among the efficient treatments for ear pain which has been utilized for many years.
- Pain
Taking hing dissolved in water relieves migraines as well as headaches. A piece of hing combined with lemon juice could work miracles for the painful tooth.
- Antidote for Opium
Hing counters the effect of opium. Hence, it really is utilized as an opium antidote.
- Anti-Depressive Benefits
Asafoetida has got historically been utilized as an anti-depressive medication. Its capability to stimulate happiness and reduce the thoughts of failure as well as negativity causes it to be a robust natural anti-depressant too.
- Increases Metabolism
This unique health advantage aids several health problems. Asafoetida boosts the body’s metabolism largely. This enhances digestion of food. Therefore, it triggers fat metabolism too. This particular hampers the circulation of LDL (bad cholesterol) in the blood of humans. Therefore, Asafoetida keeps you safe of all of the heart disease caused by cholesterol formation as well as accumulation.
- Cancer
Hing is really a effective anti-oxidant as well as safeguards the body cells from free radicals. In accordance with research, the anti-carcinogenic property of hing prevents the development of cancerous cells.
- For Young Babies
For young babies, it’s not preferable to give asafoetida internally. Even for toddlers, they’ll refuse to drink it as it features a quite strong stinky odor. For the treatment of young babies, we make a paste from asafoetida and water and apply on the babies stomach. To know whether your baby is struggling with gas, touch their tummy, if it’s tight as well as bloated than they are susceptible to gas. Simply use asafoetida and they’ll be much better quickly.
- Indigestion
Hing has been utilized since ancient times like a home cure for indigestion, the reason why it really is routinely utilized in most day to day Indian cuisine. Its anti-inflammatory as well as anti-oxidant qualities assist relieve digestion issues just like upset stomach, intestinal gas, intestinal worms, flatulence, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), etc. Consuming a few small pieces of asafoetida dissolved in half a cup of water provides fast rest from indigestion. Hing is a wonderful laxative as well as helps prevent bowel problems. A pinch of asafoetida taken along with butter milk offers fast rest from flatulence. Additionally it is regarded as a great fix for colic in infants. Numerous Ayurvedic formulations available in the market for gastric problems make use of hing just as one component.
- Anti-Asthmatic Benefits
Asthma and bronchitis are two acute respiratory syndromes. Asafoetida is really a natural opponent to these respiratory syndromes mostly. It activates the creation of natural antibodies as soon as an individual catches cold. This particular powerful boost in immunity triggers the process of reducing respiration. Therefore, it is just a strong treatment against cold, asthma as well as bronchitis.
- Beneficial for Diabetes
Hing is utilized within the management of diabetes since it assists pancreatic cells to secrete more insulin therefore lowering blood glucose levels. To lower blood sugar levels, consume bitter gourd cooked along with hing. According to research Asafetida extract is used against the pancreatic beta-cells damage from alloxan-induced diabetes in rats and some hormones related to diabetes mellitus. Research result shows Asafetida induced significant reduction in blood glucose and increasing of serum insulin (source)
- High blood pressure
Coumarins contained in the herb help with thinning of blood and stop blood clotting. The anticoagulant property combined with the healing effect of hing safeguards against higher triglycerides as well as cholesterol and helps lower blood pressure level.
- Women’s Health
Asafoetida improves progesterone secretion, as a result offers rest from reproductive issues like infertility, irregular menstruation, too much painful Dysmenorrhoea as well as pre-mature labour. About 12 centigrams of gum fried in ghee combined with 120 grams of goat’s fresh milk along with a tablespoon of honey, taken thrice every single day for the month allows effective secretion of progesterone hormone. For alleviating Dysmenorrhoea or even painful menstruation, consume a cup of buttermilk combined with a pinch of asafoetida, salt together with half a teaspoon of fenugreek powder. Furthermore, normal consumption of asafoetida fried in ghee on an everyday basis assists diminish the pain as well as discomfort accompanying menstrual periods throughout postpartum.
- For Pimples
Asafoetida may also be used successfully for acne and acne scars. A pinch of asafoetida powder could be combined with water and applied within the acne spots. Frequent app will progressively cure acne flares. However do a small patch test before you apply the paste.
- For Cough
Asafoetida may also be used to deal with cough in kids. A paste created by grinding asafoetida in water applied on the chest is an excellent home cure to help remedy cough.
- Anti-Viral Benefits
This is simply the start of a long list of health benefits this unique herbal spice offers. Latest research has proven that Asafoetida constricts and hampers the development and reproduction of harmful viruses just like H1N1. Once this herbal spice comes in contact with the influenza leading to virus H1N1, it activates the creation of natural antibiotics towards a viral attack. Detailed researches as well as independent research is being carried out till today to find much more about the amazing advantages of this herbal formula towards other viral agents as well. To sum up, this unique edible component provides powerful immunity towards influenza viral infection.
- Contraceptive Benefits
Modern science is still working towards locating the contraceptive advantages of Asafoetida. However, historically this particular herbal spice has been utilized like a effective contraceptive towards unwanted pregnancy. It absolutely was historically utilized as an abortive pill too. Thus, be cautious about using this spice in case you are pregnant or even breastfeeding a kid.
- Mood Elevating Benefits
Asafoetida can be noted for its mood-elevating advantages. This isn’t a drug, however a herbal formula which induces the creation of happiness hormone as well as hampers the production of stress. This can be a effective stress controlling spice that needs to be combined with caution. Usually do not incline to the use in case you have a reported history of mania.
- Mouth Rinse
Asafoetida utilized a mouth rinse additionally provides great rest from tooth pain. To help make the rinse, asafoetida as well as few cloves are boiled in cup of water. This particular water whenever utilized as a mouth rinse provides excellent rest from tooth ache
- Anti-Epileptic Benefits
The amazing health advantages of Asafoetida are not only limited to the traditional means of dealing with cough and cold. The spice is another effective anti-epileptic Unani medication. Unani is definitely the ancient science of dealing with illnesses. It’s still common along with a all-natural means of avoiding diseases largely. However, be cautious about utilizing Asafoetida as a safety measure towards epilepsy. In cases of having verified epilepsy, you have to speak with an authorized doctor.
- Treating Muscle Spasms
One of asafetida’s traditional uses is within the management of muscle spasms. Research along with animals backs this up, showing that asafetida can be quite a powerful anti-spasmodic agent. Particularly, the same 2011 review in the “Journal of Ethnopharmacology” suggests that water extracts of asafetida gum seem to decrease the severity of muscle spasms once they occur. Additionally, since the potency of the extract increases, the frequency of muscle spasms appears to decrease. Even though these findings may appear promising, no research along with humans has yet to show similar effects.
- Migraine
Make a paste utilizing a teaspoon each of camphor, dried ginger as well as asafoetida to two teaspoons of cubeb together with milk Use this particular remedial stuff on forehead to set right migraine as well as tension headaches.
- Anti-Acidic Benefits
Asafoetida works just like a natural alkali which dilutes extreme acids within the stomach. It helps reduce intestinal gastric issues too. Therefore, it is really an incredible anti-flatulent agent which helps reduce gastric as well as acidic pain.
- Hysteria
Asafoetida is traditionally utilized in treatment physical and emotional symptoms associated with mood swings as well as depression. Pungent sulphurous odor of Asafoetida is considered to calm hysteria as well as Epilepsy.
- Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Research carried out in Egypt additionally states that asafoetida is anti-parasitic curing numerous genital infections as well as sexually transmitted diseases just like Trichomonas vaginalis or Trichomoniasis.
- Anti flatulence
Beans, potatoes, cabbage are among the recognized food groups that can cause bloating, flatulence in excess also it stay very difficult to avoid that. Bloating an all natural tendency individuals body to release gaseous can often be exaggerated due such food products. The easiest method to prevent such bloating is simply by including tiny amount of this herb whilst cooking them. Cooking beans just include a bit of asafoetida to it and find out the result.
- Colic Pain
Toddlers and infants are definitely the number one group which do experience upset stomach as well as colicky pain because of excessive eating or even a number of other reasons. Even in adults bad eating behavior result in such unpleasant situations. Since ancient times healers in India as well as surrounding areas utilized to apply a mixture of asafoetida, rock salt as well as oil on stomach and also the umbilicus to ease such types of colicky pain. Test it the next time anyone has got such colicky pain.
Skin Benefits Of Asafoetida
- Anti-Ageing Benefits
This particular herbal spice makes an incredible anti-ageing agent. It provides the goodness of decreasing wrinkles, fine lines as well as age spots through the face. Asafoetida could be combined with rose water as well as fuller’s earth to create a highly effective anti-wrinkle face mask.
- Skin Whitening Benefits
Asafoetida can be used as a whitening agent which encourages fairness and demotes dark spots, acne marks as well as oiliness. It naturally hinders the creation of Tyrosine within the skin. Tyrosine encourages the creation of melanin in human skin which leads to skin darkening, premature ageing as well as dullness. Asafoetida keeps a check on the creation of tyrosine. Therefore, you are able to display a blemish-free as well as glowing, younger skin with the aid of Asafoetida face masks largely.
- Anti-Acne Benefits
Have you got a troubled acne affected skin? Asafoetida may be only the magic factor that you were missing within your skin care regimen till now. This unique herbal formula hampers the creation of acne causing bacteria on the skin. It can make skin disorders undesirable for the development of bacteria. Therefore, it may stop your year’s long acne too.
- Radiance Promoting Benefits
Asafoetida works just like a radiance enhancer which imparts an endless glow to the skin. It improves the supply of oxygen to facial tissues, causing them to be lively as well as plump. You receive a pink tinted fair skin which glows beautifully well. The very best side-benefit of the radiance promotion benefit is definitely the elimination of ugly under-eye dark circles completely.
- Anti-Dryness Benefits
Pollution and stress leaves the skin as well as hair dry and damaged. Asafoetida works just like a dryness repairing agent that provides smooth as well as moist skin. It may remove all of the noticeable indications of skin dryness just like dullness, peeling, cracking, freckles, wrinkles and pigmentation.
- Treats Allergies And Corns
Apart from making the skin pimple free, Asafoetida also activly works to cure skin allergies and corns. Different skin allergies due to sun damage or dryness is often curable utilizing Asafoetida in just a few weeks of usage.
Hair Benefits Of Asafoetida
- Hair Conditioning Benefits
Asafoetida may also be used to make hair conditioning masks. It effectively works to trap moisture within the scalp. This unique benefit makes it a deep moisturizing product which can control the problem of hair dryness and frizz to the large extent.
- Hair Fall Controlling Benefits
Asafoetida enhances the texture of the hair. Additionally, it guards the hair against un-natural and heavy hair fall. Therefore, it is utilized as a solution to baldness in men as well as thin hair in females. You have to look forward to the amazing hair follicle strengthening as well as dandruff managing advantages of Asafoetida, because it regulates hair fall as well as makes hair thicker.
- Scalp Health Maintenance
Scalp gives rise to hair follicles. Once the scalp health dis-orients, it straight turns the hair roots weaker. This can lead to hair fall as well as hair damage. Asafoetida restores as well as maintains the normal PH level of the scalp. Additionally, it keeps the scalp protected from sweat, oil and acne. It normally removes the scalp issues such as acne, oil, dandruff and dryness. Consequently, the overall hair strength, texture as well as quality improve.
History of Asafetida
If we go through the history of asafoetida it really is recognized that asafoetida has come by land across Iran from European countries. It really is considered that it went into Europe from the dominant expedition of Alexander The Great, who, after recurring from the journey to northeastern Persia, thought they had identified a plant roughly the same to the famed Silphium of Cyrene in North Africa, though less flavorsome. Discords, in the early century, wrote, “the Cyrenaica kind, even when one just tastes it, at the same time arouses a funniness throughout the body and it has an extremely powerful healthy aroma, so that it’s not noticed on the inhalation, or just a little; however the Iranian is weaker in clout and it has a nasty aroma”.
Nevertheless, it may be utilized as an alternative to Silphium in cooking, that was fortunate, just because a few decades subsequent to Dioscorides’s time, the true Silphium of Cyrene became vanished, as well as asafoetida became more accepted in the midst of physicians, in addition to Cooks. After the fall of the Roman empire within the 16th century, asafoetida became rare in Europe and when ever encountered, it was seen and utilized as a medication. However in India it still popular both in the fields of cooking as well as medication.
Types of Asafoetida
The two forms of Asafoetidas utilized generally are white and the dark. Although the composition of both varieties is identical, white Asafoetida is water-soluble whilst the dark one is fried in the oil and powdered to be used in cuisines.
Nutritional value of Asafoetida
Nutritive Value of Hing or Asafoetida Values Given below are per 100 grams
| Nutrients | Amount |
| Calcium | 690mg |
| Carbohydrates | 67.8g |
| Carotene | 4 Micro grams |
| Energy | 297cal |
| Fat | 1.1g |
| Fiber | 4.1g |
| Iron | 39.4mg |
| Magnesium | 80 mg |
| Minerals | 7.0g |
| Phosphorus | 50mg |
| Proteins | 4.0g |
Ayurvedic health benefits of Asafoetida
- Taking a combination of a quarter teaspoon of dry ginger powder, a pinch of asafoetida as well as black salt in the cup of warm water helps in reducing flatulence.
- Having a pinch of asafoetida combined in a cup of buttermilk functions as a great natural home cure for bloating as well as gas problems. If you don’t have buttermilk, just use lukewarm water.
- Prepare a powder of the mixture composed of one tablespoon each of dried ginger, long pepper, curry leaves, Bishop’s weed (ajwain), black pepper as well as cumin. Fry this mix in the teaspoon of sesame oil together with one teaspoon of asafoetida. Finally, add some rock salt within it. Take one teaspoon of this natural medicine (combined with clarified butter) together with steamed rice to avoid indigestion.
- Taking 250 mg of hing combined in one teaspoonful each of betel (paan) juice as well as honey is effective in respiratory disorders just like asthma, bronchitis and cough.
- Dissolve a piece of asafoetida in the cup of water. Soak the solution in the cloth and utilize like a fomentation on stomach to calm stomach ache brought on by indigestion.
- Smelling asafoetida gum is extremely valuable in coping with Hysteria.
- Take one teaspoon each of asafoetida, dried ginger, camphor and two teaspoons of tailed pepper (cubeb). Add some milk within it, enough to make a paste. Use this therapeutic paste in your forehead to cure tension as well as migraine headaches.
- Fry about 6 centigrams of asafoetida in cleared up butter, combine a teaspoon of fresh latex of banyan tree plus some honey in it. Using this home medication every day just before sunrise is considered to avoid issues just like premature ejaculation as well as spermatorrhoea. Benefits of asdafoetida (Hing) include enhanced libido and feminine sterility.
- Consuming two teaspoons of bitter gourd juice combined with a quarter teaspoon of asafoetida powder is effective in managing Diabetes.
- Add a quarter teaspoon of asafoetida and half a teaspoon each of onion juice as well as betel leaf juice in two teaspoons of honey. Take this particular asafoetida home cure 3 times in one day to cope with the signs of asthma along with other respiratory problems.
- Mix half a teaspoon of asafoetida powder in two teaspoons of lime juice. Heat the solution a bit. Lastly, dip a cotton ball within this solution and put it in your aching tooth to ease toothache.
- Applying this particular herb directly on skin may serve as one of the simplest possible asafoetida natural home remedies for corns and calluses.
- Hing or Asafoetida benefits in lessening Dysmenorrhoea or even painful menstruation. For this, you have to consume a cup of buttermilk combined with a pinch of asafoetida, half a teaspoon of fenugreek powder and little salt.
- A thick emulsion of the herb put on the infected area offers immediate rest from snake and insect bites.
- Combined with limejuice it really is probably the most helpful cures for the treatment of toothache.
- In the aromatherapy process, the essential oil of Asafoetida is extremely valuable.
- Improving Voice: Gargling along with Asafoetida or even consuming buttermilk with a teaspoon of Asafoetida within it helps enhance the voice. This really is very theraputic for the singers who would like to have a sweet voice permanently.
- Rubbing this spice in the impacted areas cures corns.
- Due to its unpleasant smelly nature, Asafoetida is utilized as the ingredients in a few mosquito as well as insect repellents.
- Asafoetida works as an antidote for opium to combat the effect of the drug
- You may also mix together one-half teaspoon each of asafetida powder as well as dry ginger powder and two tablespoons of honey. Have this mix a minimum of three times each day to get rest from a dry cough, whooping cough, bronchitis and asthma.
- Heat a dash of asafetida in one and one-half cup of water. Let it simmer for around 15 minutes after which drink it a few times each day to ease mild tension headache.
- Another choice is to take one teaspoon all of asafetida, dried ginger, camphor and two teaspoons of tailed pepper. Include enough milk or rose water to create a paste. Use this particular paste in your forehead to deal with tension as well as migraine headaches.
- Simply place a very small piece of asafetida around the aching tooth to get quick rest from a toothache.
- Make a poultice simply by heating one-half teaspoon of asafetida in two teaspoons of lemon juice. Soak a cotton swab within it and use it around the affected tooth.
- Stomachache/Gas/Burping: Mix a pinch of asafoetida in hot water as well as use throughout the navel. 1/2 gram of asafoetida could be consumed together with any food too.
- If there is pain because of gas build up within the stomach then, boil 2 grams asafoetida in 500 ml of water until 125 ml remains. Drink this particular while still warm for relief.
- Pain In Ribs: Mix asafoetida in hot water and apply around the area of pain.
- Headache Due To Cold: Mix asafoetida in hot water and apply within the forehead.
- Migraine: Combine asafoetida in water as well as smell this for relief.
- Indigestion: Mix equivalent amount of asafoetida, rock salt, carom seeds and Inknut or Terminalia chebula fruit (choti harad). Grind them fine. Consume 1 tsp of the combination along with hot water Three times each day.
- Burping/Hiccups: Place a piece of asafoetida equal in size to the grain of Pearl Millet (bajra) in piece of banana or even jaggery and consume this for relief.
- Worms In Children: Combine some asafoetida in water and use this solution on the anus using a cotton ball.
- Toothache: Keep a small piece of asafoetida underneath the aching tooth for rest from pain.
- Urticaria: Mix asafoetida in clarified butter (ghee) as well as massage using this.
- Hysteria: Smelling asafoetida reduces hysteria.
- Pneumonia: Mix a pinch of asafoetida in water and drink.
- Menses Pain: Mix a pinch of asafoetida in buttermilk. Add 1/2 tsp fenugreek powder as well as salt to taste. Consume this.
- Poisoning: Mix a pinch of asafoetida mixed in water. It causes vomiting as well as eliminates the poison and its particular effects.
- Cold: Smell asafoetida. It eliminates gathered mucus.
- Hoarseness: Mix 1/2 gram asafoetida in hot water and gargle with this particular water.
- Weak Heart: Asafoetida provides strength to the weak heart, helps prevent blood from clotting and enhances blood circulation.
- Corns/Callus: Apply asafoetida right on the affected spot.
- Diabetes: Mix 1/4 tsp asafoetida in 2 tsp bitter gourd juice and consume. It manages blood glucose levels.
How to Select
- Two main varieties can be found, categorized according to their place of origin, flavour as well as colour: Hing Kabuli Sufaid (milky white asafoetida) as well as Hing Lal (red asafoetida). Select the variety that meets your taste.
- Check the manufacturing as well as expiration date, packaging etc. just before buy.
- You can purchase it in block form or perhaps in powdered form.
How to Store
- Store asafoetida in the air-tight container since it features a stinky smell that may fill your cupboard!
- Also, since the smell lingers within the container a long time after it is emptied, try and utilize the same container month after month, or get a disposable one.
How to Use Asafoetida
Asafoetida is not a spice to utilize in everything, however that does not mean it’s not an excellent everyday spice. It enhances most commonly-used Indian veggies: potatoes, onions, cauliflower, peas, as well as quick-cooking greens. Whether making a more involved vegetable curry or perhaps a simpler sauté a pinch or two (or maybe your container is much like the one above, only a squeeze from the top) additional at the start will go a long way. It is also a typical component of tarkas, the flavored fats made and poured on dishes before serving. In either case, once your oil or even butter (preferably clarified) gets hot, incorperate your asafoetida and allow it to incorporate for around 15 seconds just before adding other spices and aromatics. Your nose will tell you when it is ready.
Asafoetida is most beneficial utilized as a background note for other complimentary spices, just like cumin, mustard seeds, dried chiles, curry leaves, ginger, as well as garlic. Include any mixture of these things in your tarka to drizzle over beans, stewed vegetables, or even anything at all. Or begin your dish along with asafoetida. As a dish cooks the asafoetida graciously recedes in the background, though although it lets other flavors develop it never disappears. The end result is an intensely fragrant dish along with layers of flavor along with a full mouthfeel. Regularly getting those layers and that texture appear to be a challenge for a lot of home cooks, myself included. With asafoetida that’s only a pinch away.
Culinary Uses
- It can be used typically in Indian food for flavouring.
- It is incorporated minute quantities like a powder, or even dissolved in water.
- Jains along with other communities who avoid the usage of onion and garlic and make use of asafoetida as an alternative.
- Temper dals, curries, upmas, rasam etc utilizing hing for the added flavour as well as aroma. It smells best along with ghee than with oil.
- Dissolve powdered asafoetida in buttermilk as well as temper along with curry leaves. It behaves as a digestive aid.
How to know if your Hing is pure or adulterated
Nowadays, it is hard to get unadulterated hing since wheat flour and gum of keekar tree are blended in it. Spurious and adulterated hing sinks and settles if put in a glass of water whereas pure hing, without leaving sediments, gradually yet totally dissolves into water, turning it into a milky liquid. Pure hing also gets burnt whenever put near to a flame.
Side Effects Associated with Asafoetida
Anything in limit is protected for the body system. However, anything utilized in excessive is likely to respond with a negative, unwanted reaction. Asafoetida in normal limits can also be safe for human beings. Consumption of about 15 g of the resin produces no ill-effects. Anything beyond this particular safe limit leads to undesired effects. Side effects generally noticed because of extreme consumption of asafoetida are discussed below.
- Hemorrhaging in Livestock
Coumarin constituents contained in Ferula communis are toxic naturally and therefore are recognized to decrease prothrombin concentrations therefore, leading to hemorrhaging in livestock.
- Contact Dermatitis
Ferula galbaniflua as well as Ferula rubricaulis are two other types of asafoetida that have a gum which is rubefacient and it has irritant qualities. Individuals responsive to these species develop contact dermatitis as a side effect.
- Swollen Lips
Patients cured with asafoetida develop swollen lips as a side effect. Their lips become enlarged as well as puffy right after taking the dose and get normal again after sometime. Some individuals also develop swelling in the face and throat, only when they are very likely to its effects.
- Abdominal Gas and Diarrhea
Patients on herbal treatment with asafoetida are affected from abdominal problems just like gas and diarrhea. Regular loose stools add to the misery of patients, and abdominal gas leads to burping and belching. These side effects could be reduced by snacking before the resin dosage.
- Skin Rashes
Several patients develop skin rashes in response to asafoetida use. Rashes result in intense pain since they lead to redness, itching, and tingling sensation. Such individuals need to avoid scratching the sensitized skin as it could worsen the situation.
- Headache and Dizziness
These side effects are noticed in patients that have the unusual habit of taking huge doses of asafoetida. Headache results in trouble in concentration as well as undertaking regular activities, whilst dizziness causes lack of ability to move properly.In addition to the negative effects mentioned previously, prolonged usage of this gum is recognized to cause nausea, vomiting, as well as throat irritation in individuals. Asafoetida formulation is additionally available in the form of tincture which might result in burning sensation whilst urinating and is particularly recognized to alter menstruation time.
Children: Asafoetida is UNSAFE for babies since it could potentially cause certainblood disorders.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: It really is UNSAFE to utilize asafoetida in case you are pregnant. It could result in a miscarriage. Avoid use.It’s also UNSAFE to utilize asafoetida in case you are breast-feeding. The chemicals in asafoetida might pass into breast milk and then result in bleeding disorders within the nursing infant. Avoid use.
Bleeding disorders: There’s concern that asafoetida may possibly boost the risk of bleeding. Don’t use asafoetida for those who have a bleeding disorder.
Epilepsy or history of convulsions: Don’t use asafoetida in case you have epilepsy as well as other central nervous system problem that may result in seizures or even convulsions.
Stomach and intestinal (gastrointestinal, GI) problems: Asafoetida can bother the GI tract. Don’t utilize it of you have a GI infection or any other GI condition.
High blood pressure (hypertension) or low blood pressure (hypotension): There is some problem that asafoetida might hinder blood pressurecontrol. Avoid use in case you have a blood pressure problem.
COMPILED BY – KRISHNA RAO KHANAPUR
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