ASAFETIDA POWDER (Ferula assafoetida) aka - Devil’s Dung, Giant Fennel, Stinking Gum, or Hing

True to its other names, Asafetida has a strong pungent smell, but adds a subtle flavor to dishes when cooked with other spices. It is native to Afghanistan, and grows in Turkey, Iraq and India. Asafetida helps reduce flatulence, digestive disorders, prevents constipation and is an excellent laxative. A pinch of asafetida can be taken with buttermilk to reduce flatulence and cleanse the digestive system. Granules of asafetida can be dissolved in water and taken for relieving migraines and headaches. Asafetida is also a natural remedy for colic in babies by placing a small amount of warm asafetida on the baby’s stomach. Asafetida also acts as an anti-coagulant and helps lower blood pressure. Asafetida is good protection against triglycerides and cholesterol formed due to excessive fat consumption. However, care needs to be taken when it is used along with blood pressure medication. Asafetida is favorable for women’s health as it helps counter leucorrhoea, dysmenorrhea, excessive and painful menstruation, and has positive benefits in treating candida infection. Asafetida health benefits can be obtained when used in cooking. It can be mixed with virtually anything like vegetables, rice, meat, or fish. 

PLEASE NOTE: With all its beneficial qualities, asafetida has its disadvantages as well. It can cause unpleasant side effects like vomiting and nausea; excessive consumption of asafetida can cause irritation in throat, swollen lips, burping, gas, and diarrhea. It can also trigger unfavorable results in persons suffering from central nervous conditions. In some, it cause redness, itching and skin irritation. If there are prolonged skin rashes, skin swelling, and hives, you need to consult a doctor to remedy the allergic reaction. High doses of asafetida can cause dizziness and headaches. In sum, it is best to consult a physician if you want to consume larger doses