What Is Asafetida? Benefits, Side Effects, and Uses

Asafetida, popularly known as hing or hingu, is a classic Indian culinary spice that has a strong flavor and pungent smell.

• It is a dried gum resin obtained from the root of an herbaceous plant Ferula asafoetida.
• It has been used in Indian traditional medicine (Ayurveda) for centuries because of its therapeutic properties that offer various health benefits.
• It is native to Iran, Pakistan, and Afghanistan and is widely grown in Kashmir—a region in India.

Learn the health benefits, side effects, and uses of asafetida below.

10 health benefits of asafetida

Here are the 10 health benefits of asafetida:

1. Aids to digestion and stomach disorders such as gas, bloating, irritable bowel syndrome, and flatulence. Therapeutic effects may be beneficial in the treatment of stomach ulcers.
2. Acts as an expectorant, relieving chest congestion. It also has antiviral and antibacterial properties, aiding in the relief of respiratory problems such as asthma, bronchitis, and cough.
3. Known as a natural antidepressant, reducing feelings of failure and pessimism.
4. Aids in impotency issues, significantly boosting female sexual drive, alleviating premature ejaculation, and increasing male sexual desire. It is also a well-known stress reliever.
5. Reduces the risk of cancer by fighting cancer-causing cells and protecting the body from free radicals. It aids in the prevention of metastasis in the lungs, liver, and kidneys.
6. Relieves headache by lowering inflammation in blood vessels in the brain. It also acts as an anti-depressant, relieving stress and anxiety that contribute to migraine discomfort.
7. Reduces blood pressure by increasing blood flow and acting as a natural blood thinner that may aid in blood pressure reduction.
8. Relieves menstrual cramps by promoting smooth blood flow and increasing progesterone production.
9. Used for anti-aging purposes, whitening the skin, and reducing dark circles beneath the eyes and wrinkles on the face. It contains tyrosine, which improves dull skin.
10. Alleviates symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis by reducing pain and swelling and improving joint mobility.

QUESTION

Are there any potential downsides with asafetida?

Here are five potential adverse effects associated with the use of asafetida:

1. Gastrointestinal issues may occur, including gas, diarrhea, burning feeling in the stomach, and nausea and vomiting. To avoid this problem, eat a light snack before consuming asafetida-containing foods.
2. Consuming too much asafetida can lead to headaches, dizziness, and difficulty concentrating. If symptoms persist, contact your doctor.
3. Asafetida may cause red itchy skin rashes and pimples. If the condition worsens, consult your doctor.
4. Asafetida usage is linked to causing hypertension (high blood pressure) and hypotension (low blood pressure). It is contraindicated in people with low blood pressure.
5. Excessive consumption of asafetida may cause abnormal swelling of the lips. Seek medical assistance if the problem persists or extends to the face and neck.

Contraindications of asafetida

1. Pregnant women should avoid using a large amount of asafetida as it may increase the risk of miscarriage. Lactating moms should also avoid it. It should not be ingested by nursing mothers or given to children younger than five years.
2. People with any type of central nervous system disorder, paralysis, or convulsions should not consume asafetida as it can increase the risk of bleeding disorders.

How to use asafetida

Asafetida may not be available at your local food shop, but it is inexpensive and easily obtained online. It may be available at select specialty stores, particularly Indian or Middle Eastern retailers.

It is usually available as powder or granules that may be immediately added to your cooking. It is also available as lumps that must be crushed before use. When stored correctly, in an airtight container away from light, heat, and air, it can last up to a year in its ground form.

Adding a small pinch of asafetida to your dishes can give you a distinctive flavor and be advantageous to your health. It is commonly found in lentil meals, vegetarian stews, soups, pickles, and seafood recipes.

Medicinal asafetida is available as a supplement in tincture and pill form. A daily intake of 200 to 500 mg of the resin has historically been used for medical purposes, although there are no clinical data to support dose recommendations for asafetida.

It is gluten-free in its raw form and most compound powders. However, watch out for adulterated variants that are frequently mixed with wheat flour.

Remember to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement or making significant changes to your diet.