Asafoetida
Asafoetida is an ancient Indian culinary ingredient, loaded with immense health benefits. It’s botanical name is Ferula narthex and belongs to family Umbelliferae. It is called Hing or Hingu in hindi. Asafoetida is a perennial plant that can grow up to 2.50 metres tall. In Ayurveda, the herb has a great significance, in dealing with intestinal flatulence.
Chemical Composition –
Typical asafoetida contains about 40–64% resin, 25% endogeneous gum, 10–17% volatile oil, and 1.5–10% ash. The resin portion is known to contain asaresinotannols ‘A’ and ‘B’, ferulic acid, umbelliferone and four unidentified compounds.
Properties –
• Anticancer
• Anti-leukemic
• Antineoplastic
• Anti-mutagenic
• Antitumor
• Anti-carcinogenic
• Anti-inflammatory
• Anti-arthritic
• Antiviral
• Antibacterial
• Antispasmodic
• Antiseptic
• Expectorant
• Hepato-protective or Anti-hepato toxic
• Antioxidant
• Mild tranquilizer (larger amounts)
• Mild sedative (larger amounts)
• Digestive Stimulant
• Emmenagogue
• Fat Burner
• Analgesic (Mild action)
• Muscle relaxant
• Anthelmintic
Part used –
Resin is the part used of asafoetida for culinary or medicinal purposes. Hing is a resin obtained from the Ferula Asafoetida plant’s roots by making small cuts. The juice comes out from the roots, which solidifies and converts into Hing resin.
Dosage –
• Asafoetida powder – 125 to 500 mg per day
• Dietary Dosage – 5 mg to 30 mg per day
Benefits –
• Antihelminthic
Hing helps in expelling the parasitic worms out of the body. Tannins present in Hing bind to the parasite and cause its death. It further relieves stomach ache and discomfort associated with intestinal parasites.
• Respiratory Disorders
Hing is an excellent remedy for whooping cough, asthma and bronchitis.
It is a natural expectorant that helps in the eradication of excess mucus and relieves chest congestion and cough.
• Dental Health
Hing reduces the activity of bacteria that causes tooth decay. It is an amazing and an inexpensive remedy for toothaches too. Hing stimulates the flow of saliva, which helps in clearing out the food particles. It further neutralizes the dental plaque acids and reduces the incidence of dental caries.
• Digestion
Indigestion, bloating, flatulence and heartburn are some common signs, which you may experience after eating a heavy meal or when you overeat.
Adding Hing tempering to your food preparations may help you in relieving such gastrointestinal issues. It supports the process of digestion by strengthening the salivary flow and gastric juice secretion.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis
According to ayurvedic principles, it has hot potency and it reduces AMA toxins, which are responsible for rheumatoid arthritis. The visible effects appear using it for 15 days. Swelling and pain alleviate.
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Hing is a good home remedy for irritable bowel syndrome. It improves digestion due to its digestive stimulant property. It reduces abdominal cramps and pain due to its antispasmodic property. It is highly beneficial in people having symptom of mucus in the stool.
• High cholesterol levels & Atherosclerosis
Hing reduces cholesterol levels in the blood. It can decrease the cholesterol absorption in the gastrointestinal tract and reduces blood cholesterol by improving cholesterol metabolism in the body.
It can prevent inflammation in the blood vessels, which is the primary cause of developing atherosclerosis and deposition of cholesterol plaque in the blood vessels.
• Hysteria or conversion disorder
Hing is used with jaggery in this disease. It reduces symptoms of conversion disorder including impaired coordination or imbalance, hysterical aphonia, convulsions, tremor, fainting etc.
Ayurvedic medicine in which the herb is used –
• Ashta churna
• Phalasarpis
• Kankayan vati
Side Effects –
• Overdosage may cause Pitta increase, burning sensation, worsening of gastritis.
• It is not indicated in conditions with Pitta dominance, like gastritis.
• It is best to avoid its use during menstrual periods.
• It is best to avoid this in bleeding disorders. It has blood thinning effect, hence it may delay clotting.
• It is best to avoid this in children, pregnancy and lactation period.
For more informative articles on Ayurvedic herbs and other health related issues, please visit our website www.santripty.com and also feel free to consult.