Background

• Asafoetida, a plant in the Anise family (Apiaceae), grows wild in South West Asia, Kashmir, Afghanistan and Persia, and imported to Arabia.
• Asafoetida is used widely in foods, and is listed by the Council of Europe as a source of natural food flavoring, and is approved for food use in US.

Part(s) Used

The oleo-gum resin; Which is the material exuded by incision of living rhizomes and roots of the plant. The collected solidified material occurs as paste, tear or mass. 

Traditional and Medicinal Uses

The oleo-gum-resin has been used widely in the traditional medical practice by the local healers as remedy for a variety of human illnesses. It has been used as/for:

How Much Do We Know?

Much research has been done on different constituents isolated from Asafoetida to explore their potential therapeutic value. The pharmacological in-vitro and in-vivo (on animals) screening studies have shown a wide spectrum of activities, but their health effects remain uncertain.

What Do We Know About Safety?

Asafoetida and conventionally formulated products are probably safe when taken orally in the recommended amounts.

Using Asafoetida by

Mouth

Traditionally, Asafoetida powdered oleo-gum-resin 300-1000 mg is used three times daily

Special Precautions & Warnings

Pregnancy

Asafoetida may be unsafe for use during pregnancy due to the risk of abortion, avoid use.

Breast-feeding

Asafoetida is unsafe during breast-feeding due to the possible risk of methemoglobinemia in infants, avoid use.

Children

Unsafe due to the possible risk of methemoglobinemia. avoid use.

Keep in Mind

• Do not hesitate to speak with your health care provider before starting to use any supplements.
• Discuss potential benefits and risks, especially if you are suffering from any health problems.