Health benefits of Asafoetida

Back in the days of the Roman Empire, there was a substance used to cure health problems ranging from respiratory troubles to hysteria. Today, it’s still used in modern herbalism for treating hysteria, some nervous conditions, as well as bronchitis, asthma and whooping cough. It’s called asafoetida, and it’s an antispasmodic, carminative, expectorant, natural laxative and sedative. 

6 Health Benefits of Asafoetida

1.  Asthma Relief

As a potent respiratory stimulant and expectorant, asafoetida helps release phlegm and relieve chest congestion naturally. It’s used in traditional medicine for asthma, whooping cough and bronchitis. The volatile oil in the asafoetida gum is eliminated through the lungs, which is why it can be an excellent treatment for asthma and other lung-related issues.

2. Lowers Blood Pressure

Asafoetida is a natural blood thinner and can help to lower blood pressure. It’s packed with coumarin, a compound that aids in improving your blood flow and thinning your blood, thereby preventing blood clotting.

Scientists have been able to isolate certain phytochemicals in Ferula species (the source of asafoetida) that have helpful cardiovascular effects. Research using animal subjects has shown that Ferula asafoetida gum extract significantly reduces average arterial blood pressure. The gum extract seems to contain relaxant compounds that have a positive effect on blood pressure and cardiovascular health in general, thanks in part to these phytonutrients.

3. Helps Treat IBS

IBS generally causes severe IBS symptoms, including one or more of the following: alternating diarrhea and constipation, intestinal gas, bloating and cramping, abdominal pain, painful bowel movements, mucous discharge, and undigested food in the stool. Asafoetida has been studied and found to be a successful homeopathic remedy for those suffering from IBS.

A 14-week, double-blind study treated IBS sufferers people with asafoetida or a placebo. Results showed that subjects taking the homeopathic remedy of asafoetida improved to a greater extent than those taking placebo. Additionally, asafoetida is specifically recommended for IBS sufferers that experience constipation alternating with watery diarrhea, bloated stomach with a lot of gas, and a sensation of a lump in the throat that’s relieved by swallowing and belching. These symptoms are also typically worse after eating and sitting, during the night, and on the left side, but are relieved by pressure and by motion in the open air.

4. Blood Sugar Control

Animal studies have shown that asafoetida might be an effective and natural way to help keep blood sugar levels in check and maintain normal blood sugar. When asafoetida extract was given to diabetic animal subjects at a dose of 50 milligrams per kilogram for four weeks, researchers observed a blood sugar-lowering effect. The study concluded that this effect is likely due to the presence of phenolic acids, specifically ferulic acid, and tannins in asafoetida extract.

5. FODMAPs Diet-Friendly

FODMAPs stands for fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols. These are specific sugars found in food that are not absorbed completely by the human body so they’re easily fermented by gut bacteria and can cause significant gastrointestinal (GI) problems.

Following the FODMAPs diet is not easy but can often help relieve GI issues like IBS. Two key no-no’s on the FODMAPs diet are onions and garlic, which is a bummer, but asafoetida is the perfect pungent spice to replace the flavors of garlic and onion without using the vegetables themselves.

6. Reduces Flatulence

Asafoetida has traditionally been used to expel wind from the stomach. In other words, it’s an antiflatulent agent (gas reducer) that’s used for the alleviation and prevention of excessive intestinal gas. It’s commonly combined with lentils and other legumes just for this reason — to reduce gas post-meal and keep flatulence in check.