The medicine that smells. 😄
What is asafetida?
Asafoetida is a resin extracted from the roots of a plant that grows mainly in Iran and Afghanistan.
There is confusion between :
- Ferula foetida.
- Ferula asafoetida.
- Ferula assa-foetida.
But ferula foetida is actually the plant with the most interesting medicinal properties. It is the source of most commercial resins.
Asafetida is rich in :
- Ferulic acid.
- Galactose.
- Terpenoids.
- Coumarins.
- Glycoproteins.
- Polysaccharides.
- Organosulfur compounds.
- Allyl disulfide.
- Resins.
Smell
The name asafoetida comes from the Latin :
- Asa means resin.
- Foetida means fetid.
This gum-resin has a rather disgusting smell, described as a mixture of garlic, onion and sweat.
In some languages, it is called “devil’s shit”.
When cooked, its flavor changes and becomes more pleasant.
Silphium
Silphium was a plant prized in Greco-Roman antiquity for its medicinal and condiment properties.
It grew exclusively in Cyrenaica, a province of Libya, before suffering extinction in the 5th century due to over-exploitation.
The resin from its roots is strongly reminiscent of asafoetida, and the two have often been confused.
In reality, they are 2 related species of ferula, with similar therapeutic properties.
How to use it?
Mainly orally.
Resin is extracted from incised roots. Once dried, it hardens into small pieces.
It is then transformed into powder, although it is sometimes found in the form of chunks of resin.
It is used as a medicinal or food ingredient. Indians are its biggest consumers.
The powder is often mixed with cereal flour to reduce its intensity, as only a small amount is needed to season a dish.
Its medicinal properties combine particularly well with those of black rice.
Contraindications
- Pregnancy.
- Breast-feeding.
- Taking anticoagulant or diabetic medication.
Benefits
It is appreciated by the colon and skin.
Medicinal effects
Ferula foetida is renowned for its effect:
- Antispasmodic.
- Expectorant.
- Emmenagogue.
- Carminative.
- Antioxidant.
- Contraceptive.
- Calming.
- Aphrodisiac.
- Anti-parasitic.
- Anti-inflammatory.
- Immunomodulator.
- Digestive.
Diseases
Fetid ferula has traditionally been used for :
- Flatulence.
- Asthma.
- Gastrointestinal disorders.
- Bloating.
- Menstrual disorders.
- Epilepsy.
- Colic.
- Bronchitis.
- Sinusitis.
- Headache.
- Gastrointestinal disorders.
- Rheumatism.
Emotions
While this resin is an age-old medicinal remedy, it alone does not heal.
Behind most symptoms are emotional wounds.
If I want to get better in the long term, I can find out how to deal with my emotions.
Conclusion
What are the medicinal benefits of asafoetida?
This resin, prized in many traditional medicines, helps regulate the digestive system and menstruation.
However, its therapeutic properties are even more extensive than we think, and it has the ability, for example, to help strengthen the skin.