Asafoetida

Species (Family)
Ferula species including:
(i) Ferula assafoetida L. (Ferula rubricaulis Boiss)
(ii) Ferula foetida (Bunge) Regel (Apiaceae/Umbelliferae)


Synonyms(s)
Asafetida, Asant, Devil's Dung, Gum Asafetida


Part(s) Used
Oleo gum resin obtained by incising the living rhizomes and roots.

Food Use
Asafoetida is used widely in foods. Asafoetida (essential oil, fluid extract and gommo-oleoresin) is listed by the Council of Europe as a source of natural food flavouring (category 5) (see Appendix 23) Asafoetida is approved for food use in the USA.


Herbal User
Asafoetida is stated to possess carminative, antispasmodic and expectorant properties. It has been used for chronic bronchitis, pertussis, laryngismus stridulus, hysteria and specifically for intertinal flatulent colic.


Dosage
Powdered resin 0.3 - 1g thre times daily
Tincture of asafoetida (BPC 1949) 2-4 mL


Pics of Asafoetida