Synonyms
Asafetida, Asafotida, Assa foetida, Assafetida, Assafetida, Assafetida, Assafoetida, Devil’s Dung,
Devil’s Durt, Ferulr perisque, Food of the Gods, Heeng, Hing, Hingu, Kama-i-anguza, Laser, Perunkaya, Stinkender
Asant, Stinking Gum |
Actions
Antispasmodic, Carminative, Expectorant, Laxative, Sedative |
| Medicinal Use
Asafoetida is known as an antidote for flatulence and is also prescribed for respiratory conditions like asthma, bronchitis and
whooping cough. Its vile smell has led to many unusual medical claims, mostly stemming from the belief that it’s foetid
odour would act as a deterrent to germs. In several European countries a small piece of the resin would be tied on a string
and hung around childrens necks to protect from disease. The shock of the sulfurous smell was once thought to calm hysteria
and in the days of the American Wild West it was included in a mixture with other strong spices as a cure for
alcoholism. |
