The Ayurvedic herbarium is enriched with many more household food items. Among them Asafetida is one.
These plants grow in Kashmir and the Himalayas. They bear massive carrot shape roots that are 5-6 inches in diameter at the top when they are 4-5 years old. The fresh roots are incised at the top and the latex is collected in earthen vessels, dried, and packed in leather bags in the form of asafetida.
Asafetida is astringent and bitter in taste and emits a strong odor. It is used as a flavoring agent in curries, pickles, and sauces.
MEDICINAL USES
• In the body, asafetida is absorbed from intestines and excreted through lungs, skin, and kidneys after leaving a sedative effect. It excites the secretion of ovarian hormones and sex stimulating centers. From ancient times, asafetida is used as a medicine for hysteria, paralysis, indigestion, impotency, cough etc.
• It is source for calcium, iron and phosphorus. Apart from these, it also contains carbohydrates. Proteins and fats are also present in asafetida but in negligible amounts.
• Asafetida is used with promising results in female disorders. Fried asafetida mixed with fresh goat’s milk and honey one tablespoonful if taken thrice daily for a month excites the secretion of progesterone hormone and is helpful in functional sterility, threatened abortion, premature labor, painful menstruation, irregular cycles, excessive menstrual bleeding and white discharge. A grain of asafetida taken with a teaspoonful of infusion of cloves after childbirth, thrice daily, increases breast milk. Asafetida, given after childbirth, helps in contracting and toning of the uterine walls. It has a cleansing effect on the genital tract. Women, who have habitual abortions and miscarriages, should take a small amount of asafetida daily when the pregnancy is confirmed and continue its intake until delivery. It is a great help in cases of threatened abortions. Sesame oil to which garlic and asafetida have been added and warmed is beneficial when inserted in the ears of nursing mothers. It can also be used in buzzing sensation of the ears.
• Male sexual disorders like spermatorrhoea, impotency, premature ejaculation of semen etc., are best treated with asafetida. One grain of fried asafetida mixed with honey and a teaspoonful of fresh latex of banyan tree are to be taken before sunrise, once daily for 40 days. It promotes sexual virility and prevents the bad effects of excessive sexual indulgence. Asafetida can be massaged over the shaft of the penis to increase local circulation and improve the hardness during erection.
• It is proven remedy in respiratory disorders. In case of whooping cough, bronchial asthma, bronchitis etc, one grain of asafetida, two teaspoonfuls of honey, quarter teaspoon of onion juice and one teaspoonful of betel leaf juice are to be mixed and taken internally.
• From ancient times, asafetida is used as a preventive medicine for infectious diseases. It was tied in a piece of cloth and left hanging in one of the corners of the house. It was believed that the smell that emitted was responsible for preventing the diseases. Perhaps the volatile oils and the strong smell might have any influence on micro organisms.
• Asafetida has got analgesic like effect. It alters the pain sensation. Two grains of asafetida dissolved in one tablespoonful of coconut oil is to be applied on swellings caused by rheumatoid arthritis, muscle pain, trauma etc. Paste of asafetida prepared with water or lemon juice can be applied over bee, and scorpion stings. In addition, asafetida can be filled in carried tooth after mixing in clove oil with excellent results.
• Attacks of hysteria, acute rhinitis etc., are often controlled by mere smelling the asafetida.
• Asafetida is known digestive and carminative. Adding asafetida to foodstuff helps digestion and prevents intestinal gas. A very popular 1000-year-old digestive formula is Asafetidavaashtak choorna. Its preparation is very simple. Take equal parts of fried asafetida, dried ginger, long pepper, jeera, black pepper, ajowan seeds, black cumin and rock salt. Powder these and mix well. Take half teaspoon regularly with first morsel of the food. This can also be taken twice daily with hot water.
PLEASE NOTE
1. Excessive use of asafetida is not advisable due to its semi-toxic effects. It produces heat and increases pitta. Particularly, the infants and children should never be given asafetida in any form, because it causes severe vomiting leading to dehydration.
2. Beware of adulterations while using asafetida. Original asafetida, if lit should be burnt completely. If dissolved in water, no residue should be left in the bottom. In addition, there should not be any alteration in color and consistency.