What Is Asafetida? Benefits, Side Effects, and Uses

Here are the 10 health benefits of asafetida:

1. Improves digestion:
   • Aids to digestion and stomach disorders such as gas, bloating, irritable bowel syndrome, and flatulence
   • Therapeutic effects may be beneficial in the treatment of stomach ulcers
2. Is an expectorant:
   • An excellent expectorant that relieves chest congestion
   • Has antiviral and antibacterial properties because of which it is believed that it aids in the relief of respiratory problems such as asthma, bronchitis, and cough
3. Treats depression: 
   • A well-known effective natural antidepressant
   • Can make you feel happy by reducing the feelings of failure and pessimism
4. Aids in impotency:
   • Aids in impotency issues
   • Significantly boosts female sexual drive and alleviates the problem of premature ejaculation
   • A well-known stress reliever
   • Helps increase male sexual desire
5. Reduces the risk of cancer:
   • Beneficial at reducing tumor weight and volume
   • Antioxidant properties fight cancer-causing cells and protect the body from free radicals
   • Aids in the prevention of metastasis in the lungs, liver, and kidneys, as well as the spread of cancer in the body
6. Relieves headache:
   • Anti-inflammatory characteristics of asafetida help lower inflammation in blood vessels in the brain, which aids in headache relief
   • Anti-depressant that relieves stress and anxiety, both of which can contribute to migraine discomfort
7. Reduces blood pressure:
   • Contains coumarin, a chemical that assists in increasing blood flow and thereby avoiding the development of clots
   • A natural blood thinner that may aid in blood pressure reduction
8. Relieves menstrual cramps:
   • May come to your aid by relieving period cramps and soreness in the lower abdomen and back
   • Increases progesterone production, which promotes smooth blood flow and eventually reduces pain
9. Antiaging:
   • Used to whiten the skin and erase dark circles beneath the eyes and wrinkles on the face
   • Contains tyrosine, which improves dull skin
10. Alleviates symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis:
    • Possesses analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and relaxing properties that reduce pain and swelling seen with rheumatoid arthritis
    • Considerable improvement in joint mobility and reduction in joint inflammation after using asafetida

Here are five potential adverse effects associated with the use of asafetida:

1. Gastrointestinal issues:
   • Although asafetida is used in cooking to avoid gastrointestinal difficulties after a big meal, too much of it might induce stomach issues. 
   • You may have gas or diarrhea or may experience a burning feeling in your stomach or nausea and vomiting after taking asafetida. 
   • Excess gas may induce frequent blenching and nausea. 
   • To avoid this problem, eat a light snack before consuming asafetida-containing foods. 
2. Headache and dizziness:
   • You may get headaches and dizziness if you consume too much asafetida. 
   • In certain circumstances, you may lose consciousness or have difficulty concentrating. 
   • However, these adverse effects are very short-lived and subside within a few hours with some rest.
   • If you continue to notice symptoms, you must contact your doctor.
3. Skin rashes:
   • Consumption of asafetida may cause red itchy skin rashes and pimples. 
   • If the condition just lasts a few minutes, there is no need to be concerned because it may go away on its own. 
   • If your skin begins to bulge and your situation worsens, consult your doctor right away. 
4. Drastic changes in blood pressure:
   • Asafetida usage is linked to causing hypertension (high blood pressure) and hypotension (low blood pressure). 
   • Asafetida is a natural blood thinner, and this property may be the reason behind a fall in blood pressure.
   • The coumarin in asafetida inhibits the development of clots and assists in the improvement of blood flow.
   • Asafetida is contraindicated in people who have low blood pressure. 
5. Swelling of the lips:
   • Some people may have abnormal swelling of the lips if they consume too much asafetida.
   • The lips become more pronounced and puffier than usual, and there is a clattering feeling. 
   • This asafetida side effect may last for a while but fades on its own after a few hours. 
   • However, if the problem persists or the swelling extends to your face and neck, you must seek quick medical assistance.

1. Pregnancy and breastfeeding:
   • Pregnant women should avoid using a large amount of asafetida in foods because it may increase their risk of miscarriage by increasing uterine contractions. 
   • Lactating moms should avoid eating spicy foods. It might enter their baby's system through breast milk and cause particular blood-related disorders. 
   • Asafetida can cause bleeding issues in newborns because the ferulic acid in it can transfer to breast milk.
   • Thus, it should not be ingested by nursing mothers or given to children younger than five years.
2. Paralysis:
   • Asafetida might be dangerous for people who have any type of central nervous system disorder.
   • Asafetida can increase the risk of bleeding disorders.
   • You should not consume asafetida if you have had paralysis or issues with convulsions.

Asafetida may not be available at your local food shop, but it is inexpensive and easily obtained online. It may be available at select specialty stores, particularly Indian or Middle Eastern retailers.

It is usually available as powder or granules that may be immediately added to your cooking. Moreover, it is available as lumps that must be crushed before use. It is a potent spice that if kept correctly, in an airtight container away from light, heat, and air, it can last up to a year in its ground form.

Adding a small pinch of asafetida to your dishes can give you a distinctive flavor and even be advantageous to your health. It is commonly found in lentil meals, vegetarian stews, and soups and pickles. It is also good in seafood recipes. 

Medicinal asafetida is available as a supplement in tincture and pill form. Although there are no clinical data to support dose recommendations for asafetida, a daily intake of 200 to 500 mg of the resin has historically been used for medical purposes.

It is gluten-free in its raw form and most compound powders. However, watch out for adulterated variants that are frequently mixed with wheat flour.