Constituents and uses of Asafoetida, Asafoetida Ferula foetida
Constituents
It contains active compounds like resin, gum, volatile oil, and ash;
along with this it consists of carbohydrates, moisture, protein, fat,
minerals and fibre in some quantities
Culinary uses
- Asafoetida is chiefly a spice which is used in food, pickle and many
other things.
- The gum resin is relished as condiment in India and in iran it is
used to flavor, curries and meatballs.
- In Europe it is used as flavoring and in perfumes. Its odor is too
strong that it has to be kept in tight containers otherwise the aroma
will contaminate the other spices stored nearby.
Medicinal uses
- It is a drug which helps to expel gas from stomach and counteracts
any spasmodic disorder.
- It is a nervine stimulant, digestive agent, and a sedative.
- It is also said to be effective in asthma and bronchitis.
- It has broad uses in traditional medicine as anti microbial and also
treats whooping cough, chronic bronchitis as well as reducing
flatulence.
- It is very useful in stomach ache, prevents insects bites.
- It is a good repellent as it repels insects, gnats and mosquitoes.
- It is also taken in headache, stomach ailments, impotency, and in
some of women's problems.