Asafoetida Essential Oil Health and Beauty Benefits
Like many essential oils, asafoetida essential oil offers many health and beauty benefits, this essential oil comes from the resin (or gum) in the roots of the small Ferula asafoetida plant. It is extracted by the method of steam distillation. It can appear a pale to golden yellow, and even a dark amber color. In its raw form, it has a pungent, overpowering, unpleasant odor, but when refined into oil form, it gains a much more aromatic scent. This essential oil is also known as asafoetida root oil, heeng, hing, ting, asant, narthex, giant fennel root, stinking gum, jowani badia, food of the Gods and Devil’s dung.
The asafoetida plant is native to Pakistan, Iran and the mountains of Afghanistan, however it is widely distilled and used in India. The essential oil and resin of asafoetida is frequently used as flavoring in culinary dishes, as a component in spice mixes and in some condiments, read on for some suggested therapeutic uses of asafoetida essential oil.
| Name | Scientific Name | Origin | Benefits | Caution | Storage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Asafoetida | Ferula asafoetida | Central Asia, Eastern Iran and Afghanistan | Nervous Disorders, Fertility Boost, Reproductive Health, Analgesic, Blood Sugar Control, Toothaches and Earaches, Digestive Issues, Lowers Blood Pressure, Headache Relief, Cancer Prevention, Asthma Relief, Respiratory System, Skin Protection, Insect Repellent. | Should be kept out of reach of children, should not be brought in direct contact with eyes, or mucus membranes. Should be diluted in a carrier oil and never used in its pure form. A patch test should be performed before applying. Avoid if pregnant or nursing. | Airtight dark glass kept in a cool, dry place away from sunlight. |
The History of Asafoetida
Asafoetida is thought to have originated in Central Asia, Eastern Iran and the mountainous region of Afghanistan, where it grows from 600 to 1200 m above sea level. Although not native to India, it has been used in Indian medicine and cuisine for ages. Today it is grown mainly in Iran and Afghanistan, from where it is exported to the rest of the world.
It is used as herbal scent baits in fishing, particularly for catfish and pike. In the coastal belt of Southern India, it is used to kill trees by making a hole in the tree and filling it with asafoetida gum. It is sometimes used as a harmless moth (Lepidoptera) light trap by collectors—when mixed in a 1:3 parts ratio with a fruit jelly.
In the 19th Century, asafoetida essential oil was used as a solution to hysteria, depression and mood swings. In Jamaica, there was a tradition of applying asafoetida to a baby’s anterior fontanel to prevent spirits from entering the baby’s body. In the African–American tradition of Hoodoo, asafoetida is used in magic spells, as it is believed to have the power to both protect and curse.
The Health Benefits of Asafoetida Essential Oil
Apart from being used as flavoring in culinary dishes, as an ingredient in certain spice mixes and in some condiments, asafoetida essential oil also offers a number of other helpful medicinal benefits. If you’re interested in greater detail, read this PDF on the Health and Beauty Benefits of Asafoetida Essential Oil. Asafoetida essential oil has many health benefits discussed below.
Therapeutic Uses of Asafoetida Essential Oil
- Effective Digestive Aid: Asafoetida essential oil features carminative properties. This oil actively works to reduce and even eliminate the development of gas from the gut. This essential oil has proven to be a helpful digestive aid and in lowering cholesterol.
- As an Expectorant: This essential oil could also be used as an expectorant, because of its stimulating qualities. It could be used to ameliorate upper respiratory conditions like cough, asthma and bronchitis.
- In Aromatherapy: Having sedative properties, the essential oil of asafoetida could also be used in aromatherapy. It may help to lower anxiety. Additionally it is a powerful nervine, which could help in easing stress and relaxation.
- Natural Insecticide: Using asafoetida essential oil might help in naturally repelling insects and other pests due to its pungent odor.
Precautions
Keep asafoetida essential oil in an airtight container. Store container in a cool dry place away from heat and sunlight.
Asafoetida essential oil is not advisable for pregnant women, because it has been known to have abortifacient and contraceptive effects. It can result in a miscarriage. Avoid use. Asafoetida is also unsafe to use while breastfeeding. The chemicals compounds in the resin, powder or essential oil can pass into the breast milk and result in bleeding disorders in the nursing infant. Avoid use. Asafoetida is unsafe for use in children since it can potentially cause bleeding disorders. Avoid use.
Consult a physician before using asafoetida essential oil as it may have counter effects when used in conjunction with certain medications.
Essential Oils to Avoid In Pregnancy
Women who are pregnant should use essential oils with caution. Some oils are best steering clear of altogether. These are: Acorus Calamus, Ajwain, Allspice, Amyris, Anise (Aniseed), Angelica, Apricot Kernel, Asafoetida, Cinnamon, Clove, Cumin, Fennel, Hyssop, Oregano, Thyme, Sage, Star Anise, Sweet Birch, and Wintergreen.
Never use essential oils in a humidifier, CPAP machine, or any other breathing device.
Side Effects Associated with Excessive Use of Asafoetida
Anything in moderation can be rendered relatively safe. However, anything in excess is likely to become harmful and cause a negative reaction. In moderate doses (up to 15g of the resin), asafoetida is safe for human consumption and produces no negative side–effects. Anything beyond this dose is considered unsafe and likely to lead to negative and undesired effects. Some side–effects observed as a result of excessive consumption of asafoetida are discussed below.
- Hemorrhaging in Livestock: Coumarin constituents contained in Ferula communis are toxic and are known to lower prothrombin concentrations leading to hemorrhaging in livestock.
- Contact Dermatitis: Ferula galbaniflua and Ferula rubricaulis are two types of asafoetida that contain a resin (gum) which is rubefacient and can cause skin irritation. Individuals sensitive or allergic to these species can develop contact dermatitis if made direct contact.
- Skin Rashes: Patients can develop skin rashes in response to use of asafoetida. Rashes can result in hives, which are characterized by redness, itching, intense pain and a tingling sensation.
- Swollen Lips: Patients treated with asafoetida develop swollen lips as a side–effect. Their lips swell and become puffy immediately after taking the dose, but swelling is short–lived and disappears soon after. Some individuals who might be more sensitive to its effects might also develop swelling in the face and throat.
- Abdominal Gas and Diarrhea: Patients treated with herbal asafoetida can develop abdominal problems like gas and diarrhea as a side–effect. These side effects can be avoided by eating before the dose.
- Headache and Dizziness: Trouble concentrating and performing regular tasks, as well as negatively impacting mobility. Prolonged use of this resin is known to cause nausea, vomiting and throat irritation in individuals. Asafoetida is also available in tincture form which is known to cause a burning sensation during urination and to alter menstrual cycles.
- Children: Asafoetida is unsafe for use in babies and children since it can potentially cause bleeding disorders.
- Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Asafoetida is unsafe to use during pregnancy. It can result in a miscarriage. Avoid use. Asafoetida is also unsafe to use while breastfeeding. The chemicals compounds in the resin, powder or essential oil can pass into the breast milk and result in bleeding disorders in the nursing infant. Avoid use.
- Bleeding Disorders: There’s concern that asafoetida can increase the risk of bleeding. It is known to prevent blood from clotting. Asafoetida is unsafe to use for those who have a bleeding disorder or who take blood thinners.
- Epilepsy or History of Convulsions: Asafoetida is unsafe to use in patients with epilepsy or other central nervous system condition that may result in seizures or convulsions.
- Gastrointestinal Problems: Asafoetida can irritate the GI tract. Don’t use it of you have a GI infection or any other serious GI condition.
- Hypertension and Hypotension: It is believed that asafoetida can hinder control over blood pressure. Avoid use if you have high or low blood pressure.
If you enjoyed this post, subscribe to our newsletter to have more posts like this one delivered directly to your inbox. Cheers!
Sources:
Asafoetida facts and health benefits
https://www.healthbenefitstimes.com/health-benefits-asafoetida/
Health benefits of Using Asafoetida Oil
https://www.healthbenefitstimes.com/health-benefits-using-asafoetida-oil/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asafoetida
http://www.home-remedies-for-you.com/herbs/asafoetida.html
http://www.diethealthclub.com/health-food/asafoetida-health-benefits.html
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3459456/
http://regencyspices.hk/ingredients/asafoetida
http://www.foodreference.com/html/f-asafoetida.html
http://www.allaboutheaven.org/suppression/86/116/asafoetida
http://www.spices.res.in/spices/asafoetida.php
http://homeguides.sfgate.com/grow-asafetida-spice-67749.html
http://www.pfaf.org/User/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Ferula+foetida
http://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/a/asafe070.html
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/?term=Ferula+assafoetida
https://npgsweb.ars-grin.gov/gringlobal/taxonomydetail.aspx?id=16603