Asafoetida is a common condiment used in Indian cuisine. Its unique chemical blend has many incredible medicinal usages. The health benefits associated with this aromatic herb are plentiful. It has many powerful antioxidants and a myriad of other nutrients like iron, phosphorous, fiber, niacin, carotene etc. It has antioxidant, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, as well as anti-inflammatory properties. Hence, this herb rightfully plays a huge part in the practice of herbal medicine.
Asafoetida And Its Genesis
Asafoetida is both a culinary, as well as a medicinal herb. This herb is obtained from dried roots of rhizome plant or tap roots of different species of Ferula. The dried roots of these plants are used to obtain a gum like material. This gum like material is then dried and powdered to form asafoetida powder. This powder is generally stored in an air-tight container and used however required. These plants are natives to the Indian subcontinent and a few Mediterranean nations like Iran.
This condiment is used for preparing an array of culinary dishes, right from the Indian breads to several different kinds of curries. It has a very strong and specific aroma, which can overpower the aromas of other spices. The benefits associated with these herbs are plenty; and a few have been listed below.
1. Anti-Oncogenic Properties
This condiment is loaded with many potent antioxidants. These powerful antioxidants can reduce oxidative stress by eliminating harmful free radicals. And, these potent antioxidants can also fight against cancer causing cells to reduce the chance of cancer. Its powerful chemicals can inhibit the malignancy of cancer cells as well.
2. Relief From Headaches
This aromatic condiment is also known for providing instant relief from debilitating headaches. It has strong anti-inflammatory properties, which can help in reducing headaches associated with inflammations. You can add a pinch of asafoetida in a cup of water. Drink this solution three times in a day for relief.
3. Healthy Scalp Maintenance
Asafoetida can help in maintaining optimum pH of the scalp. Lots of hair and scalp problems arise from the imbalance of the scalp pH. It can cause dandruff, hair loss, excessive oil, dryness etc. All these reasons can aggravate both hair as well as skin related problems like acne. Asafoetida has anti-bacterial properties and can also control excessive oil production. So, using this herb for hair care can improve hair quality, texture as well as volume.
4. Ear Infection And Toothache
Asafoetida is packed with anti-bacterial and anti-viral compounds. Hence, it can solve many microbial related health problems like toothache and ear infections. Polysulfides and terpenoidal compounds present in asafoetida has been linked to the herb being anti-microbial in nature. Hence, it has been found to be a potent remedy for toothaches and other ear related problems.
5. Providing Relief To Digestive Problems
Asafoetida is known for its ability to cure digestive problems. It can aid in reducing stomach aches as well as other discomforts related to the stomach like irritable bowel syndrome, intestinal gas, worms , indigestion etc. You can add little bit of asafoetida in your food each day for a week to relieve yourself from digestive discomforts.
6. Remedy For Asthma
Asafoetida can effectively combat respiratory problems. It can induce the production of anti-bodies after influenza virus attacks the respiratory tract. Hence, consumption of this condiment can help in combating diseases like asthma, cold and bronchitis. Also, it can help people with breathing troubles by aiding normal breathing.
7. Anti-Epileptic Remedy
Asafoetida has been treated as a component that can be used for treating epilepsy in both eastern medicine as well as ethanobotanical research.
8. Deworming With Asafoetida
This aroma-rich herb can help in eliminating worms from the digestive tract. It can be consumed with water before going to sleep at night. Regular consumption can help in getting rid of worms.
So, run to a nearby condiment shop and grab a box of asafoetida for yourself today.
