Uses of Asafetida

Asafetida is a resin from a plant native to eastern Iran and western Afghanistan. The drug is used to loosen phlegm, treat cough, treat helminths,... Let's learn about Asafetida through the article below.

Asafetida (Vietnamese name: A Ngu) has the scientific name Ferula assa-foetida L, belonging to the family Umbelliferae.
Asafetida is a resin product obtained from the roots and rhizomes of the Asafetida plant. In Afghanistan, this plant grows wild in the arid plains in the winter, where very few other plants can grow. The tree can reach a height of 2m, bearing clusters of pale yellow flowers, oval fruit. All parts of this medicinal plant have a characteristic odor.
The sap extraction will be done just before the Asafetida plant flowers. Specifically, people will cut the trunk close to the ground, expose the roots, make an incision to collect the sap (the milky white liquid that flows out). The liquid then dries into a gum-like form. Next, a new cut is cut. This process continues to be repeated for about 3 months from the first incision. An Asafetida tree can produce up to 1kg of resin before it dries out and dies completely.

2.1. According to traditional medicine, is Asafetida good? According to Traditional Medicine, Asafetida is used in the form of tinctures in the treatment of diseases. Specifically, mix this herb with an equal amount of neutral oil or alcohol to make a tincture.
Some effects of Asafetida plant according to oriental medicine:
Cures flatulence and bloating; Treatment of respiratory diseases such as whooping cough, asthma and bronchitis; Treatment of problems in the digestive system such as: Indigestion, irritable bowel syndrome; Improve progesterone production, treat reproductive disorders such as infertility, dysmenorrhea, heavy bleeding,...; Relieve toothache by mixing a small amount of Asafetida with lemon juice, boil the mixture until warm, then dip a small cotton ball in this liquid, place it on the toothache; Asafetida drug has sedative properties, helps to treat anxiety, depression, thereby changing mood and improving neurological disorders in children; Other effects: Antidote, expectorant, antispasmodic, diuretic, deworming, cough treatment, aphrodisiac,... 2.2. According to Modern Medicine Some effects of Asafetida according to modern medicine:
Some studies show that substances in Asafetida can treat irritable bowel syndrome and protect the body against hyperlipidemia. blood; The antiviral activity of Asafetida has been demonstrated in the following studies: Against influenza A virus H1N1 (clinical evidence is not available); Treatment of other diseases: Destroy abdominal tumors, support abortion, diuretic, sedative, aphrodisiac, treat asthma, bronchitis and whooping cough. In addition, Asafetida is also used as a fragrance ingredient in perfumes, in Asian vegetarian dishes, as a condiment and as a food preservative (in confectionery, beverages, sauces, and sauces). ,...).

Usage: Oral / chewable.
Dosage: There is currently no clinical evidence on the dose of Asafetida. According to traditional use, the daily dose for treatment of Asafetida resin is 200 - 500mg.

Some notes patients need to remember before and while using Asafetida:
Asafetida can cause methemoglobinemia in children; Avoid using Asafetida in pregnant women because this ingredient has been used for abortion (according to folk experience); Asafetida may increase the pharmacological activity of anticoagulants such as warfarin (this property is still being studied further); Asafetida has a strong odor that can affect other foods if not stored properly; Overdose of Asafetida can lead to nausea, vomiting, throat irritation, burning sensation when urinating,... Eating too much Asafetida over a long period of time can cause irregularities in the menstrual cycle in women. women; Before using Asafetida, the patient should tell the doctor if: Allergic to drugs or other drugs, herbs or foods; have any medical condition; are taking any drugs, functional foods,... Patients need to strictly follow the doctor's instructions on the use of Asafetida. If experiencing any unusual symptoms, the patient should notify the doctor as soon as possible for appropriate intervention.

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