Asafoetida improves digestion and protects against viruses |
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Asafoetida (Ferula assafoetida), also known as asafetida, hing, ingu and gigantic anise, is a plant native to Persia, where it was used as a spice.
Raw asafoetida has a pungent, unpleasant smell, but after stewing it in a little oil or butter it acquires a beautiful mild scent similar to leek.
Asafoetida may be used as a condiment in the preparation of almost all savory dishes.
Because of its strong odor it must be kept in a tightly closed container, otherwise its aroma gets transferred to other spices nearby.
Before adding it to a dish, fry it in a little oil, butter or ghee to get the taste and flavor similar to roasted onions or garlic.
Healing properties
1. Digestion
Asafoetida is a spice that helps with digestion. It reduces bloating and formation of gases. In India and Thailand, people make a tincture of asafoetida with alcohol or water. When people suffer from digestive problems, tincture is applied directly to the stomach.
2. Antiviral properties
Asafoetida has strong antiviral properties. In 1918 during the Spanish flu pandemic, it was successfully used against influenza. Modern research confirms that asafoetida could become "the main ingredient of new generation of drugs against influenza.
3. Antimicrobial properties
Asafoetida is widely used in traditional medicine as a remedy for infections caused by bacteria. It was successfully used for treating upper respiratory tract infection, cancer and sexually transmitted diseases.
4. Asthma and bronchitis
Traditionally, asafetida has been used as a treatment for asthma, chronic cough and bronchitis. Traditional Indian remedy is made of 2 tablespoons of asafoetida, 2 tablespoons of honey and a quarter tablespoon of garlic juice. It is said that a person who takes this remedy three times a day gets cured in a short time.
5. Anti-epileptic
It is believed that asafoetida has anti-epileptic properties.
6. Sedative
Asafoetida has sedative (calming) properties. It helps with hysteria and anxiety and it is also used for lowering blood pressure.
7. Asafoetida is an antidote for opium and it is often prescribed to people addicted to opium.
8. Balances vata dosha
In Ayurveda, asafoetida is considered one of the best herbs for the treatment of vata dosha disorders.
Although asafoetida is very good for adults, it is not recommended for children. Pregnant women should avoid taking large amounts of asafoetida since it has weak abortive properties.
Tips for use:
- When preparing meals for 3-4 people, you will need only ¼ - ½ tablespoon of asafoetida
- Heat 1-2 tablespoons of oil or butter in the pot, add asafoetida and fry for only 1-2 seconds. Immediately after that, add the other ingredients (vegetables, grains or water).
- Asafoetida can be used for preparing vegetable and grain dishes, sauces, soups, fritters etc.
- Keep asfoetida in a sealed plastic or glass container.
This is one in a series of articles on the topic of "Ayurveda".
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