In the beginning of sumer, the upper part of the root of a 4-5 year old plant is exposed and the stem cut off. This part is covered over by earth again and after a few days, the milky juice exuding from the cut surface is collected. The same procedure is repeated until the resin is exhausted. The dried resin is what we call asafoetida.

Asafoetida is rich in iron, minerals and calcium and occupies very high place in cooked varieties, spices, medicines, for seasoning, but should be used in very small quantity. Foods, which have wind creating properties, are seasoned with asafoetida fried in ghee.

How it looks - It is a woody, perennial tree with huge, fleshy tapering roots.

What we use - Resinous exudate of the root

What it does - It is antispasmodic, carminative, digestive, expectorant, anthelmintic, emmenagogue and diuretic.

Home Remedies for the Treatment of various Disorders

In pulmonary disorders like bronchitis, asthma and pneumonia - It should be mixed with water (5-10 ml) and taken but, for stomach pain, this mixture should be applied over and around navel.
In case of other stomach disorders, worms and indigestion - This liquid should be mixed with thymol and reduced to a pill form.
If there is malarial fever - It should be mixed with curry, and eaten as a normal food item. A good quality of asafoetida will completely dissolve in water, hence one should not go in for the fictitious type.
In case of whooping cough - Pound and reduce to tine powder 6 gms each of camphor and asafoetida and make pills. One pill should be taken with water for relief. Yellow portion of egg should be mixed with of asafoetida and the liquid be applied on painful sites. It will also dispel pain in ribs due to constant cough or due to bronchitis complications. If a small piece of asafoetida is inserted into the cavity due to decay of the tooth, it will relieve the pain at once. Intoxication, due to excessive intake of opium or poisonous effects thereof, can be mitigated by giving 20 mg of asafoetida.
In dysmenorrhoea - Use asafoetida fried in ghee regularly in diet to reduce the pain and discomfort accompanying menstrual periods and to promote free flow of fluid.
In respiratory infections - Take 1/2 a tsp of raw asafoetida twice a day before meals to clear the airways and reduce respiratory allergies.
In urinary retention - Fry asafoetida in ghee and take it washed down by some rice wash to promote flow of urine.
In abdominal pain - Warm a small piece of asafoetida in castor oil and mix well. This could be taken internally in adults and rubbed over the abdomen in infants and very small children. Asafoetida powder could be mixed in a glass of butter milk and taken too.
In flatulence - Fry a piece of asafoetida in some ghee and take 1/2 a tsp thrice a day to get relief from gaseous distension of abdomen.
In indigestion - Dissolve a couple of small pieces of asafoetida in half a cup of water and drink to relieve from gas, pain and for digestion.
As a preventive for fainting - Dissolve a piece of asafoetida in some lime juice and drink thrice a day to steer clear of fainting bouts.

	Bistort
	Blue Flag
	Fennel
	Flax
	Galangal
	Glucosamine
	Gossypol
	Indigo
	Irish Moss
	Jojoba
	Khat
	Khella
	Lady's Mantle
	Lovage
	Red Poppy
	Rose Hips
	Rosemary
	Saffron
	Spirulina
	Stone Root
	Sweet Violet
	Thyme
	True Unicorn Root
	Wild Ginger
	Wild Yam
	Witch Hazel

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