Asafoetida Essential Oil is derived from the extract of the root’s resin of the plant called Asafoetida. The said plant commonly grows in middle eastern countries, including Afghanistan, Iran, and Pakistan, although it is widely cultivated in the country of India. Various parts of the plants have been historically used for cooking, as well as in treating various health problems. Although it is pungent in smell, when turned into an essential oil, the strong smell disappears, and it’s even used for aromatherapy.
Asafoetida Essential Oil, like the other parts of the Asafoetida plant, is used for flavoring various foods in cooking. Some of the traditional medicinal uses include the treatment of chronic fatigue, candidiasis, flatulence, and the removal of intestinal parasites and worm.
The plant is also has different names, including Asafetida, food of the gods, asant, ting, Jowani badia, stinking gum, narthex, devil’s dung, giant fennel oil, Asafoetida root oil, hing, and heeng. The color of the essential oil varies from pale and golden yellow to dark amber.
Asafoetida Essential Oil contains various compounds, with the most active being α-pinene, ferulic acid, hendecyl-sulphonyl acetic acid, and phellandrenes. The plant where the oil was derived from has this nauseating taste and strong smell, which is why it was called devil’s dung. The essential oil on the other hand also has a distinct smell, which can be compared to the smell of onion or garlic. However, it’s still used for aromatherapy as it relieves stress and anxiety, and causes the mind and body to relax.
Asafoetida Essential Oil Benefits
Asafoetida Essential Oil comes with various benefits. Here are some of them:
- Lowers gas in the body
- Treats bronchitis, coughs, and asthma
- Brings relaxation
- Repels insects
- Relieves inflammation
- Treats pimples
- Relieves muscle pain
- Treats bowel problems
- Relieves stress and anxiety
Asafoetida Essential Oil Uses
- Asafoetida Essential Oil as Pain Reliever. It is proven effective in treating various kinds of pains, including earaches, toothaches, migraines, headaches, colic pain, and chronic pain due to surgeries or injuries.
- Asafoetida Essential Oil as Digestive Aid. It has been historically used for treating digestive problems, including diarrhea, constipation, IBS, and food poisoning. It can also treat flatulence, as well as eliminate intestinal worms. One of the reasons why it is effective in treating digestive concerns is because it can help lower the cholesterol level in the system.
- Asafoetida Essential Oil as Anti-Inflammatory Agent. It has anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce inflammation. For instance, it can help in treating insect bites to reduce inflammation, as well as the itch. It can also be used for treating pimples.
- Asafoetida Essential Oil as Anti-Microbial Agent. Its anti-microbial property makes it an effective treatment for different kinds of skin problems. This also makes it a good treatment for respiratory ailments as it can efficiently fight the microbes found in the respiratory tract, including bronchitis, asthma, and influenza.
- Asafoetida Essential Oil as Antiepileptic Agent. This essential oil is also known to help prevent seizures, as well as epileptic episodes.
- Asafoetida Essential Oil as Antispasmodic Agent. Its antispasmodic property helps in relaxing sore or tensed muscles. This makes it a great essential oil for massages.
- Asafoetida Essential Oil as Anthelmintic Agent. It can be used for eliminating parasitic worms in the body.
- Asafoetida Essential Oil as Laxative. This essential oil can be utilized as a laxative as it aids stimulating the bowel to move out, thus giving relief.
- Asafoetida Essential Oil as Insecticide. It can help to effectively keep insects and bugs away. This is believed to be caused by its odor.
- Asafoetida Essential Oil as Antibiotic. Its antibacterial property can help in treating health concerns related to bacteria, including the treatment of wounds. It prevents the growth of bacteria, thus avoiding infection, making the wound heal faster.
- Asafoetida Essential Oil as an Aromatherapy Ingredient. It has been used for treating mood swings, depression, and hysteria back in the 19th century. The sedative properties of this essential oil are effective in calming the nerves, making it a perfect ingredient in aromatherapy.
Asafoetida Essential Oil Side Effects
Aside from being used for cooking as an ingredient in various food products, it is not recommended to use Asafoetida Essential Oil by ingesting it. It is only recommended to be used by inhaling or applying it on the body. Moreover, it must be diluted prior to external application. It is not recommended to be used by pregnant women as it may cause untimely birth because of its contraceptive and abortifacient properties.
It has hot potency, which can increase the chance of bleeding. This is why it is not recommended to be taken by those who are suffering from any bleeding problems. This is also true for those who are about to undergo any type of surgery. Those who are considering about using this essential oil must speak with their physicians to ensure that it’s safe and it will not have any issue with any medications or treatments that they take.
How to Use Asafoetida Essential Oil
There are three ways on how Asafoetida Essential Oil is used:
- Inhaling. This is one of the most common ways essential oils are used, including Asafoetida Essential Oil. It is often added in a diffuser to turn into gas form, which you can inhale. It can also be diluted with warm water, which can also be inhaled through the steam.
- Topical. This essential oil can be applied on the part of the body where you are feeling the pain, as well as use in massage.
- Cooking. This has been used for a long time to add flavors in various recipes. It is also used as an ingredient in various food products like Worcestershire sauce.
How to Make Asafoetida Essential Oil
Asafoetida Essential Oil is made from the resin of the root of the Asafoetida plant. Oil is extracted through the process called steam distillation. The resin is subjected to intense heat from boiling water, until only the essential oil remains.
Asafoetida Essential Oil Recipe
This essential oil is known for treating cold and constipation. The recipe to create your DIY treatment for these health issues is very easy. It requires the same ingredients but only with different ways of use.
Recipe to Treat Constipation and Cold:
Ingredients:
- Hot water
- Asafoetida Essential Oil
Steps:
- Mix 2 drops of Asafoetida Essential Oil to warm water.
- To treat cold, inhale the steam coming from the combination of essential and warm water.
- To treat constipation, massage the mixture to your navel point.
Where to Buy Asafoetida Essential Oil
Asafoetida Essential Oil can be purchased locally on health stores and stores that specialize in essential oils or aromatherapy products. A more convenient way of purchasing one is online. There are several sellers and manufacturers that offer shipping worldwide. Deve Herbes is one of the brands that have a good reputation.
More Information on Asafoetida Essential Oil
- This essential oil must be kept in an airtight container, and placed in a cool, dry place. Avoid exposing it to sunlight.
- Although the herbal plant of Asafoetida is widely used in various parts of the Middle East and Asia for a long time, it was only in the 16th century that it reached the continent of Europe.
- During the Roman Empire, it was used for treating wide range of health concerns from hysteria to respiratory diseases, which is why it was called the “food of the gods”.
- In 1918, it was used to treat Spanish influenza pandemic.
- Ibn al-Baitar, Fakhr al-Din al-Razi, and Avicenna are Arabic scientists who shared about Asafoetida’s benefits on the respiratory and digestive system.
- It was also used in African-American Hoodoo for creating magic spells.