Asafoetida - Ferula Assa-Foetida


 

Asafoetida (Ferula Assa-Foetida)

 

  The other names for Asafoetida include: A Wei, Asafétida, Ase Fétide, Assant, Crotte du Diable, Devil's Dung, Ferula Asafoetida, Ferula Assa Foetida, Ferula assa-foetida, Ferula foetida, Ferula pseudalliacea, Ferula rubricaulis, Férule, Férule Persique, Food of the Gods, Fum, Giant Fennel, Heeng, Hing.

Asafoetida is the dried latex (gum oleoresin) exuded from the rhizome or tap root of several species of Ferul, perennial herbs growing 1 to 1.5 m (3.3 to 4.9 ft) tall. They are part of the celery family, Umbelliferae. Notably, asafoetida is thought to be in the same genus as silphium, a North African plant now believed to be extinct, and was used as a cheaper substitute for that historically important herb from classical antiquity. The species are native to the deserts of Iran and mountains of Afghanistan, but are mainly cultivated in nearby Pakistan and India.

Asafoetida has a pungent smell, lending it the trivial name of stinking gum, but in cooked dishes it delivers a smooth flavour reminiscent of leeks or other onion relatives. Asafoetida is also known variously as "food of the gods", "devil's dung", jowani badian, hing, hengu, inguva, kayam, and ting.

Asafoetida essential oil is extracted from the root resin of Ferula Assa-Foetida plant (a native to Iran and mainly found in the dessert area), through a steam distillation process.

The main constituents of Asafoetida oil are disulfides and tepenoids, 2-butyl propenyl disulfide, α‑pinene, β‑pinene, myrcene and limonene, free ferulic acid, and valeric acid. The oil has a strong, garlic-like aroma.

Asafoetida oil is used as a flavoring ingredient in foods and beverages, as a skin care and fragrance ingredient in cosmetics, as a medicinal agent for varous health issues, and in other products meant to repel dogs, cats, and wildlife.

Asafoetida is sometimes applied to the skin to care for corns and calluses, acne, rashes. When applied to skin, Asafoetida helps increase the supply of oxygen to facial tissues that gives the skin a radiant glow.




Disclaimer: The information presented herein  is intended for educational purposes only. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent disease. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.


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