There are various herbs that contain excellent medicinal and other health properties that when extracted to make an essential oil can be very beneficial in treating many conditions, naturally. Asafoetida oil is a prime example of an essential oil that can be very beneficial to boost overall health.
What Is Asafoetida Oil?
Asafoetida, known for its aromatic gum, is a small wild plant grown in many regions of India. Commonly used as a flavoring agent, asafoetida oil is a popular ingredient in many spices.
The essential oil is a volatile oil that is obtained from the steam distillation of asafoetida gum and is golden-yellow in color with a pungent and irritating odor.
Asafoetida essential oil must be stored in sealed and airtight containers and should be kept in a cool, dry place, away from direct light.
Uses and Benefits of Asafoetida Oil
Apart from being a common ingredient in condiments and a flavoring agent in dishes, asafoetida essential oil has numerous other uses.
Uses of Asafoetida Oil:
Asafoetida oil has many different uses, some of which are listed below:
- In confectionary
- In cooking spices
- As flavoring agents
- For medicinal purposes
- In aromatherapy
Asafoetida is blessed with magical powers and is traditionally used to keep negative energies and diseases at bay. In many countries, this aromatic herb is kept in cloth bags and placed near beds and cupboards to ward off infections.
Benefits of Asafoetida Oil:
Asafoetida essential oil has numerous advantages:
1. Effective digestive aid
Asafoetida oil is a carminative agent that helps reduce excess gas and flatulence in the body.
It also fights against the foreign microflora in the gut and intestine, making this essential oil an excellent digestive aid. Additionally, asafoetida oil also works to reduce cholesterol levels in the body.
2. Reduces anxiety
Asafoetida oil contains sedative properties that help reduce uneasiness and feelings of anxiety. Because it works as a nervine solution, the oil helps to relax the nerves and is an effective remedy for mood swings, depression and hysteria.
3. Removes insects naturally
If you have a bug infestation in your home, asafoetida oil can be your go-to natural remedy. The oil works as a powerful insecticide that helps eliminate bugs and other insects, getting rid of those nasty critters invading your space.
4. Acts as an expectorant
Asafoetida oil contains stimulating properties that help in treating various respiratory ailments. It is generally used as an expectorant as it helps remove phlegm and mucus in those suffering from bronchitis, asthma and cough.
5. Reduces blood pressure
Asafoetida is a blood thinner, and its essential oil is extensively used to lower blood pressure. The oil contains a compound called “coumarin” that aids in blood thinning, prevents blood clotting and improves blood flow.
6. Controls blood sugar
One of the best remedies to control blood sugar is asafoetida essential oil. Asafoetida extract is rich in tannins and ferulic acid that keeps the blood sugar in check and makes sure that they are maintaining healthy levels.
7. Diet friendly
Adding asafoetida essential oil to the diet will help relieve gastrointestinal disorders and other stomach issues due to consuming certain foods. Many foods contain fermentable polyols, monosaccharides, disaccharides and oligosaccharides. Since most of these components are not completely absorbed by the body, it gets fermented by the gut bacteria and causes gastrointestinal problems that can be soothed by using this essential oil.
Side Effects of Asafoetida Oil
While there are no reported side effects of this herb and essential oil, an overdose can cause swelling in the lips, headache, burning urination, dizziness, nausea and vomiting.
Asafoetida essential oil should be completely avoided by pregnant women and children.
The essential oil can also cause skin rashes in those people who are allergic to plants from the Apiaceae family, therefore, make sure to do a patch test before using for the first time.
