Ferula Asafoetida

Botanical name: Ferula Asafoetida

Other names: Stinking gum, Devil Dung, Hing

Family: umbeliferaceae

Part used: Gum resin

Ferula Asafoetida is a gum resin obtained from the roots of plants in the Ferula Genus (Giant Fennel). It is native to Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan. It has been used since ancient times for medicine, contraception, cooking, perfumery and incense.

Asafoetida has a strong pungent odour and has been named 'stinking gum' or 'devils dung'. Its distinct smell is due to the presence of disulphides. As a flavouring in ancient times it was once the most popular spice in Ancient Rome. It is still used today and most notably in Worcestershire sauce!

It is used in Ayurvedic medicine, the 7th century B.C Hindu medical treatise Charaka Samita proclaim it as the best treatment for bloating and gas and it is still used for digestive problems to this day. It is also used for bronchitis and whooping cough as well as for lowering blood pressure and thinning the blood.

Our Ferula AsaFoetida is ground and mixed with 70% Fenugreek.