Asafetida is a spice used for both cooking and medicinal purposes. When utilized for medicinal purposes, asafetida oftentimes is in tincture form; made by blending the spice with alcohol or an edible oil. Asafetida tincture is available from some health food stores. However, the spice itself can be found through specialty grocers if you elect to blend the tincture yourself.
Function
Asafetida tincture is said to assist with a variety of conditions and problems such as digestive issues including bowel spasms and flatulence, according to Herbs2000.com. The tincture may also aid in treating irritable bowel syndrome and can be used as a laxative as well.
History
Ancient Romans utilized asafetida as a seasoning agent. Indeed, Romans made use of asafetida more than any other spice. The asafetida plant is native to Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan however, the plant likely was used for medicinal purposes initially in India, according to Botanical.com. Throughout history, asafetida has gone by a variety of names, including Devil's Dung, Food of the Gods, Hing and Narthex.
Side Effects
Some side effects appear from using asafetida tincture in some patients. Potential side effects include nausea, vomiting and throat irritation when it is used regularly and over an extended period of time. In some individuals, asafetida tincture causes a burning sensation when urinating. Asafetida tincture also impacts the menstrual cycle in some women, affecting the time of menstruation.
Children
Asafetida tincture is used to treat colic in children, according to research reported in "Pediatrics", the official journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics. In the United States, the use of asafetida tincture as a remedy for colic is widely reported in urban, black communities, according to this report.
Warning
Situations exist when you must not use a asafetida tincture. If you are pregnant or suffering from a peptic ulcer, avoid asafetida tincture or asafetida in any other formulation. Additionally, if you find yourself afflicted with type of inflammation in the digestive system, avoiding asafetida tincture is important.
