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Asant

Asafetida is a plant that smells bad and tastes bitter. This probably explains why this plant is sometimes referred to as "devil's dung". The resin of this plant, a rubbery material, is used as a medicine. Asafetida resin is produced when the sap that oozes from cuts made in the root of the living plant solidifies. Asafetida is used for respiratory problems including chronic bronchitis, H1N1 swine flu and asthma. In addition, asafetida is used for digestive problems including flatulence, indigestion, irritable bowel syndrome and intestinal irritation. Other uses include the treatment of whooping cough, croup and sore throats.

Some people use asafetida for hysteria, insanity, convulsions and as a nerve stimulant for persistent mental and physical exhaustion with depression. Women sometimes use asafetida to restart their menstrual period after menstruation has stopped for some reason. Occasionally, asafetida is also applied directly to the skin for calluses and corns. In industrial production, asafetida is used as a fragrance in cosmetics and as a flavoring agent in food and beverages. Asafetida is also used in products to keep dogs, cats and wild animals away.

How does asafetida work?

There is scientific evidence that chemicals in asafetida may help treat irritable bowel syndrome and protect against high blood levels of certain fats, including cholesterol and triglycerides. Chemicals in Asant called coumarins have a blood-thinning effect.

How effective is asafetida?

There is not enough scientific data to say how effective asafetida is for bronchitis, asthma, whooping cough, hoarseness, hysteria, flatulence, stomach problems, intestinal irritation, cramps, nervous disorders, menstrual problems, calluses and corns. Further scientific research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of Asant in these applications.

Are there any safety concerns?

Asant is safe and safe for most people if the amounts used are within the range typically found in food. There is also evidence that asafetida may be safe in medical doses. In some people, asafetida may cause swelling of the lips, belching, flatulence, diarrhea, headaches, cramps, blood disorders and other side effects.

Precautions and warnings

  • Children: Asant is not safe for young children as it may cause certain blood disorders.
  • Pregnancy and lactation: Asant is not safe to use during pregnancy as Asant may cause miscarriage. Asant is also not safe during breastfeeding because the chemicals in Asant can pass into breast milk and cause blood disorders in breastfed infants.
  • Blood disorders: There are concerns that Asant may increase the risk of bleeding. For this reason, Asant should not be used if you have a blood disorder.
  • Epilepsy or an increased susceptibility to seizures: People who suffer from epilepsy or other central nervous system disorders that can lead to seizures or convulsions should not use Asant.
  • Stomach and intestinal problems: Asant can irritate the digestive tract. For this reason, Asant should not be used if you suffer from an infection in the digestive tract or any other digestive tract disorder.
  • High or low blood pressure: There are concerns that asafetida may affect blood pressure control. For this reason, you should avoid asafetida if you suffer from blood pressure problems.

Interactions with medications

Care should be taken when combining Asant with the following medications:

Medications for high blood pressure

Asant appears to lower blood pressure. Taking Asant in combination with medication for high blood pressure could lower blood pressure too much.

Medication that slows down blood clotting

Asant may slow down blood clotting. Taking Asant in combination with medicines that also slow down blood clotting could increase the risk of bleeding and the tendency to bruise.

Dosage

An appropriate dosage of Asant depends on various factors such as age, state of health and others. At this time, there is insufficient scientific data to make a statement about appropriate dosage ranges for Asant. For this reason, you should follow the dosage instructions on the label and/or consult a doctor or pharmacist before use.