Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 3

Ferula assafoetida, commonly known as asafoetida, has been traditionally used in Ayurvedic, Unani, and Persian medicine for centuries to manage digestive issues, particularly gas and bloating. Asafoetida is often referred to as “hing” in Indian cuisine, where it is commonly added to legumes and other foods known to cause flatulence, supporting its widespread traditional use as a carminative (a substance that helps reduce gas in the digestive tract). The resin extracted from the plant contains compounds such as ferulic acid and volatile oils (including disulfides and terpenes) believed to have antispasmodic and anti-flatulent properties.

Scientific validation of these traditional uses is moderate. Some in vitro and animal studies have shown that asafoetida extracts can inhibit intestinal spasms and reduce the production of intestinal gas. For example, research published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology and other journals has indicated that asafoetida may help decrease the formation of gas and alleviate symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). However, rigorous, large-scale human clinical trials are limited, and most evidence comes from smaller, preliminary studies or traditional reports. Overall, while there is a strong traditional basis and some supportive scientific findings, more robust clinical research is needed to fully validate asafoetida’s efficacy for gas and bloating.

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Other ingredients used for Gas and Bloating

Other health conditions supported by ferula assafoetida

Products containing ferula assafoetida

Nature's Sunshine Bronchial Formula (Ayurvedic)
Nature's Sunshine Respiratory System (30 Day Program)