Evidence supporting the use of: Asafetida
For the health condition: Menstrual Irregularity
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Asafetida (Ferula assa-foetida) has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems, particularly Ayurveda and Unani, for addressing menstrual irregularities. In these systems, asafetida is considered to have properties that help regulate the menstrual cycle, relieve menstrual pain, and promote menstrual flow. The rationale is often linked to its purported effects on balancing hormones and stimulating blood flow. Historical texts and ethnobotanical surveys frequently list asafetida as an emmenagogue—a substance that stimulates or increases menstrual flow.
However, the scientific evidence supporting the use of asafetida for menstrual irregularity is limited. There are a handful of in vitro and animal studies suggesting asafetida may have some influence on smooth muscle contraction and hormone modulation, but robust, high-quality clinical trials in humans are lacking. Most of the support for its use comes from traditional practice and anecdotal reports rather than rigorous scientific validation. As such, while its use for menstrual irregularity is well-documented in traditional medicine, the evidence base does not meet modern scientific standards. The evidence rating of 2 reflects this reliance on traditional use and limited preclinical data, without substantial clinical evidence.
Other ingredients used for Menstrual Irregularity
ashwagandhablack cohosh
black pepper
calcium
cassia bark
chaste tree
dong quai root
evening primrose oil
fenugreek
Japanese sophora
licorice root
lovage
maca
motherwort
vitamin B6
vitamin C
vitamin D
wild yam
zinc
red clover
anise
blackboard tree
fumaria parviflora
rubia cordifolia
blessed thistle
lingusticum wallichii
yarrow
prickly ash
juniper berries
dioscorea
queen of the meadow
shepherd's purse
wood betony
akebia
Apple Cider Vinegar
Agastache
Angelica
Agrimony
Achyranthes
Abrus
Alchemilla
Aletris
Ajuga
Anserina
Aerva lanata
Agrimonia pilosa
Agnuside
Ashoka
Abuta
Betony
Blue Cohosh
Blue Flag
Blepharis
Balsam
Big Quaking Grass
Black Gram
Bethroot
Baccharoides anthelmintica
black salt
Black root
Bupleurum
Black Hellebore
Bergenia
Cumin
Cohosh
Clary sage
Calotropis gigantea
Cnidium
Clerodendrum phlomidis
Cactus
Cinquefoil
Cyathula
Corktree
Cowslip
Chirata
Calamus
Corydalis
Didymocarpus
Dong Quai
Erythropalum scandens
Erodium cicutarium
Elephant's Head
Evening Primrose
Estrogen
Fig
Little ironweed
Pennyroyal
Rose
Spikenard
Snakeroot (unspecified)
Other health conditions supported by Asafetida
Abdominal PainAcid Indigestion
Allergies (respiratory)
Amenorrhea
Anxiety
Appetite (deficient)
Arthritis
Asthma
Backache
Belching
Bronchitis
Bruises (healing)
Canker Sores
Colds (decongestant)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Colds (with fever)
Constipation (adults)
Cough (damp)
Cough (dry)
Cough (general)
Cough (spastic)
Cramps and Spasms
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Dyspepsia
Ear Infection or Earache
Emphysema
Fever
Gas and Bloating
Gastritis
Headache (general)
Headache (sinus)
Headache (tension)
Indigestion
Infection (bacterial)
Inflammation
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Jaundice (adults)
Laryngitis
Leucorrhea
Menstrual Irregularity
Nausea and Vomiting
Pain (general remedies for)
Sinus Infection
Urination (burning or painful)
Wounds and Sores