Asafetida

Botanical

What is it

Asafetida is the same ingredient as asafoetida, a dried oleo-gum-resin from Ferula species, used as a pungent culinary spice and traditional digestive aid in Indian and Iranian cuisines.

Evidence for 1 use

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Digestive support (gas, bloating, IBS)

Limited Evidence

Small clinical trials support effects on functional GI symptoms; broader evidence is limited.

How it works

The resin contains sulfur compounds, ferulic acid, umbelliferone, and various terpenes. These contribute to its strong garlic-like aroma and to traditional uses for gas, bloating, and respiratory complaints. Most modern uses are culinary, with small amounts replacing onion or garlic in low-FODMAP cooking. Therapeutic supplement use overlaps with the asafoetida entry; effects on IBS symptoms have been reported in small trials.

Dosage

Culinary doses are a pinch per dish. Standardized supplement doses range from 50 to 250 mg/day.

When and how to take it

Take with meals.

1 commercial form

Compare the main delivery options and what they’re best suited for.

Asafetida powder or resin extract

Often blended with rice flour or starch as a cooking-grade powder; standardized for therapeutic use.

Volatile compounds well absorbed.

Safety

Safe at culinary amounts. Therapeutic doses may cause GI upset, headache, or rare allergic reaction. Avoid in infants.

Who should be cautious

Avoid medicinal doses in pregnancy and lactation. Avoid in infants due to rare methemoglobinemia reports.

Interactions

Potential interactions with antihypertensives and anticoagulants at supplement doses. Caution with these medication classes.

Food sources

Asafetida (hing)

Amount
0.5 g
%DV
—

Frequently asked questions

Is asafetida gluten-free?⌄

Most cooking-grade asafetida is blended with wheat starch. Look for specifically gluten-free brands if needed.

Can I use asafetida instead of garlic?⌄

Yes. It is commonly used as a low-FODMAP substitute for onion and garlic flavor.

References

Asafetida on Wikidata — Wikidata link

Asafetida on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on Asafetida (PubMed search) — PubMed link

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Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.