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Asafoetida

A ngùy

Ferula asa-foetida

Devil's dung, Hing, Stinking gum

Apiaceae · Nhựa gôm · Gum resin · Steam-distilled

Botanical illustration of Ferula asa-foetida, whose gum resin yields Asafoetida essential oil
Asafoetida essential oil, extracted from the gum resin of Ferula asa-foetida. Botanical illustration, Lê Mai Library.

Safety

Possible sensitizer

Possible skin sensitizer due to high sulfur compound content.

No specific skin irritation data for asafoetida oil, but other sulfur-rich essential oils carry similar risks (see Garlic oil).

Caution recommended when blending.

Usage guidelines

GRAS status
Granted
Recommended dilution
Highly diluted (< 0.1%)

Chemistry

Volatile constituents
1-(Methylthio)propyl (E)-1-propenyl disulfide2.7 – 37.9 %
2-Butyl (E)-1-propenyl disulfide11.2 – 22.8 %
1-(Methylthio)propyl (Z)-1-propenyl disulfide2.6 – 18.5 %
α-Pinenetr – 11.9 %
2-Butyl (Z)-1-propenyl disulfide0 – 11.1 %
Isobutanol0 – 7.7 %
β-Pinene0.2 – 7.1 %
(Z)-β-Ocimene0 – 6.1 %
(E)-β-Ocimene0 – 3.6 %

Botanical source

Ferula asa-foetida is a large herbaceous plant in the Apiaceae family, native to Iran and Afghanistan.

Roots and stems are incised to collect gum resin. The dried resin solidifies before steam distillation.

Mainly produced in Iran, Afghanistan, Northern India. In Indian cuisine (hing) used widely — heavy dilution during cooking removes most of the strong odor.

Notes

Very strong and characteristic odor — hence the name devil's dung.

In traditional Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese Medicine, asafoetida is used for digestive disorders, bronchitis, spasms.

Most sulfur-rich essential oils (garlic, onion, asafoetida) require caution when blending.

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