Asafeotida – a resin from high altitudes of Afghanistan, Iran and North India. The name means ‘smells like rotting flesh’ (fetid). it is usually available as a powder (crushed and mixed with rice flour and other things) for ease of use. It give the flavour of garlic and onion with the intensity or stimulation of them. It is almost always uses with the cooking to pulses (dhals) for its anti flatulence effect. Used in very small quanties – a pinch or two.

Decreases vata  (‘cures the wind of a horse’),  decreases pain, balances menstruation.