Herb & supplement monograph

Asafoetida Drug Interactions, Uses, Effectiveness, Safety & More

Medically reviewed by Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS ·Updated July 2026

What is this page for?

First and foremost: how Asafoetida interacts with medications. The heart of this page is the interaction list — every drug Asafoetida is known to interact with, and how serious each one is.

But these pages have grown well beyond that into a full monograph — what Asafoetida is, what people use it for and how strong the evidence is, its safety and side effects, and answers to the questions we’re asked most — written and reviewed by the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases, not medical advice, and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

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Asafoetida Drug Interactions: The Bottom Line

From the HelloPharmacist Editorial Team · Updated July 2026

Based on the available evidence, the overall risk of a clinically significant Asafoetida drug interaction appears low for most people, though a couple of drug groups deserve extra care. None of the listed interactions are rated major, and all of them rest on theoretical or animal findings rather than confirmed human studies.

Interactions deserving the most attention

The interactions that matter most involve anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs, such as warfarin, aspirin, and clopidogrel. Asafoetida might add to their effects and, in theory, raise the chance of bleeding, which matters because these medicines already need close monitoring. The other group is blood pressure medications. Animal research suggests asafoetida can lower blood pressure, so combining it with these drugs could, in theory, push blood pressure lower than intended.

What the rest of the list means

Although the list of interacting medications is long, that does not mean every combination is harmful. The concerns come from just two broad effects, possible blood thinning and possible blood pressure lowering, that have been seen mainly in lab or animal research. None of these effects has been confirmed to cause meaningful problems in people, so the long list reflects caution rather than proven harm.

Check your medications against Asafoetida

Based on HelloPharmacist’s Asafoetida interaction data and reviewed under our editorial standards.

Interaction report

Drugs that interact with Asafoetida

289 medications have a known interaction with Asafoetida, graded by severity. Select any drug for the full evidence-based detail.

Don’t want to scroll the list? Just ask.

Tell us the medications you take and we’ll check each one against Asafoetida using our pharmacist-reviewed interaction data.

AI summaries are generated from our Asafoetida interaction data for education only — always confirm with your pharmacist. How we use AI

2,830 drugs

Read The List Like a Pharmacist

What Severity, Likelihood & Evidence Mean

Severity — How Serious It Can Be

Major. Clinically significant; generally best avoided, or used only under direct professional supervision.
Moderate. May need monitoring, a dose adjustment, or separating the times you take each one.
Minor. Generally not clinically significant, but still worth noting and mentioning to your pharmacist.
No known interaction. Checked against our sources with nothing documented — not the same as proven safety.

Likelihood — How Well It’s Documented

Likely. Well-controlled human studies have demonstrated the likely existence of this interaction
Probable. Interaction has not been documented in well-controlled studies, however, the interaction has been demonstrated in some small human studies or in controlled animal studies in conjunction with multiple case reports.
Possible. Interaction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists
Unlikely. Interaction has been demonstrated in animal or in lab research but has been shown not to occur in humans.

Where This Data Comes From

Interaction records are evidence-graded and sourced from the Natural Medicines database (TRC Healthcare), the same reference used by pharmacists and hospitals.
Each drug listed above links to the full report for that exact Asafoetida combination — clinical detail, likelihood, evidence level, and citations.
Content is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists — see our data sources and editorial standards.

The big picture

The kinds of drugs Asafoetida affects

Every type of medication (drug category) Asafoetida is known to interact with. Open any category for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

All 2 drug categories Asafoetida interacts with

Anticoagulant/antiplatelet DrugsAntihypertensive Drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, asafoetida might increase the risk of bleeding when used concomitantly with anticoagulant/antiplatelet drugs. Some anticoagulant/antiplatelet drugs include aspirin, clopidogrel (Plavix), diclofenac (Voltaren, Cataflam, others), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others), naproxen (Anaprox, Naprosyn, others), dalteparin (Fragmin), enoxaparin (Lovenox), heparin, warfarin (Coumadin), and others.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Antihypertensive Drugs

Evidence from animal research suggests that asafoetida has hypotensive effects. Theoretically, concomitant use may increase therapeutic effects of antihypertensive therapy due to hypotensive activity of asafoetida. Some antihypertensive drugs include captopril (Capoten), enalapril (Vasotec), losartan (Cozaar), valsartan (Diovan), diltiazem (Cardizem), Amlodipine (Norvasc), hydrochlorothiazide (HydroDiuril), furosemide (Lasix), and many others.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Monograph

Asafoetida: Uses, Safety & Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS · Reviewed July 2026 ·

The bottom line

Asafoetida is a strong-smelling plant resin used widely as a spice and in traditional medicine, mainly for digestive complaints. Solid human evidence for its medicinal benefits is limited, though it is generally considered safe in the small amounts used in cooking. Talk with your pharmacist or doctor before using concentrated supplements, and avoid them during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Scientific name: Ferula assa-foetida
Family: Apiaceae
Part used: Dried gum resin (oleo-gum-resin) from the root and rhizome
Common forms: Powder, capsules, resin, tincture/extract, culinary spice

People commonly use it for

Digestive upset and gas
Bloating and stomach cramps
Irritable bowel symptoms
Respiratory complaints
Used as a cooking spice

Popular and traditional uses — not proof it works. See “Uses & effectiveness” below for the evidence.

Safety at a glance

OverallUse caution

Likely safe in food amounts, but medicinal doses are not well studied.

PregnancyLikely Unsafe

When used orally in medicinal amounts; asafoetida might cause abortion.

Read the full pregnancy detail

BreastfeedingUnsafe

When used orally due to the possible risk of methemoglobinemia in infants.

Read the full breastfeeding detail

Pregnancy & breastfeeding ratings are from Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center). Safety guidance is general; always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor for your situation.

Jump to a section

Overview

Asafoetida is a dried gum resin that comes from the roots of Ferula assa-foetida, a plant in the carrot family. It grows in parts of Iran, Afghanistan, and nearby regions of Central Asia and the Middle East.

The resin has a very strong, pungent smell and a bitter taste, which is why some of its nicknames translate to "Devil's Dung." Once cooked, the smell mellows into a savory, onion-like flavor. It is a popular spice in Indian cooking, often labeled by its Hindi name, "hing."

In traditional systems like Ayurveda, asafoetida has long been used to help with digestion and breathing problems. Medicinally it is most often taken as a powdered resin, an extract, or a tincture.

How it works

Asafoetida resin contains a mix of natural compounds, including volatile oils (such as sulfur-containing compounds that create its strong smell), resins, and gum. Substances called coumarins and ferulic acid are also found in the plant.

Researchers have proposed that these compounds may relax the digestive tract, reduce gas, and act against certain bacteria or fungi. Some compounds also show antioxidant effects in the lab.

Keep in mind that most of these mechanisms come from test-tube and animal studies. How well they apply to people taking asafoetida by mouth is still unclear.

Effectiveness

Does Asafoetida work?

Here’s what the research actually shows for each use — graded by Natural Medicines and reviewed by Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD.

Evidence overview · 3 uses evaluated

3 Insufficient evidence

How to read these evidence grades

Natural Medicines’ 7-point scale. We show each rating’s label word-for-word.

1EffectiveStrong, consistent evidence it works.

2Likely EffectiveGood evidence, though not yet conclusive.

3Possibly EffectiveSome evidence suggests a benefit.

4Possibly IneffectiveSome evidence it may not help.

5Likely IneffectiveFairly strong evidence it doesn’t help.

6IneffectiveStrong evidence it doesn’t work.

7Insufficient Reliable Evidence to RateToo little research to say either way.

For Asafoetida, current evidence isn’t strong enough to rate any specific use. The conditions it has been studied for are listed below.

Also studied for 3 conditions — evidence insufficient to rate

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)

Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

It is unclear if oral asafoetida is beneficial for patients with COVID-19.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

It is unclear if oral asafoetida is beneficial for IBS.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

It is unclear if oral asafoetida is beneficial for PCOS.

Source & disclaimer. Effectiveness ratings and evidence summaries are provided by Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center) and shown as licensed. Where Natural Medicines hasn’t rated a use, HelloPharmacist’s pharmacists may add their own reviewed rating and evidence (each such entry is labeled). This is educational information, not medical advice — talk with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or changing a supplement.

Safety & precautions

When used in the small amounts found in food, asafoetida is generally considered safe for most people. The safety of larger, concentrated medicinal doses is not well established.

People who should be especially careful include children, those with bleeding disorders, and anyone with low blood pressure, since the plant has been linked to possible effects on blood and blood pressure in some reports. People with allergies to plants in the carrot family may also react to it.

Pregnancy: Asafoetida is traditionally avoided during pregnancy, and there is concern it could affect the uterus. Because safety is not proven, avoid medicinal amounts if you are pregnant.

Breastfeeding: There is not enough reliable information about using asafoetida while breastfeeding, so it is best to avoid supplement-strength doses.

Always check with your pharmacist or doctor before starting asafoetida, especially if you take other medicines or have a health condition.

Side effects

In food amounts, asafoetida usually causes few problems. Larger doses may lead to side effects such as gas, diarrhea, burping, a sense of fullness, or stomach upset.

Other reported effects include headache, dizziness, and, in some people, swelling of the lips or skin reactions. Rarely, allergic reactions can occur. There have also been reports of effects on the blood in infants, which is one reason asafoetida should not be given to babies.

If you notice trouble breathing, swelling, severe stomach symptoms, or any reaction that worries you, stop using it and seek medical care.

Asafoetida: Reported Adverse Effects

Documented safety reports on Asafoetida from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database, shown word-for-word from the licensed record.

Orally, asafoetida appears to be generally well tolerated. Large amounts of asafoetida have been reported to cause swelling of the lips, belching, flatulence, diarrhea, headache, or convulsions. There are reports of infantile methemoglobinemia associated with asafoetida. Topically, asafoetida has been reported to cause genital organ swelling.

Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C. PDR for Herbal Medicines. 1st ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 1998.
Newall CA, Anderson LA, Philpson JD. Herbal Medicine: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals. London, UK: The Pharmaceutical Press, 1996.
Al-Qahtani S, Abusham S, Alhelali I. Severe methemoglobinemia secondary to Ferula asafoetida ingestion in an infant: a case report. Saudi J Med Med Sci 2020;8(1):56-9.

Reports by condition

Cluster headache Neurologic/CNS

Orally, asafoetida in doses of 50-100 mg has been reported to cause headache or convulsions.

Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C. PDR for Herbal Medicines. 1st ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 1998.

Colic Hematologic

Orally, asafoetida has been associated with methemoglobinemia in infants. In one case, a 3-month-old boy who was given asafoetida gum resin for colic presented with tachypnea, hypoxia, and tachycardia. The child had very high methemoglobin levels and other markers consistent with metabolic acidosis with lethal methemoglobinemia. The child was intubated and treated with 100% oxygen plus supportive measures and eventually made a full recovery.

Newall CA, Anderson LA, Philpson JD. Herbal Medicine: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals. London, UK: The Pharmaceutical Press, 1996.
Al-Qahtani S, Abusham S, Alhelali I. Severe methemoglobinemia secondary to Ferula asafoetida ingestion in an infant: a case report. Saudi J Med Med Sci 2020;8(1):56-9.

Diarrhea Gastrointestinal

Orally, large amounts of asafoetida have been reported to cause belching, flatulence, and diarrhea.

Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C. PDR for Herbal Medicines. 1st ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 1998.

DISCLAIMER: This tool is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Patients should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions.

Adverse-effects data: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center

Dosing

There is no official, standardized medicinal dose for asafoetida. The amount used can vary widely between products and traditional recipes, and high-quality dosing studies in people are lacking.

As a cooking spice, only a small pinch of powder is typically used. For supplements, follow the directions on the product label and do not exceed them.

Because strength and quality can differ from one product to another, it is a good idea to talk with your pharmacist or doctor before taking asafoetida as a supplement, especially in concentrated forms.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Asafoetida & Pregnancy

Likely Unsafe

When used orally in medicinal amounts; asafoetida might cause abortion.

Newall CA, Anderson LA, Philpson JD. Herbal Medicine: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals. London, UK: The Pharmaceutical Press, 1996.

Asafoetida & Breastfeeding

Unsafe

When used orally due to the possible risk of methemoglobinemia in infants.

Newall CA, Anderson LA, Philpson JD. Herbal Medicine: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals. London, UK: The Pharmaceutical Press, 1996.

Pregnancy & lactation ratings: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center

References & further reading

The 4 references that drive our Asafoetida monograph and interaction data, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Citations with a link open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Newall CA, Anderson LA, Philpson JD. Herbal Medicine: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals. London, UK: The Pharmaceutical Press, 1996.
Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C. PDR for Herbal Medicines. 1st ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 1998.
Fatehi, M., Farifteh, F., and Fatehi-Hassanabad, Z. Antispasmodic and hypotensive effects of Ferula asafoetida gum extract. J Ethnopharmacol 2004;91(2-3):321-324. PubMed
Al-Qahtani S, Abusham S, Alhelali I. Severe methemoglobinemia secondary to Ferula asafoetida ingestion in an infant: a case report. Saudi J Med Med Sci 2020;8(1):56-9. PubMed

Keep reading

This information is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always check with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or combining supplements and medications.

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

Brand directory

Brands that make products with Asafoetida

10 brands in our database make a supplement containing Asafoetida.

Banyan Botanicals 697 products Catie's 23 products Dr. Mercola 590 products Earth Friend Herb Co. 66 products Harmony Nutraceuticals 47 products Hawaii Pharm 4,726 products Herbal Terra 3,138 products Nature's Sunshine 1,360 products PEScience 172 products TerraVita Premium Collection 4,019 products

Product directory

Supplement products with Asafoetida

40 products in our database contain Asafoetida. Open any to see its full ingredient list and every drug interaction we check.

Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Asafoetida: Common Questions

What is Asafoetida used for, and does it work?

People use Asafoetida for a range of reasons, but according to the Natural Medicines database the current clinical evidence is insufficient to confirm it works for the specific conditions it has been studied for. See the graded list on this page, and talk to your pharmacist or doctor before relying on it for any condition.

Does Asafoetida interact with prescription medications?

Yes. We list 289 medications with a known interaction with Asafoetida. Use the checker above to see how Asafoetida interacts with a specific drug.

How are Asafoetida interactions rated?

Each interaction is graded major, moderate, or minor based on how clinically significant it is and the strength of the evidence behind it. Major interactions are the most serious and are best avoided, or used only under close professional supervision.

Is it safe to take Asafoetida with my medications?

It depends on the specific medication. Some combinations are fine, while others call for monitoring, timing changes, or should be avoided. Check your exact drug above and confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or changing anything.

Where does this Asafoetida interaction information come from?

Our interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database — an evidence-graded reference for vitamins, herbs, and supplements — and is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists, who may add clinical context.

What is Asafoetida used for?

It is mainly used as a cooking spice and, in traditional medicine, for digestive problems like gas, bloating, and stomach cramps, as well as respiratory complaints. Strong human evidence for its medicinal benefits is limited.

Is Asafoetida safe to eat?

In the small amounts used in cooking, it is generally considered safe for most people. Larger medicinal doses are not as well studied, so check with a pharmacist before using supplements.

Can I take Asafoetida during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?

It is best to avoid medicinal amounts during pregnancy and breastfeeding because its safety has not been proven and it has traditionally been avoided in pregnancy.

What are the common side effects of Asafoetida?

Larger amounts may cause gas, diarrhea, burping, headache, or dizziness, and some people may have allergic or skin reactions. It should not be given to infants.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Keep exploring

Products that contain Asafoetida

A rotating sample of real supplements in our database that list Asafoetida — open any to see its full ingredients and every drug interaction we check.

See all 40 products with Asafoetida →

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Asafoetida Drug Interactions, Uses, Effectiveness, Safety & More

Your Choice:

Asafoetida Drug Interactions: The Bottom Line

Drugs that interact with Asafoetida

Don’t want to scroll the list? Just ask.

What Severity, Likelihood & Evidence Mean

Severity — How Serious It Can Be

Likelihood — How Well It’s Documented

Where This Data Comes From

The kinds of drugs Asafoetida affects

Asafoetida: Uses, Safety & Side Effects

Overview

How it works

Does Asafoetida work?

Safety & precautions

Side effects

Asafoetida: Reported Adverse Effects

Dosing

Asafoetida & Pregnancy

Asafoetida & Breastfeeding

References & further reading

Brands that make products with Asafoetida

Supplement products with Asafoetida

Asafoetida: Common Questions

Related supplements & herbs

Products that contain Asafoetida

Have a question about Asafoetida?