Fact Check: Can Asafoetida be used as an antidote for poisoning?

Social media users are sharing a post claiming that Asafoetida or Heeng can treat poisoning at home.

In the viral video, you can see an AI bot advising you to consume a solution of water and asafoetida. The logic behind the claim is that Asafoetida has a foul smell and a bitter taste which will eventually lead to puking. As a result, the poison would come out.

Asafoetida is a plant that has a foul smell and bitter taste. We use the Asafoetida plant's resins. It is commonly called 'the devil's dung'. It is used in many day-to-day foods we consume.

Asafoetida has certain medicinal properties for conditions such as throat problems, digestion problems, and menstrual issues. The findings are anecdotal.

Is treating poisoning as simple as this? Let's find out.

Fact Check

NewsMeter found the claim to be false.

Can asafoetida help treat poisoning?

No. Contrary to what is claimed asafoetida overdose might cause swelling of the lips, burping, intestinal gas, diarrhea, headache, conversions, blood disorders, and other side effects.

A study found that "The data showed that asafoetida did not have any acute toxicity, but the chronic consumption of this oleo-gum-resin caused reverse effects on liver and blood parameters. This study suggested that asafoetida may be used in minimum possible doses".

More human studies are needed.

According to the New Zealand National Poisoning Center, vomiting is not recommended as the first aid for toxic substances. The article states that vomiting is ineffective at moving poisons from the stomach. Not only this vomit or poison can sometimes go down the wrong way into the lungs causing lung injury, especially with the products that can froth or catch fire. Some topic products might also burn the throat while vomiting as the product is being exposed to the throat twice. Moreover, poison gets absorbed into the body and only vomiting might not help. This method might induce vomiting which eventually gets harder to stop once it begins.

What to do instead?

If someone is severely poisoned and still conscious ask them to sit and stay with them while you wait for medical help to arrive. Try helping them to spit out if anything is remaining in the mouth. Do not try to contaminate yourself in the process.

If the person is unconscious, lie the person on their side with a cushion behind their back and their upper leg pulled slightly forward. This is known as the recovery position. Now wipe out if they have vomited and keep their head pointing down this will allow the vomit to pass away without getting into the breathing tract. The research strictly warns against giving them anything to eat or drink before medical help arrives. If the person has stopped breathing or the heartbeat is going down begin Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).

Giving them an asafoetida decoction might lead to severe side effects. Experimenting with home remedies might worsen the case or prove fatal.