Asafoetida is hard resinous gum and in India, it is mainly found in
Jammu and Kashmir. At the initial stage it is grayish-white, and darkens with age to yellow, red and eventually brown. The herb is a perennial fennel bearing fine leaves and yellow flowers. The roots are thick and soft, and also have a similar resin to that of the stems. All parts of the plant produce a characteristic fetid smell.
It is used in Indian vegetarian cooking. Asafoetida is used to cure respiratory conditions like asthma, bronchitis and whooping cough.
