This aromatic root resin is used in small pinches for its distinctive taste and medicinal purposes. Asafoetida is formed from the sap that flows from the roots of a large umbelliferous plant. It is so effective in preventing flatulence that it can cure horses of indigestion. It is sold here either in whole block form or ground into powder. Due to its astounding medicinal properties it used in almost every Indian dish. Ferula asafoetida.