Aromatherapy & Health Uses: Ayurvedic practice - this botanical is regarded as a remedy for nervous disorders and gastric spasms. It is also used for colic and coughing relief. Other Uses: Use for prophetic dreams, exorcism, and protection. Worn in a bag around the neck, asafetida dispels diseases and evils of all kinds. It literally repels evil spirits! Add a clove of garlic to enhance the effect. Asafetida is a classic for exorcism.