ASAFOETIDA

Latin Name: Ferula foetida

Alternate Names: Hing, Food Of The Gods, Devil's Dung

Family: APIACEAE

Parts Used: Resin that exudes from stalks cut in the spring prior to flowering.

Properties: Antibacterial, Antispasmodic, Antitussive, Bronchial Dilator, Carminative, Diaphoretic, Digestive Tonic, Diuretic, Expectorant, Hypotensive, Laxative, Sedative.

Internal Uses: Asthma, Bloating, Bronchitis, Candida, Constipation, Cough, Cough, Flatulence, Hypertension, Hysteria, Indigestion, Whooping Cough, Worms

Internal Applications: Capsules, Tincture

Asafoetida produces a warming sensation in the digestive tract. Asafoetida increases circulation to the lungs and digestive system, and moves stagnation.

Topical Applications: Make into a tea and spray around your garden to repel deer and rabbits.

Culinary uses: Frying the herb in a bit of hot oil causes the nasty aroma to disappear and an onion like flavor to remain. Add to beans (to prevent gas), and use in Worchestershire sauce. Used in early Roman, Indian and mid-Eastern cooking. Rub on grill before grilling. In Iran the leaves and stalks are eaten as a vegetable. Add to fish.

Energetics: Pungent, Bitter, Hot, Dry.

Chemical Constituents: Essential oil (disulphides, terpenes, pinene), sesquiterpenoid coumarins, resin, ferulic acid, gum, sulfur.

Contraindications: This herb is not for babies. People unused to this herb may initially experience diarrhea. Avoid therapeutic doses during pregnancy.

Comments: The name Asafoetida is from aza, Persian for 'resin' and fetida, which is Latin for 'stinking'. It is native to Afghanistan, Iran and Pakistan, and often used in place of garlic as a culinary herb. During the Middle Ages, Asafoetida was worn around the neck to prevent disease, possibly by keeping other people away.

-- Phil in KS (cshomestead@planetkc.com), May 21, 2002