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Ferula asafoetida Asafoetida (1 Page of 5) The Ferula asafoetida plant species is found in W. Asia - Afghanistan to Iran. It is a member of the Umbelliferae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Asafoetida. Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses Medicinal | Edible Uses Latin Name: Ferula asafoetida Common Name: Asafoetida Family: Umbelliferae Author: L. Known Hazards: None known Mature Height: 2 Mature Width: 1.5 Habitat: Deserts[74].
Medicinal Information: Asafoetida is a very effective medicinal herb that acts mainly on the digestive system, cleansing and strengthening the gastro-intestinal tract[238]. It is much used in the Ayurvedic tradition[238]. The gum-resin contains a volatile oil that is as persistent in aroma as garlic. They leave the body via the respiratory system and aid the coughing up of congested mucous[254].
The pungently flavoured gum-resin that is obtained from the root is alterative, anthelmintic, antiperiodic, antispasmodic, carminative, deobstruent, deodorant, expectorant, laxative, sedative and stomachic[7, 21, 176, 218]. It is used in the treatment of simple digestive problems such as wind, bloating, indigestion and constipation, and also for respiratory problems such as bronchitis, bronchial asthma and whooping cough[254]. It is also used as a circulatory stimulant, lowering blood pressure and thinning the blood[7, 21, 165, 176, 254]. The resin has a synergistic effect on other herbal preparations such as camphor, valerian and nux-vomica[7]. It is used in tincture as a mild cardio-tonic[7]. See below under 'Uses notes' for details on harvesting the resin.
For further Ferula asafoetida gardening information click on one of the blue links below Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses Medicinal | Edible Uses
The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'. View their bibliography

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