Ferula Stinking, Or Asafoetida

Ferula Stinking, or Asafoetida

Ferula foetida (lat. Ferula foetida) is a plant of the Umbrella family (Apiaceae). Its gum, obtained from the rhizome, bears the pharmacopoeial name Asafoetida.

Botanical description

At first, this plant produces only a rosette of very large petiolate leaves. In the fifth year, a powerful stem with dissected leaves and complex umbrella inflorescences grows from the center of the rosette, up to 3 meters in height and 10 cm in thickness. It is found in Eastern Iran and Afghanistan, in saline areas of the steppes.

Active ingredients

Resin containing up to 60% ferulic acid ester, azaresitannol, coumarins, essential oil, vanillin and other substances.

Application

In the form of herbal remedies, it was previously used for flatulence and intestinal sluggishness (also in homeopathy). In places where it grows it is also used as a seasoning.