Asafetida
Ferula assa-foetida Syn. Ferula foetida
Family: Apiaceae
Herbaceous perennial. Native to the high plains of Iran and Afghanistan.
This is a giant, umbelliferous plant steeped in history and tradition.
To make the drug asafetida, the fleshy roots of mature plants are partially
uncovered and then scored, yielding from the scarifications over time an
oleo-fun-resin exudate which dries slowly on the root and is scraped off
and collected. Asafetida is a most pungent substance: once smelled,
never forgotten. Small quantities are used in the preparation of
certain Indian and Persian dishes. Medicinally, the resin is used
in combination with laxatives, due to its remarkable antispasmodic and
carminative effects. The history of Asafetida in world trade is a
story of adulteration. The pure material rarely reaches the consumer
without the addition clay, sand and stones to increase the weight (and
cost). Exudates from other plants of the Ferula genus (of which there
are over 100 species found world-wide) have often erroneously supplied
the drug of commerce. We have been looking for a verified source
for over a decade, and are quite pleased to have finally obtained this
seed of the true plant which provides the "Food of the Gods." Cultivation:
Extra care. Erratic and multi-cycle germinator. Sow in fall
for germination in spring, or give 3 months cold, moist conditioning in
the refrigerator before sowing in warm soil. Outdoor nursery bed
technique is highly recommended, as oscillating temperatures will enhance
germination. Following these instructions, we found the germination
to be excellent and vigorous. Thin or transplant seedlings to 3 feet
apart. Poor to regular garden soil. Full sun. Flowers
yellow, to 7 feet tall.
Return
to Herb Seed Index