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Description
and Cultivation
- Asafoetida,
the gum resin prized as a condiment in India and Iran, is
obtained chiefly from plant Ferula asafetida. The Latin
name ferula means "carrier" or
"vehicle". Asa is a latinized form of Farsi asa
"resin ", and Latin foetidus means
"smelling, fetid". A related species (F.vulgaris),
native to the Mediterranean, is mentioned in the Greek mythology
as the plant that helped Prometheus to carry the stolen fire
from the Sun to the Earth.
- The plant is
a perennial of the carrot family and may grow as high as 3.6m.
After four years, when it is ready to yield asafetida, the stems
are cut down close to the root, and a milky juice flows out that
quickly sets into a solid resinous mass. A freshly exposed
surface of asafoeida has a translucent, pearly white appearance,
but it soon darkens in the air, becoming first pink and finally
reddish brown.
Uses
- An analysis
of asafoetida shows it to consist of carbohydrates 67.8 per cent
per 100 gms, moisture 16.0 per cent, protein 4.0 per cent, fat
1.1 per cent, minerals 7.0 per cent and fibre 4.1 per cent. Its
mineral and vitamin contents include substantial calcium besides
phosphorus, iron, carotene, riboflavin and niacin. Its calorific
value is 297.
- Asafoetida
is a useful antidote for flatulence. It is also claimed to be
useful for the treatment of bronchitis and hysteria. Asafoetida
is used for stomach pains. Asafoetida prevents insect bites.
- Roots have
been used as a local stimulant for the brain, mucous membranes,
and for the alimentary tract where its carminative action aids
in flatulent colic. This also makes it a good addition to
laxative medicines. Its volatile oils are exuded through the
lungs and have been used for asthma, bronchitis, croup, chronic
catarrh, whooping cough and other chest ailments to loosen
excess mucous. Stimulates the menstrual flow and sexual
appetite. Used as a circulatory stimulant to lower blood
pressure and thin the blood. Used as an enema in infantile
convulsions. Usually taken in capsule form, because of its
tastes.
Market
and Report
-
Asafoetida
is the gum-like substance secreted from the tree feruluas
asafoetida. It is imported in raw form, processed and packed and
then made into `badani’ or compounded Asafoetida (in powder or
`kada’ form) and re-exported mainly to the gulf countries. Ninety
per cent of the Asafoetida used in India is from Afghanistan and
is called the kabuli hing. the Iranian variety is of better
quality and comes in three types — sheer, xl and hingda.
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