The efficacy and function of fragrant asafoetida

As people's living standards improve, they pay more attention to health preservation. Many people know that the traditional Chinese medicine Ferula foetida is good for the body and can treat many diseases. Let’s learn about it today.

【Other name】 Ferula

[Source] Medicinal material source: It is the resin of the Apiaceae plant Ferula multiflora.

[Original form] Perennial once-fruiting herb, 1-1.5m tall. The roots are spindle-shaped, thick, with withered leaf sheath fibers remaining at the top. Stem single, rarely 2-4, stout, sparsely pubescent, branched into a cone from near base upward. The petiole of the basal leaf is expanded into a sheath; the leaf blade is broadly ovate in outline, ternately and quadrupinnately divided, with the final segment ovate, about 10 mm long, and then deeply divided into entire or toothed lobes; the stem leaves are simplified upward, with only an ovate-lanceolate sheath on the upper part. The compound umbels are terminal or lateral, about 2 cm in diameter, without bracts; the rays are usually 4 and nearly equal in length; the inflorescences on the lateral branches are simple umbels, 3-8 in whorls, and because of the multiple whorls, they are shaped like beads; the umbels have 10 flowers, the bracts are scaly and fall off; the calyx teeth are small; the petals are yellow, ovate, and incurved at the apex; the stylopodium is oblate-conical, the style is elongated, and the stigma is thickened into a capitate. The fruit is elliptical, 3-7mm long and 1.5-3mm wide, with dorsal ribs thread-like and lateral ribs narrowly wing-like; there is 1 oil tube in each groove and 2 oil tubes on the commissure. The flowering period is May and the fruiting period is June.

[Habitat distribution] Ecological environment: Grown in sand dunes, sandy land and gravelly Artemisia deserts.

[Chemical composition] The lipophilic components of the root include guaiol, β-sitcoterol, β-dihydroxybenzoic acid (β-resorcylic acid) and methoxyresocylic acid.

【Nature and flavor】 Spicy; warm

【Functions and indications】 Strengthens the stomach and eliminates stagnation; dispels cold and relieves pain. Staple food accumulation; indigestion; cold pain in the abdomen and ribs; rheumatic joint pain

[Usage and Dosage] For oral use: grind into powder, 1-2g. For external use: Take appropriate amount, boil into ointment or grind into powder and add into plaster for application.

【Excerpt】 Chinese Materia Medica

Not only does Ferula asafetida have many functions, but it can also be eaten in many ways in our lives, so it is loved by many people.