Asafetida (Devil's Dung)

BASIC INFORMATION

Biological name (genus and species):
Ferula assafoetida, Ferula foetida
Parts used for medicinal purposes:
Roots
Chemicals this herb contains:
Gum (See Glossary)
Volatile oils (See Glossary)
Resin (See Glossary)

KNOWN EFFECTS

Irritates lining of gastrointestinal tract and produces laxative effect.

Miscellaneous information:

Introduced by Arab physicians to European medical practitioners.

Has garlic-like odor and bitter taste. May have good placebo effect because it is so disagreeable.

Is used in sack around the neck by some people to repel evil.

Is used as a condiment.

Provides flavor as an ingredient in Worcestershire sauce.

UNPROVED SPECULATED BENEFITS

Decreases thickness and increases fluidity of mucus from lungs and bronchial tubes.

Treats colic (See Glossary).

Temporarily relieves constipation.

Treats nerve disorders.

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

Don't take if you:

Are pregnant, think you may be pregnant or plan pregnancy in the near future.

Have any chronic disease of the gastrointestinal tract, such as stomach or duodenal ulcers, esophageal reflux (reflux esophagitis), ulcerative colitis, spastic colitis, diverticulosis, diverticulitis.

Consult your doctor if you:

Take this herb for any medical problem that doesn't improve in 2 weeks. There may be safer, more-effective treatments.

Take any medicinal drugs or herbs including aspirin, laxatives, cold and cough remedies, antacids, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, supplements, other prescription or non-prescription drugs.

Pregnancy:

Dangers outweigh any possible benefits. Don't use.

Breast-feeding:

Dangers outweigh any possible benefits. Don't use.

Infants and children:

Treating infants and children under 2 with any herbal preparation is hazardous.

Others:

No contraindications if you are not pregnant and do not exceed amounts larger than manufacturer's recommended dosage.

Storage:

Keep cool and dry, but don't freeze. Store safely away from children.

Safe dosage:

At present no "safe" dosage has been established.

TOXICITY

Rated relatively safe when taken in appropriate quantities for
short periods of time.

For symptoms of toxicity: See Adverse Reactions, Side Effects or Overdose Symptoms section below.

ADVERSE REACTIONS, SIDE EFFECTS OR OVERDOSE SYMPTOMS

Signs and symptoms:	What to do:
Diarrhea	Discontinue. Call doctor
	immediately.