ABSTRACT
CRC Handbook of Medicinal
Herbs
, ed. 2, Duke et al., 2002.
Cultivation (Asafetida) —
Asafetida grows in Asian high plains region 2000-4000 ft above sea level, arid and bare in winter but covered with a thick growth of
Ferula foetida
and other
Ferula
species in summer. Hardy from zone 7-9 (Bown, 2001). Asafetida is gathered in June. The gum is caused to form by bleeding the root of the plant. Preparatory to cutting, soil is scraped away from around the root to about 6 in. The top is severed at the crown and several lacerations made around the head of the root. Fresh cuts are made every 3 or 4 days until sap ceases to run (a week or a month), depending on the vigor and size. After cutting, the root stump is covered with a dome of twigs, herbs, stones, or other trash to protect it from the sun so that it will not wither. As gum exudes it hardens into tears, or lumps. This is collected and spread in the sun to harden. Quantities ranging from a few ounces to several pounds per root have been reported (Source: USDA fact sheet).
Chemistry (Asafetida) —
