Asafoetida (also called stercus diaboli and cibus deorum), a resinous gum derived from the root of the narthex asafœtida, a plant of the family umbelliferœ, which grows in Persia, Afghanistan, and neighboring regions. It yields all its virtues to alcohol. Triturated with water, it forms a white or pink milky emulsion. Its peculiar property is its strong disagreeable odor and taste. This resides in the volatile oil it contains, which may be separated by distilling the aqueous or alcoholic solution. The oil is said to contain from 15.75 to 23 per cent. of sulphur. Asafœtida is used in Persia as a condiment for flavoring sauces and food. The leaves are eaten and the root roasted for the same purpose. It is used in medicine as an expectorant and antispasmodic or nervous stimulant. It is supposed to act beneficially in hysteria, flatulence, and some spasmodic affections of the respiratory organs.' (See Antispasmodics.) The volatile oil is undoubtedly absorbed, as is shown by the odor being perceptible in the breath and other excretions.

Narthex asafœtida.