This section is from the book "Text-Book Of Materia Medica For Nurses", by Lavinia L. Dock. Also available from Amazon: Text-book of materia medica for nurses.
A gum resin obtained by incising the root of different species of Ferula, of Afghanistan. It contains a volatile oil, a resin, and gum. The oil is complex, but consists largely of the essential oil of garlic, to which it owes its unpleasant odor. The resin also yields sulphur.
Asafoetida has, in the stomach and alimentary canal, the stimulant and disinfectant action belonging to volatile oils and resins; but, while most others are pleasant to the taste, it is exceedingly nauseous and disagreeable. The mental influence of this nauseous impression, combined with its physiological action, renders asafoetida a nerve stimulant, antispasmodic, and calmative in hysterical conditions.
It is a carminative, and in enemata dispels gas, stops convulsions, and relieves constipation. It has some slight action as a stimulant and disinfectant expectorant. The volatile oil is excreted by the urine, perspiration, and breath.
Each pill contains 1/5 Gm. of the drug. Dose 2 pills.
Average dose, ℥ ss-15 mils.
Strength, 20%. Dose, v.-i mil.
 
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