J Ethnopharmacol. 1999 Oct; 67(1): 1-6.

Ferula asa-foetida and Curcuma longa in traditional medical treatment and diet in Nepal.

Eigner D, Scholz D.

Institute for Tibetology and Buddhist Studies, Vienna, Austria.

Food and eating have powerful symbolic value among the hinduistically-influenced ethnic groups of Nepal. In addition, food plays a major role in the concepts of illness and curing and constitute an integral part of traditional medical prescriptions. Materials that are consumed in 0.5-1.5 g amounts in the daily diet (e.g. the spices turmeric and asafoetida) are used in minute amounts for medical purposes. Why? Three hypotheses are offered here to discuss this issue.