330 MEDICAL BOTANY. 



the excito-motory nerves. Its volatile oil, or at least its odorous principle, is 

 absorbed, as it is recognisable in the secretions, especially in the perspiration, 

 which becomes fetid and alliaceous. 



Medical Uses. — From what has been said of its properties, it is evi- 

 dent that, whilst its employment is improper in inflammatory conditions of 

 the system, it is well suited to all cases of nervous derangement, unaccompa- 

 nied with general or local excitement. Thus few remedies have been found 

 more beneficial in hysteria than assafcetida, though its effects are rather to be 

 regarded as palliative in the relief of the immediate paroxysm, than as abso- 

 lutely curative of the disease. This remedy has also been found very useful 

 in hypochondriacal affections, and even in chorea. In obstinate cases of sin- 

 gultus it has also proved highly beneficial. Much benefit has been derived 

 from it as a stimulating expectorant and antispasmodic in various forms of 

 chronic or spasmodic pectoral affections. In the chronic catarrh of elderly 

 persons it often gives great relief, as it does also in some kinds of asthma; 

 and the late Dr. Parrish found it of much service in infantile catarrhs, com- 

 plicated with nervous irritation (N. Am. Med. and Surg. Jour., i. 24). As 

 a remedy in hooping-cough, after a removal of the primary inflammatory 

 symptoms, it has attained much celebrity, but, like all other remedies in this 

 disease, has been much overrated. Dr. Devvees says of it {Practice, 440), 

 " our own experience is by no means calculated to advance the reputation of 

 its powers ; we have found it occasionally useful, but never of decided effi- 

 cacy." Other eminent practitioners, however, speak more favourably of it. 



In diseases of the abdominal viscera, assafcetida is often useful as a stimu- 

 lating antispasmodic and laxative ; thus in flatulent colic, especially in hyste- 

 rical or dyspeptic persons, or in young children, it is very efficacious, and 

 may be advantageously employed as an injection. It is also of service in 

 combination with cathartics in costiveness attended with flatulence, particu- 

 larly in the cases of elderly persons, or in those of a weak and relaxed con- 

 dition of body. At one time this article was much used as an anthelmintic, 

 but is now seldom employed, though it may still be resorted to with advan- 

 tage, where there are signs of nervous disorder. 



As an emmenagogue it has been highly praised, and no doubt has proved 

 of benefit, when a stimulating action is required, or where the uterine disorder 

 is combined with a disturbance of the nervous functions ; but in cases of 

 simple suppression or retention of the menses, it ought not to be relied upon. 

 It should at the same time be stated that the experiments of Jorg tend to show 

 that it has a specific influence on the genito-urinary apparatus. Assafcetida 

 has likewise been considered as a resolvent of much power in chronic swell- 

 ings, scrofulous tumours, &c, but does not appear to be superior to galbanum 

 and other articles of the same class. 



The dose of Assafcetida is from five to twenty grains, or even more. 

 From its unpleasant taste and smell, it is usually given in pill. When the 

 dose is large, or where a speedy action is required, it is best given in emul- 

 sion ; that of the United States Pharmacopoeia contains two drachms of the 

 gum-resin in half a pint of water, and is given in the dose of one or more 

 tablespoonfuls. This is the form in which it is to be used as an enema. 

 Another form is that of tincture, the medium dose of which is a fluid drachm. 



Besides the gum-resin, it is stated by Royle (o. c, 410), that the seeds 

 are extensively employed in India, under the name of " Andoojan." They 

 are classed among the stimulants. 



