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

Food and eating have powerful symbolic value among the hinduistically-influ enced ethnic groups of Nepal. In addition, food plays a major role in the c oncepts of illness and curing and constitute an integral part of traditiona l medical prescriptions. Materials that are consumed in 0.5-1.5 g amounts i n the daily diet (e.g. the spices turmeric and asafoetida) are used in minu te amounts for medical purposes. Why? Three hypotheses are offered here to discuss this issue. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reser ved.