n.a
reference to asafetida, a brownish resin obtained from the roots of various Asian plants that emits a strong onionlike
odor. This substance is used as a flavoring in Iran and
India in such foods as meatballs, pickles and curries. The resin has also been used in medicine for preventing spasms, and the entire
plant has been worn in a bag around the neck as it was
thought to keep a person healthy.