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

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.