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There are two types of Asafoetida: one from plants and one from trees. The plant type originates from the Western Regions (Xiyu) and can be sun-dried or decocted. The tree type comes from Nanfan (Southern overseas regions); its resinous juice is extracted and boiled into a paste, named Asafoetida. Those from Foqi (Sri Lanka) and Siam (Thailand) come from trees that are not very tall. Local people insert bamboo tubes into the trees; when the tubes are full of resin, they break the tubes in winter to collect it. Currently, it is only available in Guangzhou. This tree resin is formed by the dripping and fermentation of liquid sap. Another account claims that the tree sap is highly toxic; sheep are tied under the tree, and arrows are shot at the tree from a distance. The flowing sap lands on the sheep, which then dies, forming Asafoetida. Since the sap is toxic, why does it exhaust itself within the sheep and transform into this specific odor, while humans use it without toxicity? If so, there must be some agent interacting with the sheep's body to facilitate its use. The root is called "Wenzhan" (Stemona), used for pickling mutton, making it more fragrant and delicious; it does not change color even in intense summer heat, and can be referenced together. Its nature is extremely foul-smelling, hence referred to as "Xun" (incense/smoke) by Brahmins, and commonly consumed by Rong people, said to remove odors. In the Yuan Dynasty, it was used to harmonize seasonings. Thus, something extremely foul can indeed stop foulness, is it not true? Users should verify its authenticity.

Asafoetida is pungent, neutral yet warm in temperature, with strong aroma and flavor, belonging to Yang. It enters the Foot Taiyin Spleen Meridian and Foot Yangming Stomach Meridian. It breaks up masses and accumulations, resolves meat accumulations, directs evil qi downward, kills various parasites, and wards off pestilential qi. Therefore, its pungency... [Text fragment] ... all ... Asafoetida ... [Text fragment]. Contraindicated with mutton, vinegar, and wheat products. This prescription treats similar conditions of five types of dysphagia and Qi stagnation, where blood stasis forms a moving mass resembling a turtle. When an attack occurs with unbearable pain, tightly grasp the area where the mass is located, apply genuine Asafoetida upon it, cover with thick cotton paper to prevent gas leakage, and keep holding firmly so that the mass is attacked by the medicinal qi. After three shichen (6 hours), release the grip; the mass will remain immobile. Over time, it will naturally dissolve and the disease will heal. This method applies to lesions located between the skin and fascia, where decoctions and pills fail to take effect.

[Discussion] Asafoetida, possessing an extremely foul nature, can conversely eliminate foulness, revealing the subtlety of its miraculous application, likely involving the transformation of Qi. When Qi transforms, Form transforms, thus it can dispel... [Text fragment]. Individuals with weak Spleen and Stomach should not use it lightly, even if they have hard masses and accumulations. (Commentary by Zhongchun)

[Differentiation and Treatment] It resembles peach gum; those that are black have weak efficacy, while those that are yellow, loose, and moist are superior. Hard and dry ones are counterfeit. When using this herb, it must first be ground into powder.