Ferula communis

Flora Palaestina Ethnobotany

florapal.org

Ferula communis L.

Apiaceae (Umbelliferae)

  • Common Giant Fennel
  • Giant Fennel
  • haltit حلتيت
  • kalkh sha'i' كلخ شائع
  • kalkh كلخ
  • qasukh قاسوخ
  • zulu' زلوع
  • kelekh matzuy
  • כֶּלֶךְ מָצוּי

Hemicryptophyte

  • Batha
  • Phrygana
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Medicinal Complaints / Uses

Ferula communis L.

System/State Traditional
Complaint/Use
Activity / Interpretation
Traditional
Preparation/ Administration
Parts Used
Source
Cancer

Cancer

Anti-carcinogenic

1.Make incision in root, extract oleo gum-resin; swallow small piece (raw) + gum of myrrh tree (Commiphora myrrh) daily until recovery.
2. Boil oleo gum-resin from root + gum of myrrh tree (Commiphora myrrh) in milk & drink x1 cup morning before breakfast until recovery.

Root (gum resin) B
Mens Health/ Sexuality

Aphrodisiac for males

Aphrodisiac

Decoct roots & drink x1 cup as needed.

Root B
Musculoskeletal/ Joints

Rheumatism

Analgesic, Anti-arthritic, Anti-inflammatory

Grind fruit, fry in olive oil & use to massage body.

Fruit Z
Opthalmic

Eye inflammation

Anti-inflammatory

Wrap fresh flowers in cloth, soak in water & drip into eye.

Flower Z
Wound Healing

Lesions

Vulnerary

Squeeze juice of flowers & stems onto lesion.

Flower, Stem Z

The authors of FLORAPALE, (Flora Palaestina Ethnobotanical) web site do not take responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of the plants described here. Always seek advice from a health professional before using a plant medicinally or for other purposes. See DISCLAIMER.

Notes

Z mentions various Arabic names for different parts & preparations of Ferula communis: "bizr el-kalkh" (ground fruit fried in olive oil) & "asir el kalkh" (juice produced from flowers & stems).

Cautions

Ferula communis has two chemotypes (toxic & non-toxic) with different chemical constituents. The toxic chemotype produces prenylated coumarins that can cause lethal haemorrhagic disorder.