Common Name:

General Information

Ferula hermonis is a herbaceous perennial plant growing from a taproot; the stem can be 100 - 150cm tall[].
The plant has a high reputation for medicinal use and is harvested in quantity from the wild for local use. It is sold by herbalists and exported to mainly Arab countries for medicinal use.
Ferula hermonis is under threat throughout its range due to the collection of plants in the wild for medicinal uses. The Israeli-occupied part is partly considered to be a protected area, however the creation of a ski resort, plus other recreational developments and road construction have greatly affected the natural habitats and the plant communities there. Further developments at the resort, such as the expansion of the pistes or the construction of roads and buildings could occur in the future and increasingly threaten the habitats of the species. The plant is classified as 'Endangered' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2020)[].

Known Hazards

The plant has a long history of use, especially in Arab countries but also more recently in other countries, as an aphrodisiac and fertility enhancer. Research has shown that a single dose can very significantly increase testosterone levels in males and that the plant can be a very effective single dose treatment for frigidity and infertility.
However, if taken for extended periods, the effect is to greatly reduce testosterone levels and to have a negative action upon the reproductive organs. Although Ferula hermonis roots have been recommended to improve erectile and fertility problems, use of this plant, even for short periods, should be considered experimental and approached with extreme caution. Further clinical studies to ensure its safety and efficacy are needed[].

Botanical References

Range

W. Asia - southern Turkey, Syria, Lebanon

Habitat

Rocky slopes in sparse woodlands, shrublands and grasslands; at elevations from 1,500 - 2,200 meters[]

Properties

Conservation Status	Endangered
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	1.25 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Ferula hermonis.
Ferula species generally can succeed in most soils[], though they prefer a deep, fertile, well-drained soil in a sunny position[].
Plants have a long taproot and are intolerant of root disturbance[]. They should be planted into their final positions as soon as possible.

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

See the notes above on 'Known Hazards' before using this herb since it can have a significant negative effect upon fertility and the gonads.

A decoction of the rhizome has a long history of use in the Middle East as an aphrodisiac in traditional medicine, where it has been shown to enhance potency and sexual activity of both men and women, and to relieve the symptoms of treatment of fatigue[, ]. It is also used in the treatment of menopausal disturbances[].

The resin obtained from the cut stem is used in the treatment of cough and asthma[].

Traditionally, the hydrolate or powdered rhizome mixed with the honey of melliferous flowers is taken orally for the above various purposes and a decoction from the roots and seeds is taken orally, twice a day until improvement occurs[].

The seed oil has ben shown to be an effective treatment for erectile dysfunction[].

Various parts of the plant are used as a tonic aphrodisiac agent[]
The aerial parts of the plant are recommended as a highly aphrodisiac in the American dietary supplement protocols[]

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as the seed is ripe in a greenhouse in autumn[]. Otherwise sow in mid spring in a greenhouse. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots as soon as they are large enough to handle. Plant them out into their permanent positions whilst still small because the plants dislike root disturbance[]. If necessary, give the plants a protective mulch for their first winter outdoors.
Division in autumn. This may be inadvisable due to the plants dislike of root disturbance.