Ferula hermonis
Ferula hermonis
Safety & 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[1].
Cultivation Details
Ferula hermonis. Ferula species generally can succeed in most soils[2], though they prefer a deep, fertile, well-drained soil in a sunny position[3]. Plants have a long taproot and are intolerant of root disturbance[3]. They should be planted into their final positions as soon as possible.
Propagation
Seed - best sown as soon as the seed is ripe in a greenhouse in autumn[2]. 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[2]. 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. Cite as: Temperate Plants Database, Ken Fern. temperate.theferns.info. 2026-02-21. <temperate.theferns.info/plant/Ferula+hermonis>
Pollinators
Insects
References
- [1]Is the chronic use of Ferula harmonis to enhance mice erectile function effective and safe? A histopathological stud — Ayoub N.N. et al · 2014 · https://doi.org/10.3109/19396368.2014.923059 · ISBN 1939-6368 ↩︎
- [2]RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 — F. Chittendon. · Oxford University Press · 1951 · ISBN - ↩︎Comprehensive listing of species and how to grow them. Somewhat outdated, it has been replaced in 1992 by a new dictionary (see [ 200 ]).
- [3]The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. — Huxley. A. · MacMillan Press · 1992 · ISBN 0-333-47494-5 ↩︎Excellent and very comprehensive, though it contains a number of silly mistakes. Readable yet also very detailed.
- [4]Flora of Turkey. — Davis. P. H. · Edinburgh University Press · 1965 · ISBN - ↩︎Not for the casual reader, this is an immense work in many volumes. Some details of plant uses and habitats.
- [5]IUCN Red List of Threatened Species — http://www.iucnredlist.org/ ↩︎A list of plants under threat and facing possible extinction, usually with brief details of the threats and information on habitat.
- [6]The genus Ferula: Ethnobotany, phytochemistry and bioactivities - A review — Mohammadhosseinia M. et al · 2019 · https://doi.org/10.1016/j.indcrop.2018.12.012 ↩︎