Transcript of Cast Iron: An Invention of Ancient China. Mass-production began in the Han dynasty. At the time of its invention, cast iron had many uses. Since the discovery of steel, iron (both cast and wrought) has become less common, as steel is generally stronger.
Asafoetida is a plant. It has a bad smell and tastes bitter. That probably explains why it is sometimes called âdevilâs dung.â. People use asafoetida resin, a gum-like material, as medicine. Asafoetida resin is produced by solidifying juice that comes out of cuts made in the plantâs living roots. Asafoetida is used for breathing problems including ongoing (chronic) bronchitis, H1N1 swine flu, and asthma.
Native to India, the Mediterranean region and the Middle East, Asafoetida is a gum extracted from the sap of the Giant fennel plant. One of the oldest spices, since ancient times, Asafoetida has been in use in Rome and Persia. perennial plant the name âAsafoetidaâ is derived from a concoction of Persian word indicating âAzaâ- meaning âresin,â along with the Latin word âfoetidâ , denoting the foul and smelly nature of the spice.