{"product_id":"vintage-wooden-apothecary-spice-storage-container","title":"Antique Turned Wood Apothecary Box | ASSAFOETIDA Printed Label | Old Resin Still Inside | Druggist Pill Box | Late 1800s-Early 1900s | 2.5\"","description":"\u003cp\u003eMeet what was once the stinkiest thing on a pharmacy shelf. This antique \u003cstrong\u003eturned wood apothecary box\u003c\/strong\u003e still wears its original printed paper label, \u003cstrong\u003eASSAFŒTIDA\u003c\/strong\u003e, spelled the old Latin pharmacy way with the joined Œ. And yes, there are still dark lumps of old resin inside.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAsafoetida (say it \"ass-uh-FET-ih-duh\") is a dried gum resin from a giant fennel-like plant. Fresh, its smell was so strong it earned the nickname \"devil's dung.\" Druggists sold it for colic, gas, coughs and \"hysteria,\" and people hung little bags of it around their necks to ward off colds, especially during the 1918 flu. Cooks in India still use a pinch today, where it tastes a lot like onion and garlic.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGood news for your nose:\u003c\/strong\u003e after all these years, the resin in this box has mellowed completely. The famous stink is gone, and it now has only a light, pleasant, earthy aroma.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe lathe-turned wooden box with a printed paper band is the classic druggist's style of the late 1800s and early 1900s. A wonderful piece for an apothecary shelf, a curiosity cabinet, a collection of medical antiques or anyone who loves a good weird-history story.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlease note:\u003c\/strong\u003e The resin inside is sold as part of the antique, for display only. It is not for eating or any medical use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Good antique condition with honest age. The paper label is chipped and has small losses, and it has split along the seam where the lid meets the base. The wood shows wear, darkening and spots, with a small handwritten mark near one end of the label. The lid lifts off and fits back on. Please see all photos.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDetails:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMaterial: Turned wood with a printed paper label\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSize: about 2.5\" across x 1.5\" tall\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLabel: ASSAFŒTIDA\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eContents: old asafoetida resin pieces (display only); no bad odor, just a light earthy scent\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEra: likely late 1800s to early 1900s\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCondition: Good antique; label chips and split, wear to the wood\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eStyling props shown in photos are not included.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Oddly Darling Vintage","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":68328446034119,"sku":"H-0291","price":52.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0809\/7028\/5255\/files\/vintage-wooden-apothecary-spice-container.jpg?v=1794327011","url":"https:\/\/www.oddlydarlingvintage.com\/products\/vintage-wooden-apothecary-spice-storage-container","provider":"Oddly Darling Vintage","version":"1.0","type":"link"}