JOIN USAsafoetida or hing is a popular ingredient in many Indian cuisines. It imparts a strong character to the dish with its distinctive aroma and flavour. Native to the central Asiatic regions, hing is extracted as an oleo-resin from the sap of stems and roots of the Apiacacae family.
The resin, which is greyish in colour when fresh, turns a light brown when dried. In this condition, it is very hard and does not yield to regular chopping or grating. Hence, it is often powdered and used.
As it is pungent, a pinch or two is sufficient while tempering a dish. Despite the small quantity in which it is used, hing has medicinal properties and is referred to as sahasravedhi (effective in thousand ways). Here are some of its benefits:
When combined with a glass of buttermilk, it is found to relieve digestive disturbances and cure bloating,
flatulence and indigestion. It can also be used in the treatment of intestinal worms.
Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, asafoetida is a popular home remedy for menstrual cramps.
When combined with honey and ginger, asafoetida is beneficial in treating respiratory discomforts like chest congestion.
Application of a paste of powdered hing and lemon juice helps mitigate toothache.
Sulphur and anti-coagulant compounds found in asafoetida help in maintaining a healthy circulatory system, which ensures a healthy heart.
When taken along with bittergourd juice, it regulates blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
As it is anti-bacterial and anti-fungal, hing is used in treating inflamed skin, rashes and corns by acting as a soothing agent.