<p>Asafoetida 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.<br /><br /></p>.<p>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. <br /><br />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:<br /><br />When combined with a glass of buttermilk, it is found to relieve digestive disturbances and cure bloating, <br /><br />flatulence and indigestion. It can also be used in the treatment of intestinal worms.<br />Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, asafoetida is a popular home remedy for menstrual cramps.<br /><br />When combined with honey and ginger, asafoetida is beneficial in treating respiratory discomforts like chest congestion.<br /><br />Application of a paste of powdered hing and lemon juice helps mitigate toothache.<br />Sulphur and anti-coagulant compounds found in asafoetida help in maintaining a healthy circulatory system, which ensures a healthy heart. <br /><br />When taken along with bittergourd juice, it regulates blood sugar and cholesterol levels.<br /><br />As it is anti-bacterial and anti-fungal, hing is used in treating inflamed skin, rashes and corns by acting as a soothing agent.</p>
<p>Asafoetida 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.<br /><br /></p>.<p>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. <br /><br />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:<br /><br />When combined with a glass of buttermilk, it is found to relieve digestive disturbances and cure bloating, <br /><br />flatulence and indigestion. It can also be used in the treatment of intestinal worms.<br />Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, asafoetida is a popular home remedy for menstrual cramps.<br /><br />When combined with honey and ginger, asafoetida is beneficial in treating respiratory discomforts like chest congestion.<br /><br />Application of a paste of powdered hing and lemon juice helps mitigate toothache.<br />Sulphur and anti-coagulant compounds found in asafoetida help in maintaining a healthy circulatory system, which ensures a healthy heart. <br /><br />When taken along with bittergourd juice, it regulates blood sugar and cholesterol levels.<br /><br />As it is anti-bacterial and anti-fungal, hing is used in treating inflamed skin, rashes and corns by acting as a soothing agent.</p>
