One of the most commonly found and used spices in Indian kitchens is hing. Do you know hing is made from the asafoetida stem? Moreover, it tastes bitter and pungent. Let’s learn the asafoetida hing benefits and much more in this article.

What is Asafoetida?

Asafoetida or ferula asafoetida, as it is known scientifically, is a gum resin or a dried sap from the ferula plant. It is dried, ground in a yellow powder, and used for cooking. This ingredient was first found in Iran and Afghanistan, it is popularly used in Indian kitchens as hing.

Due to the sulfur compounds in this ingredient, it has a pungent and bitter taste and smell. Because of this smell, people often call it stinking gum. However, it tastes and smells more like garlic and leeks after it is cooked. 

According to Ayurveda, there were many asafoetida medicinal uses, such as digestion, gas, and treatment of kidney stones and bronchitis. In the past, people even wore dried gum around their necks to stay away from diseases and infections.

Asafoetida Hing Benefits for Digestion

Hing may be a small ingredient, but it helps greatly with digestion. It helps improve digestion by increasing the number of active digestive enzymes in the small intestine and stomach. This is just one of the many asafoetida benefits, and often, it is added while cooking Indian dishes to relieve gastric issues.

Another reason why it is great is that it can manage flatulence in the body because of its carminative properties. It also has laxative properties that help in preventing constipation.

Advantages of Asafoetida

Apart from digestion, there are many other asafoetida benefits to the human body. Let’s look at them below:

  1. People who want to lose weight should include this ingredient in their diet. Hing can reduce abdominal fat and help in weight loss.
  2. Applying hing powder paste on your hair or hair roots can help in hair growth.
  3. Face packs and oil made of hing can rejuvenate skin because of its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Disadvantages of Using Hing

Even though there are so many benefits and uses of hing, there are also some disadvantages. Listed below are asafoetida side effects that you must be aware of:

  • Hing should be consumed in small quantities, or it can cause migraines and headaches.
  • Since it has laxative properties, excess of it can cause diarrhea.

How to Use Hing for Stomach and Weight Loss?

Using hing water can offer a great boost to the metabolism that may help reduce weight. A good metabolism indicates a better digestive system and, thus, quick weight loss. Since it contains antioxidants, regular consumption can protect your body from free radicals. Isn’t it one of the best asafoetida uses?   

Moreover, preparing this amazing asafoetida hing benefits water is super easy. Take lukewarm water in a glass and add 1/4rd pinch of asafoetida in it. Mix it and drink it on an empty stomach. For better results, add a pinch of turmeric to it as well.

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Final Thoughts

Not many know that if someone is allergic to onions or does not like the smell of garlic, hing can be an excellent substitute in their dishes. Moreover, the numerous asafoetida hing benefits, especially the ones recognized by Ayurveda, indicate its great for solving digestive and other health issues. However, remember to buy the best quality hing for the best results.