Hing
Hing
Hing is a commonly found spice that is used in various Indian cuisines. It is obtained from the stem of Asafoetida plant and is bitter and pungent in taste.
Hing helps improve digestion by increasing the activity of digestive enzymes in the stomach and small intestine. It is recommended to add Hing to your regular diet to prevent a number of gastric problems. Hing might also be beneficial for the management of flatulence due to its carminative property. It also provides relief from constipation by promoting bowel movements due to its laxative property. Hing also helps reduce abdominal fat and can be effective for the management of weight.
Applying Hing powder paste on the roots as well as the entire hair length helps to promote hair growth. Hing powder face pack and Hing oil have skin rejuvenating effects due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
It is advisable to consume Hing in small amounts as large amounts may cause headache and migraine. It may also cause diarrhea due to its laxative property[1-3][6-8].
Hing helps improve digestion by increasing the activity of digestive enzymes in the stomach and small intestine. It is recommended to add Hing to your regular diet to prevent a number of gastric problems. Hing might also be beneficial for the management of flatulence due to its carminative property. It also provides relief from constipation by promoting bowel movements due to its laxative property. Hing also helps reduce abdominal fat and can be effective for the management of weight.
Applying Hing powder paste on the roots as well as the entire hair length helps to promote hair growth. Hing powder face pack and Hing oil have skin rejuvenating effects due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
It is advisable to consume Hing in small amounts as large amounts may cause headache and migraine. It may also cause diarrhea due to its laxative property[1-3][6-8].
What are the synonyms of Hing?
Ferula assa-foetida, Hengu, Hingu, Ingu, Inguva, Kayam, Perungayam, Perunkaya, Raamathan[1]
What is the source of Hing?
Plant Based
Benefits of Hing
Modern Science View
Hing might be beneficial in the management of flatulence. It has carminative and antiflatulent property[3][6][7].
Ayurvedic View
Flatulence is caused due to an imbalance of Vata and Pitta dosha. Low Pitta dosha and aggravated Vata dosha results in low digestive fire, thus impairing digestion. Impaired digestion leads to gas formation or flatulence. Taking Hing regularly in the diet helps to correct impaired digestion. It improves Agni (digestive fire ) and reduces gas. This is due to its Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) properties.
Tips:
1. Take 1-2 pinch of Hing powder and fry in ½ teaspoon Ghee.
2. Add to 1 glass of buttermilk and mix well.
3. Drink this once or twice a day after taking food to manage flatulence.
Tips:
1. Take 1-2 pinch of Hing powder and fry in ½ teaspoon Ghee.
2. Add to 1 glass of buttermilk and mix well.
3. Drink this once or twice a day after taking food to manage flatulence.
Modern Science View
Hing might be beneficial in the management of menstrual problems like excessive bleeding[2][3].
Modern Science View
Hing might be beneficial in the management of Irritable bowel disease (IBD). It involves inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, especially the colon mucous membrane. Hing has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities. It inhibits the inflammatory mediators and reduces pain. It also reduces the risk of developing gastric ulcers. Thus, Hing acts as a gastroprotective agent[3][8].
Ayurvedic View
Hing helps to control the symptoms of Irritable bowel disease. According to Ayurveda, Irritable Bowel Disease (IBD) is also known as Grahani. Grahani is caused by an imbalance of Pachak Agni (digestive fire). Hing helps to improve Pachak Agni (digestive fire) due to its Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) properties. This helps control the symptoms of IBD.
Tips:
1. Take 1-2 pinch of Hing powder and fry in ½ teaspoon Ghee.
2. Add to 1 glass of buttermilk and mix well.
3. Drink this once or twice a day after taking food to manage Irritable Bowel Disease.
Tips:
1. Take 1-2 pinch of Hing powder and fry in ½ teaspoon Ghee.
2. Add to 1 glass of buttermilk and mix well.
3. Drink this once or twice a day after taking food to manage Irritable Bowel Disease.
Modern Science View
Hing might be beneficial in the management of bronchitis. It has antimicrobial and expectorant properties. Umbelliprenin in Hing blocks smooth muscle receptors (muscarinic receptors) and helps relax the tracheal smooth muscles[2][3].
Ayurvedic View
Hing is useful if you have cough related problems like bronchitis. In Ayurveda, this disease is known as Kasroga and is caused by poor digestion. Poor diet and incomplete elimination of wastes lead to the formation of Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion) in the form of mucus in the lungs. This leads to bronchitis.Taking Hing helps to improve digestion and reduce Ama. This is due to its Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) properties. It also reduces excess mucus accumulation because of its Ushna (hot) nature.
Tips:
1. Take 1-2 pinch of Hing powder and fry in 1/2 teaspoon Ghee.
2. Mix with 1-2 teaspoon honey and consume it.
3. Take it once or twice a day after taking food to manage the symptoms of bronchitis.
Tips:
1. Take 1-2 pinch of Hing powder and fry in 1/2 teaspoon Ghee.
2. Mix with 1-2 teaspoon honey and consume it.
3. Take it once or twice a day after taking food to manage the symptoms of bronchitis.
Modern Science View
Hing might be beneficial in the management of asthma. It blocks the histamine receptors in the trachea. Umbelliprenin in Hing blocks the smooth muscle receptors (muscarinic receptors). This helps to relax the tracheal smooth muscles. Hing also has expectorant property that helps to expel the mucus from the respiratory tract[2][3].
Ayurvedic View
Hing helps to reduce the symptoms of asthma. According to Ayurveda, the main doshas involved in asthma are Vata and Kapha. The vitiated ‘Vata’ combines with deranged ‘Kapha dosha’ in the lungs causing obstruction in the respiratory passage. This results in difficulty in breatHing. This condition is known as Swas Roga or Asthma. Taking Hing helps to calm Vata-Kapha and remove excess mucus from the lungs. This gives relief from the symptoms of asthma.
Tips:
1. Take 1-2 pinch of Hing powder and fry in 1/2 teaspoon Ghee.
2. Mix with 1-2 teaspoon honey and consume it.
3. Take it once or twice a day after taking food to manage the symptoms of asthma.
Tips:
1. Take 1-2 pinch of Hing powder and fry in 1/2 teaspoon Ghee.
2. Mix with 1-2 teaspoon honey and consume it.
3. Take it once or twice a day after taking food to manage the symptoms of asthma.
Modern Science View
Hing might be beneficial in the management of whooping cough (pertussis). It has antibacterial property that inhibits the growth of bacteria. Hing also acts as an expectorant and helps to manage whooping cough[3][5].
Ayurvedic View
Hing helps to control the symptoms of whooping cough. This is because Hing has Kapha balancing and Ushna (hot) properties. It helps to expel excessive mucus from the lungs and gives relief from whooping cough.
Tips:
1. Take 1-2 pinch of Hing powder and fry in 1/2 teaspoon Ghee.
2. Mix with 1-2 teaspoon honey and consume it.
3. Take it once or twice a day after taking food to get relief from whooping cough.
Tips:
1. Take 1-2 pinch of Hing powder and fry in 1/2 teaspoon Ghee.
2. Mix with 1-2 teaspoon honey and consume it.
3. Take it once or twice a day after taking food to get relief from whooping cough.
How effective is Hing?
Insufficient evidence
Asthma, Flatulence (gas formation), Heavy menstrual bleeding, Hoarseness of voice, Inflammation of the airways (bronchitis), Inflammatory bowel disease, Pertussis
Precautions when using Hing
Advice from Experts
Modern Science View
1. Epilepsy: Although enough scientific evidence is not available, Hing may cause seizures by interfering with the nervous system. So, it is advised to consult your doctor before taking Hing if you have epilepsy or suffer from convulsions[3].
2. Bleeding disorders: Avoid taking Hing if you have a bleeding disorder. Hing contains certain chemicals that have blood thinning property and may increase the risk of bleeding[3].
3. Gastrointestinal problems: Avoid taking Hing in case of stomach or intestine problems as it may irritate the gastrointestinal tract[3].
2. Bleeding disorders: Avoid taking Hing if you have a bleeding disorder. Hing contains certain chemicals that have blood thinning property and may increase the risk of bleeding[3].
3. Gastrointestinal problems: Avoid taking Hing in case of stomach or intestine problems as it may irritate the gastrointestinal tract[3].
Breastfeeding
Important
Modern Science View
Avoid oral consumption of Hing during breastfeeding. Certain chemicals in Hing may enter breast milk and cause bleeding disorders in infants[3].
Moderate Medicine Interaction
Modern Science View
Hing has anticoagulatory property due to which it may slow down blood clotting. So it is generally advised to avoid Hing or Hing supplements as it may increase the risk of bleeding and bruising if taken along with medications that slow down blood clotting[3].
Patients with heart disease
Modern Science View
Hing may lower blood pressure. So it is generally advised to monitor your blood pressure regularly while taking Hing or Hing supplements (although Hing is safe if taken in food amount) along with anti-hypertensive drugs[1][3].
Pregnancy
Important
Modern Science View
Oral consumption of Hing must be avoided during pregnancy as it may lead to miscarriage. It has emmenagogue property due to which it may cause uterine bleeding. So it is advised to avoid direct consumption of Hing and to consult your doctor before taking Hing in other food dishes during pregnancy[3][4].
Side Effects
Important
Modern Science View
1. Swelling of the lips
2. Burp
3. Diarrhea
4. Headache
5. Convulsions[3]
2. Burp
3. Diarrhea
4. Headache
5. Convulsions[3]
Recommended Dosage of Hing
- Hing Churna - 1-2 pinch twice a day.
- Hing Capsule - 1-2 capsules twice a day.
- Hing Tablet - 1-2 tablets twice a day.
- Hing Oil - ¼-½ teaspoon a day or as per your requirement.
How to use Hing
1. Hing Churna
a. Take Hing Churna 1-2 pinch.
b. Add warm water or honey to it.
c. Take it twice a day with or after lunch or dinner respectively.
2. Hing capsule
a. Take 1-2 Hing capsules with water after lunch and dinner.
b. Take Hing tablet 1-2 tablet with water after taking lunch and dinner
a. Take Hing Churna 1-2 pinch.
b. Add warm water or honey to it.
c. Take it twice a day with or after lunch or dinner respectively.
2. Hing capsule
a. Take 1-2 Hing capsules with water after lunch and dinner.
b. Take Hing tablet 1-2 tablet with water after taking lunch and dinner
Benefits of Hing
Ayurvedic View
A corn is a thick and hard layer of skin that develops on the feet and toes or hands and fingers. Corn can be correlated with kadra in Ayurveda. Kadra may develop due to vitiation of the Vata and Kapha dosha. Applying a paste of Hing helps to manage corn because of its Chedana (scraping) property. It also balances Vata and Kapha due to its Ushna (hot) nature.
Tips:
1. Take 1-2 pinch of Hing powder.
2. Dissolve in water and make a paste.
3. Apply on the affected area.
4. Leave it overnight and wash with plain water in the morning.
Tips:
1. Take 1-2 pinch of Hing powder.
2. Dissolve in water and make a paste.
3. Apply on the affected area.
4. Leave it overnight and wash with plain water in the morning.
How effective is Hing?
Insufficient evidence
Corns
Precautions when using Hing
Side Effects
Important
Modern Science View
1. Swelling of the lips
2. Allergic reaction[3]
2. Allergic reaction[3]
Recommended Dosage of Hing
- Hing Powder - 1-2 pinch or as per your requirement.
- Hing Oil - ½-1 teaspoon a day or as per your requirement.
How to use Hing
1. Hing Powder (Churna) Skin Whitening Pack
a. Mash a tomato.
b. Add some sugar and mix well till the sugar dissolves.
c. Add some Hing and mix to form a paste.
d. Apply on the face and neck and let it dry.
e. Wash with lukewarm water to improve your complexion naturally.
f. You can also use Hing powder with water or honey and apply on the skin once a day or thrice a week.
2. Hing Powder (Churna) for Hair Conditioning
a. Mix yogurt, almond oil and green tea extract in a bowl and mix well.
b. Add some Hing powder to the mixture and beat well to form a paste.
c. Apply on the roots and entire length of the hair.
d. Leave to dry for 1 hour.
e. Rinse with a mild shampoo.
3. Hing oil
a. Massage ½-1 teaspoon (or as required) Hing oil on skin till the oil gets absorbed.
b. Repeat every night before sleeping to lubricate skin and avoid dry flakes.
a. Mash a tomato.
b. Add some sugar and mix well till the sugar dissolves.
c. Add some Hing and mix to form a paste.
d. Apply on the face and neck and let it dry.
e. Wash with lukewarm water to improve your complexion naturally.
f. You can also use Hing powder with water or honey and apply on the skin once a day or thrice a week.
2. Hing Powder (Churna) for Hair Conditioning
a. Mix yogurt, almond oil and green tea extract in a bowl and mix well.
b. Add some Hing powder to the mixture and beat well to form a paste.
c. Apply on the roots and entire length of the hair.
d. Leave to dry for 1 hour.
e. Rinse with a mild shampoo.
3. Hing oil
a. Massage ½-1 teaspoon (or as required) Hing oil on skin till the oil gets absorbed.
b. Repeat every night before sleeping to lubricate skin and avoid dry flakes.
Frequently asked questions
Modern Science View
In India, Hing is grown in Kashmir and in some parts of Punjab.
Modern Science View
Hing is a common spice used in Indian cooking. It is used as a flavouring and aromatic agent and is an important part of many Indian dishes. Hing can also be used as a food preservative. It can also be consumed without cooking as it has a number of health benefits, such as controlling gas and acidity.
Tips to consume Hing-
1. Take ½ teaspoon Hing powder and add to a glass of warm water. Drink this on an empty stomach.
2. Take 2-3 small pieces of Hing (or Hing powder) and add it to a glass of buttermilk or warm milk. Drink this once or twice a day.
Tips to consume Hing-
1. Take ½ teaspoon Hing powder and add to a glass of warm water. Drink this on an empty stomach.
2. Take 2-3 small pieces of Hing (or Hing powder) and add it to a glass of buttermilk or warm milk. Drink this once or twice a day.
Modern Science View
Hing is gluten-free but the commercially available Hing powder used for cooking may not be gluten-free. Hing powder is made of dried gum of a root known as Ferula. Although this powder is naturally gluten-free, it is processed by significantly diluting with wheat flour, which ultimately incorporates gluten into it.
Modern Science View
Hing jeera is a mixture of Hing (Asafoetida) powder and Jeera (cumin seeds or cumin seed powder) that are together used in Indian cooking. They are used in various Indian dishes as flavour and aroma enhancers.
Modern Science View
Hing can be used for weight loss in the following ways:
Hing Water
Add a pinch of Hing powder to a glass of warm water.
Drink it on an empty stomach.
Drink Hing water regularly to promote weight loss.
B. Hing powder
Add Hing pieces or powder to buttermilk or your food and consume it to help promote weight loss.
Hing Water
Add a pinch of Hing powder to a glass of warm water.
Drink it on an empty stomach.
Drink Hing water regularly to promote weight loss.
B. Hing powder
Add Hing pieces or powder to buttermilk or your food and consume it to help promote weight loss.
Modern Science View
Yes, Hing is good for controlling muscle cramps. Hing helps in the relaxation of the smooth muscles as it has inhibitory effect on the smooth muscle receptors (muscarinic receptors)[5].
Ayurvedic View
Yes, Hing helps to control muscle cramps when it is taken regularly in the diet. This is because it has Vata balancing property that relaxes the smooth muscles.
Modern Science View
Yes, Hing is good for diabetes. Hing helps to decrease the blood glucose level and helps to increase the insulin level in the blood[5].
Ayurvedic View
Hing helps to control high sugar due to its Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) properties. It improves metabolism and maintains the insulin level. Thus Hing helps to control your blood sugar levels.
Modern Science View
Yes, Hing is good for digestion. Hing increases the secretion of salivary enzymes, improves bile secretion and bile flow. Hing also increases the activity of digestive enzymes in the stomach and small intestine[2].
Ayurvedic View
Yes, Hing is good for digestion. Taking Hing in the daily diet improves the digestive fire and helps to digest the food easily. This is because of its Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) properties.
Modern Science View
Yes, Hing might help reduce bloating and other stomach problems. It contains certain constituents that have carminative (relieves gas) and antispasmodic effect. It helps to reduce stomach aches, flatulence, spasms and also helps to improve digestion[1].
Ayurvedic View
Yes, Hing helps to reduce bloating and other stomach problems like indigestion, flatulence or abdominal pain. All these conditions occurs due to weak or poor digestion. Hing helps to manage these conditions as it improves digestion due to its Ushna (hot), Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestion) properties.
Modern Science View
Although enough scientific evidence is not available for the role of Hing in headaches, but according to some scientific evidence, it does possess pain relieving and anti-inflammatory properties. However, it has also been seen that consuming Hing in large quantities might cause headaches in some people[3].
Ayurvedic View
Hing might help reduce headaches in some cases if the cause of headache is excessive flatulence or gas formation. Gas is formed due to weak or poor digestion. Hing helps to enhance the digestion process and give relief from gas due to its Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestion) properties.
Modern Science View
Yes, Hing may be used in epilepsy due to its antiepileptic and antioxidant activity. Epilepsy is generally caused by cell damage due to free radicals which leads to abnormal brain activity. Hing contains certain constituents that show antioxidant activity and protect against free radical cell damage thereby helping in managing epilepsy[9].
Ayurvedic View
Yes, Hing might have anti-epileptic effect. In Ayurveda, epilepsy is termed as Apasmara. Epileptic patients experience episodes of seizures due to an imbalance in the Vata dosha. A seizure is due to abnormal electrical activity in the brain leading to uncontrollable and rapid body movements which might even lead to unconsciousness. Hing might help to manage epilepsy as it provides strength to the nervous system due to its Vata balancing and Tantrika balkaraka (nervine tonic) properties.
Modern Science View
Yes, Hing might help improve metabolism as it helps to stimulate digestive enzymes responsible for enhancing digestion and boosting metabolism. It also has antioxidant property which may further help enhance body metabolism[2].
Ayurvedic View
Yes, Hing might help improve metabolism as it helps promote proper and enhanced digestion of food due to its Ushna (hot), Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestion) properties.
Modern Science View
Hing can be used for weight loss in the following ways:
Hing Water
Add a pinch of Hing powder to a glass of warm water.
Drink it on an empty stomach.
Drink Hing water regularly to promote weight loss.
B. Hing powder
Hing is administered to babies, mainly infants, in case of flatulence, stomach aches and colic pain. This is due to certain constituents present in the Hing (ferulic acid, umbelliferone) that have carminative (relieves gas) and antispasmodic properties. It helps to relieve gas and prevents spasm and colic in babies[1][10].
Hing Water
Add a pinch of Hing powder to a glass of warm water.
Drink it on an empty stomach.
Drink Hing water regularly to promote weight loss.
B. Hing powder
Hing is administered to babies, mainly infants, in case of flatulence, stomach aches and colic pain. This is due to certain constituents present in the Hing (ferulic acid, umbelliferone) that have carminative (relieves gas) and antispasmodic properties. It helps to relieve gas and prevents spasm and colic in babies[1][10].
Ayurvedic View
Yes, Hing helps to reduce skin problems like dryness of skin or wrinkles when applied externally. Hing improves the skin texture and maintains moisture content due to its Snigdha (oily) nature.
Ayurvedic View
Yes, Hing helps to control dandruff and hair fall. Applying Hing helps to remove excessive dryness and promote hair growth. This is due to its Snigdha (oiliness) and Vata balancing properties.
Ayurvedic View
Hing helps to correct digestion and control gas because of its digestive properties like Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive). But excess amount of Hing can cause heat or acidity because of its Ushna (hot) nature.
Modern Science View
Enough scientific evidence is not available for using Hing to heal insect bites and stings. However, since Hing contains volatile oils it may soothe insect bites and stings. Also, due to its pungent smell it repels the insects from the body[6][7].
Modern Science View
Enough scientific evidence is not available for the role of Hing in treating acne. However, Hing does have skin rejuvenating effects as it contains certain constituent (like ferulic acid) that has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties[8].
References
- Mahendra P, Bisht S.Ferula asafoetida: Traditional uses and pharmacological activity.Pharmacogn Rev.2012;6(12):141–146.
- Amalraj A, Gopi S.Biological activities and medicinal properties of Asafoetida: A review.J Tradit Complement Med. 2017;7(3):347–359.
- https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-248/asafoetida
- Ernst E.Herbal medicinal products during pregnancy: are they safe?An international journal of obstetrics & gynaecology.2002;109(3):227-235.
- Kareparamban JA, Nikam PH, Jadhav AP, et al. Ferula foetida“Hing”: A review. RJPBCS.2012;3(2):775-786.
- Balch PA.Prescription for Herbal Healing.Penguin.2002.
- Bahrami G, Soltani R, Sajjadi SE, et al. Essential Oil Composition of Ferula Assa-Foetida L. Fruits from Western Iran. Journal of Reports in Pharmaceutical Sciences.2013;2(2):90-97.
- Moghadam FH, Mesbah-Ardakani M, Nasr-Esfahani MH. Effects of Oleo Gum Resin of Ferula assa-foetida L. on Senescence in Human Dermal Fibroblasts: - Asafoetida reverses senescence in fibroblasts. J Pharmacopuncture. 2017;20(3):213-219.
- Kiasalari Z, Khalili M, Roghani M, et al.Antiepileptic and Antioxidant Effect of Hydroalcoholic Extract of Ferula Assa Foetida Gum on Pentylentetrazole- induced Kindling in Male Mice. Basic Clin Neurosci.2013;4(4):299-306.
- Bhatnager R, Rani R, Dang AS.Antibacterial activity of Ferula asafoetida: a comparison of red and white type. Journal of Applied Biology & Biotechnology.2015;3(2):18-21.
Disclaimer
The content is purely informative and educational in nature and should not be construed as medical advice. Please use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified medical or healthcare professional.