What is hing and its benefits?
Hing, also known as asafoetida, is one of the most unique spices in Indian cooking. Recognized for its strong aroma and powerful flavor, it has been used for centuries not only to enhance taste but also for its wide range of health benefits. Rich in medicinal properties, hing plays a key role in Ayurveda and traditional remedies, especially for digestive health. From adding depth to everyday dishes to serving as a natural cure for common ailments, this spice is truly a kitchen essential.
Latin Name: Ferula narthex/ Ferula asafoetida
Vernacular Names:
- Hindi: Hing
- Bengali: Heeng
- Tamil: Perungayam
- Telugu: Inguva
- Kannada: Hingu
- Malayalam: Perungayam
- Marathi: Hing
- Gujarati: Badharani
- Punjabi:
- English : Himalayan Cedar
Sanskrit Names:
Hingu, Sahasravedhi – effective in thousands of ways
Jatuka – similar to Laksha herb, having exudate
Bahleeka, Ramatha – Available in places like Bahlika and Ramatha
Ugragandha – has offensive smell
Jantughna, Jantunasaka – It kills worms
Benefits & Ayurvedic Properties of Hing
Ras
- Katu(Pungent)
Veerya ( Potency)
- Ushna (Hot)
Vipaak ( Post-digestive effect)
- Katu (Pungent)
Guna ( Qualities)
- Laghu (Lightness)
- Tikshna (Pierceing)
- Snighdha ( Oily)
Dosha Effect
Balances: Vata and Kapha dosha
May increase: Pitta (if overused)
Classical Categorization
Charaka samita:
Deepaneeya – herbs that improve digestion power
Svasahara – herbs that are useful in asthma and other respiratory disorders
Sanjnasthapana – herbs that are useful to restore consciousness
Katuskandha – pungent tasting group of herbs
Sushruta: Pippalyadi and Ushakadi
Vagbhata: Pippalyadi
Bhavprakash Nihantu – Haritakyadi varga
Health Benefits of Hing powder
Good for Digestion
One of the most common benefit of asafoetida is that it helps relieve indigestion and gas.
Asafoetida has also been shown to help boost digestion by increasing the activity of digestive enzymes. Specifically, it may increase the release of bile from your liver, which is needed for digesting fat. (1Trusted Source, 12Trusted Source).
Helpful in Asthma and others respiratory problems
In Ayurveda most of the respiratory problems are caused due to Kapha and Vata dosha imbalance. Hing is Vata- Kapha balancing in nature. The kaphahar nature help clear out mucus and soothe inflamed airways, making it helpful in
- Asthma
- Bronchitis
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disorders
- Allergic Rhinitis ( Runny nose)
Beneficial in IBS
Hing helps to control the symptoms of Irritable bowel syndrome. According to Ayurveda, Irritable Bowel syndrome (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.
Relieves constipation & bloating
Hing is said to deepan ( digestive) and Anulomak ( move vata in downward direction) and also posses antibacterial and antifungal properties. Because of this it is very effective in managing bloating and relieving constipation. Hing corrects the root cause of constipation where as others medicine have only laxative effect.
Actions (Karma) of Hing in Ayurveda
Chedaneeya – scrapes channels
Deepaneeya – carminative
Anulomana – restores normal movement of Vata, useful in bloating
Pachana – digestive
Teekshna (piercing, enters deep tissues)
Hrudya – good for heart, cardiac tonic. It is a very good natural blood thinning agent. It is also seen to be useful in high blood pressure.
Pittavardhana – increases Pitta.
Chakshushya – good for eyes, improves vision power
Useful in
Shula – abdominal colic pain
Gulma – Abdominal tumor, bloating
Udara – ascites
Anaha – bloating
Krumi – worm infestation
Vibandha – constipation
Adhmana – bloating, gaseous distension of abdomen
Gulma – Abdominal tumor, bloating
How to use Hing
Hing can be consumed in various forms, including:
- Hing powder: 1-2 pinch two times daily with water. It is also used externally for local application .
- Hing Capsule : 1 to 2 capsule two times daily with water.
- Part Used : Niryasa
What are the side effects of Hing
Like any other Ayurvedic herb devdaru is having many health benefits . However , it may have some side effects as well They include
Swelling of the lips
Burps
Diarrhea
Headache
Convulsions
Allergic rashes
If you any of these symptoms after consuming hing than discontinue the use of hing.
Precautions
During breast feeding avoid consuming Hing
Avoid consuming Hing during pregnancy due to lack of research on safety during pregnancy.
Always use hing in recommended dosage to avoid potential side effects such as diarrhea and headache. It is better to ask Ayurveda doctor about dose and suitability for your body type.
If you have pre existing medical conditions or taking any medications, consult a doctor before using hing. This ensures that there are no harmful interactions or contraindications.
Don’t use hing continuosly for long period of time . Take break to allow your body to respond appropriately. Also when we use any herb continuosly ,then the body becomes use to it and it don’t respond to it.
Store hing in cool and dark place to maintain its potency and prevent it from contamination. Proper storage helps in retaining its therapeutic value it is not indicated in conditions with pitta dominance.
Hing should be avoided during menstrual periods and in bleeding disorders.
Home Remedies of Hing
For Indigestion
To make this you will following ingredients:
Hing powder – 1 to 2 pinch
Ghee – 1/2 teaspoon
How to use :
Mix the hing powder in 1/2 teaspoon of ghee. Take this mix after meals two times daily
It helps to relieve indigestion , gases and bloating
In Abdomen pain
To make this you need following ingredients:
Hing powder – 1 tsp
Vavding powder – 1 tsp
Lukewarm water – 1 glass
How to use:
Mix both the ingredients together and take with a glass of lukewarm water two times a day
This remedy relieves abdomen pain related with gases, menstrual pain or due to colitis.
Relieving migraine pain
To make the you need following ingredients:
Hing powder – 1 pinch
Water – 1 tablespoon
How to use:
Mix hing powder in water and put this water 2 to 3 drops in both nostrils with a dropper.
The helps to relieve headache because of migraine.
Frequently asked question
1.Can this herb be used while taking homeopathic medicine ?
Yes. This herb does not react with homeopathic medicine.
2.Can this herb/medicine be continued while taking supplements like multivitamin, omega 3, spirulina ?
Yes .Generally this herb goes well with most dietary supplement. However if you are taking more than one product per day please consult your doctor for opinion.
3. With western/modern medicine
Seek your doctors advice if you are taking this product along with other western (allopathic/modern) medicine. Some ayurvedic herbs can interact with modern medicine.
When taking ayurvedic medicine or herb with modern medicine it is best to keep one hour gap in between both the medicine.
4. How long does hing take to start showing benefits ?
It depend on any existing disease, overall health, your prakriti ( genetic make up) all these factors plays a role in how quickly hing powder benefits are seen.
5.Can it be used in people with diabetes?
Yes. But always keep watch on your sugar levels. This herb can lower your blood sugar levels. Do not stop your diabetes medicine once you start taking this herb/medicine. Keep in touch with your ayurvedic doctor. They will guide you in this respect.
6.Are there any diet restriction( Pathya) while taking this seeds ?
No .There are no such restriction while taking this product. However if you have been advised with any specific diet based on disease, you should continue to follow it.
Ayurvedic medicine that contain hing
Hing is the main ingredient in following medicines
Hingwashtak churna: It is one of the ayurvedic medicine which is used to treat gas, bloating indigestion, constipation.
Kankayan vati : This ayurvedic medicine is used in treatment of piles and bloating.
Agni mukh churna : This is ayurvedic medicine used in treatment of indigestion, mandagni, abdomen pain and others Vata- Kapha dosha imbalance.
Conclusion
Hing may have a strong smell, but don’t be fooled—it’s one of the most powerful kitchen ingredients with medicinal magic. From spicing up your food to calming your tummy, hing is a true household hero. So next time you open that little jar, remember: you’re holding centuries of tradition and healing in your hand!
Please consult your doctor before taking this medicine.
This Article is written by Dr. Ashutosh Tiwari B.A.M.S, PGDCR Director of Risha’s Health And Ayurvedaa Solutions.He is having more than 20 years of experience in field of Ayurvedic medicine.
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Disclaimer :The content provided here is for informational purpose only. This blog is not intended to substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek medical advice of a qualified healthcare provider for any questions or concern you may have regarding a medical conditions.
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