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Hing
Hing
Hing is a commonly found spice and is used in various Indian cuisines. It is obtained from the stem of Asafoetida plant which is bitter and pungent in taste. Hing has digestive, antimicrobial, liver protective and blood pressure lowering properties. Hing is good for improving digestion and helps to manage stomach ache, flatulence and acidity. It is also useful for whooping cough, asthma and ulcers. Excess consumption of Hing should be avoided as it might irritate the gastrointestinal tract[1][2].
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 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.
Modern Science View
Hing might be beneficial in the management of menstrual problems like excessive bleeding[2][3].
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
FAQs about Hing benefits
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.
Ayurvedic View
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
FAQs about Hing benefits
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 may be used as a spice for cooking various dishes for its flavour and aroma or it may also be consumed uncooked.
Tips to consume Hing-
1. Take 1-2 pinch 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 to a glass of buttermilk or warm milk. Drink this once or twice a day.
Tips to consume Hing-
1. Take 1-2 pinch 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 to a glass of buttermilk or warm milk. Drink this once or twice a day.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.