Hing or asafoetida – 10 reasons you should start using this spice!

What this humble spice can do to your health will surprise you! Go through the article now.

Dr Anitha Anchan | Updated: July 16, 2015 12:10 pm

Do you add hing to dals (lentils), sambars and spicy vegetarian dishes? If not, then start using this wonder spice for its myriad medicinal properties. A common ingredient for seasoning (tarka) and in pickles, hing adds a strong pungent smell and mysterious flavour to dishes. Hence, adding this spice to food not only improves overall nutritional value but also provides numerous health benefits. Here’s how –

#1 It helps you to tackle indigestion

Hing has been used since ancient times as a home remedy for indigestion and other stomach problems. Its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties alleviate upset stomach, intestinal gas, intestinal worms, flatulence and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

#2 It is useful in treatment of numerous women ailments

The presence of anti-inflammatory compounds in hing is responsible for providing quick relief from menstrual cramps, irregular periods and dysmenorrhoea. Apart from this, this herb aids in the treatment and fastens your recovery from candida infection and leucorrhoea (thick white/yellow coloured discharge from the vagina).

#3 It helps you to deal with male sexual problems

Are you aware of the fact that hing can be used to treat impotency in men, spermatorrhoea and premature ejaculation? Just add a pinch of this spice while preparing your food to prevent and treat various sexual problems. Apart from this, drinking a glass of warm water mixed with hing increases your libido by enhancing blood flow.

#4 It is used to combat respiratory disorders

Being a potent respiratory stimulant and expectorant, hing helps release phlegm and relieve chest congestion naturally. To get rid of dry cough, whooping cough and bronchitis, consume a mixture of hing, honey and ginger.

#5 It lowers your blood sugar levels

Do you want to lower your blood sugar levels? Well, start adding hing to every food your cook to reap in its anti-diabetic effects. Hing stimulates the pancreatic cells to secrte more insulin which in turn decreases your blood sugar levels. Apart from this, there are few foods that might help you out to keep your diabetes in control.

#6 It helps to control high blood pressure

Hing is packed with coumarins, compounds that aid in improving your blood flow and thinning of blood thereby prevent blood clotting. Additionally, this spice lowers your blood cholesterol levels as well as triglycerides in the body, which in turn might increase your risk of hypertension.

#7 It plays a key role in relieving pain

Did you know that hing can work wonders in fighting pain associated with menstruation, aching tooth, migraine and headache? This spicy herb is actually loaded with powerful antioxidants and pain relieving compounds which alleviate pain. To reap its benefits, mix a pinch of hing powder to a glass of warm water and drink it to relieve headache and migraine. However, for aching tooth make a thick paste of hing with lemon juice and apply this on the affected area.

#8 It protects against cancer

As hing is known to be a powerful anti-oxidant, this herb when consumed on a regular basis is known to protect the body cells from free radicals. The compounds in turn can increase your risk of cancer. Also, the anti-carcinogenic activity of hing plays a significant role in hindering the growth of malignant cells thereby protecting against cancer.

#9 It provides relief from various skin ailments

Due to its powerful anti-inflammatory agents, hing is added to many skincare products. It acts as an effective home remedy to deal with skin ailments like corns and calluses and burning sensation of the skin. This spice exerts a cooling effect when applied on the skin along with inhibiting the growth of bacteria responsible for skin ailments.

How to use it

Add half a teaspoon of hing powder to a glass of warm water and drink this solution on an empty stomach to reap its health benefits.
Alternatively, you can also add 2 – 3 small pieces of hing (or hing powder) to buttermilk and drink it.
Dissolve a spoonful of hing in a cup of hot water. Now, steep a cloth in the solution and use it for fomentation.
Finally, the best way to use this spice is to add this herb while cooking as it will impart a unique flavour and taste to food.

Images Source: www.satvikshop.com, www.buzzle.com and www.21food.com

Published: March 19, 2015 5:38 pm | Updated:July 16, 2015 12:10 pm

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