SCIENTIFIC NAME: Ferula narthex
FAMILY: Apiaceae
SHORT DESCRIPTION
Hing is a popular spice that is used in a variety of Indian dishes. It is derived from the stem of the Asafoetida plant and has a bitter and pungent flavour. Hing, often known as 'Food of the Gods' or 'Devil's Dung,'. Hing has made its way into Ayurvedic and Unani medicine's holistic remedies. Hing is highly recommended by Ayurveda for its digestive helping properties.
USES/BENEFITS/DISEASES
- Helps with digestive function.
- Stimulates the endocrine glands
- Assist in the reduction of high BP condition
- Can help to minimise disorders caused by vitamin C deficiency.
- Assists in the relief of arthritic pain and swelling.
- Chelating agent derived from nature.
PRECAUTIONS/ SIDE EFFECTS
- Hing should be consumed in modest doses since big amounts might produce headaches and migraines.
- Due to its laxative properties, it may also cause diarrhoea.
HOW TO USE
- Stir 2 pinches of hing dissolved in water and apply on & around the umbilicus. Especially in children or infants where there is abdominal distention, this is very helpful.
- To improve appetite fry a pinch of Hing in ghee and mix it with a glass of buttermilk with added crushed ginger before food.
- Use of hing in daily diet for healthy digestion. The best way is to fry hing in little ghee before use.
- Fry 1-2 pinches of hing powder in 1/2 teaspoon of cow ghee and combine it with 1-2 teaspoon honey. Drink it once or twice a day after eating to cure bronchitis.
