6 Amazing Health Benefits Of Asafoetida We Should All Know About

Hing or asafoetida is a common ingredient in most Indian household kitchens. This pungent smelling spice is made from the latex extracted from Ferula plants – F. foetida and F. assa-foetida. It is used in dals and vegetarian recipes to enhance taste and improve digestion. Hing is also used as a traditional remedy in several ailments. It has long been known for the health benefits it has to offer. It has a prominent place in traditional medicine; thanks to its carminative, anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, sedative and diuretic properties. Considering its therapeutic and curative powers, asafoetida is also referred to as the Food of the Gods.

# Helps Relieve Asthma

Hing may also help in relieving respiratory disorders like asthma, bronchitis, dry cough, et al due to its anti-inflammatory, anti-viral and antibiotic effects. It also helps in relieving chest congestion and releasing phlegm. All you need to do is to prepare a paste using asafoetida and water and apply on your chest. You can also mix asafoetida and dry ginger powder along with some honey. Consume this mixture to get relief from respiratory issues.

# Remedy for indigestion

Hing has been used for centuries as a remedy for gas, bloating and cramps in the stomach. Its carminative and antispasmodic properties relieve flatulence and stomach pain due to excess acid secretions. Its strong taste after cooking stimulates appetite by increasing saliva secretion and helps digestion. Hing also enhances the secretions of bile and other enzymes to break down food.

# Kidney protection

Studies on Wistar rats showed that hing extracts improve kidney function by increasing urine volume. Phenolic compounds like and flavonoids present in hing act as diuretics, which helped flush out excess creatinine and urea. Such results suggest that hing consumption may benefit kidneys in humans as well.

# Can Heal Insect Bites

Asafoetida acts as a natural antidote for insect bites and stings. All you need to do is to mix garlic and hing paste and apply on the affected area.

# Treatment of women’s diseases

Hing is used as a traditional remedy for health issues specific to women, such as menstrual problems, labour complications, unwanted abortion and sterility. It is also given to women who have experienced childbirth to ease the digestive upsets which commonly occur after delivering a child.

# Anti-cancer

Research shows that hing is effective in reducing tumour in mice. Hing was also effective in reducing the spread of cancer in lungs, liver, kidneys and breasts of the test subjects and helped them gain body weight, lost due to cancer.