Hing
Hing
Hing is a commonly found spice that is used in various Indian cuisines. It is obtained from the stem of Asafoetida plant and is bitter and pungent in taste.
Hing helps improve digestion by increasing the activity of digestive enzymes in the stomach and small intestine. It is recommended to add Hing to your regular diet to prevent a number of gastric problems. Hing might also be beneficial for the management of flatulence due to its carminative property. It also provides relief from constipation by promoting bowel movements due to its laxative property. Hing also helps reduce abdominal fat and can be effective for the management of weight.
Applying Hing powder paste on the roots as well as the entire hair length helps to promote hair growth. Hing powder face pack and Hing oil have skin rejuvenating effects due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
It is advisable to consume Hing in small amounts as large amounts may cause headache and migraine. It may also cause diarrhea due to its laxative property[1-3][6-8].
Hing helps improve digestion by increasing the activity of digestive enzymes in the stomach and small intestine. It is recommended to add Hing to your regular diet to prevent a number of gastric problems. Hing might also be beneficial for the management of flatulence due to its carminative property. It also provides relief from constipation by promoting bowel movements due to its laxative property. Hing also helps reduce abdominal fat and can be effective for the management of weight.
Applying Hing powder paste on the roots as well as the entire hair length helps to promote hair growth. Hing powder face pack and Hing oil have skin rejuvenating effects due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
It is advisable to consume Hing in small amounts as large amounts may cause headache and migraine. It may also cause diarrhea due to its laxative property[1-3][6-8].
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

Ayurvedic View
A corn is a thick and hard layer of skin that develops on the feet and toes or hands and fingers. Corn can be correlated with kadra in Ayurveda. Kadra may develop due to vitiation of the Vata and Kapha dosha. Applying a paste of Hing helps to manage corn because of its Chedana (scraping) property. It also balances Vata and Kapha due to its Ushna (hot) nature.
Tips:
1. Take 1-2 pinch of Hing powder.
2. Dissolve in water and make a paste.
3. Apply on the affected area.
4. Leave it overnight and wash with plain water in the morning.
Tips:
1. Take 1-2 pinch of Hing powder.
2. Dissolve in water and make a paste.
3. Apply on the affected area.
4. Leave it overnight and wash with plain water in the morning.
How effective is Hing?
Insufficient evidence
Corns
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 Oil - ½-1 teaspoon a day or as per your requirement.
- Hing Powder - 1-2 pinch 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 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
Hing can be used for weight loss in the following ways:
Hing Water
Add a pinch of Hing powder to a glass of warm water.
Drink it on an empty stomach.
Drink Hing water regularly to promote weight loss.
B. Hing powder
Add Hing pieces or powder to buttermilk or your food and consume it to help promote weight loss.
Hing Water
Add a pinch of Hing powder to a glass of warm water.
Drink it on an empty stomach.
Drink Hing water regularly to promote weight loss.
B. Hing powder
Add Hing pieces or powder to buttermilk or your food and consume it to help promote weight loss.
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.