Asafoetida Health Benefits: It should come as no surprise that the pungent odour of asafoetida or hing repels people. This spice has never been renowned as a flavour enhancer in Indian food; rather, it is widely used because it has several health advantages.
Hing is a traditional Chinese medicine therapy for digestive problems such as gas, flatulence, bloating, and abdominal distension. In the 16th century, the Mughals from Central Asia were the first to bring hing to India. Due to the presence of sulphur compounds, hing is a resin derived from the roots of the Ferula Assa Foetida plant. It has a characteristic pungent scent and bitter taste.
What is Asafoetida?
The dried sap or gum resin of Ferula plants is known as asafoetida (Ferula asafoetida). It’s usually dried and ground into a coarse, yellow powder, which we use in cooking or medicine. While asafoetida is native to Afghanistan and Iran, it is widely used in Indian cuisine.
As a spice, asafoetida is recognized for its strong, pungent odour that is attributable to its high sulphur content. In fact, it’s commonly referred to as “stink gum” because of its pungent smell. When cooked, however, its flavour and scent become considerably more appetizing, resembling leeks, garlic, and even meat.
Asafoetida’s Health Benefits
Reduces Bloating:
Since ancient times, asafoetida has been used as a home treatment for gastrointestinal disorders as well. It has anti-spasmodic and anti-inflammatory effects in spades. It aids in the alleviation of bloating, flatulence, gas, and IBS symptoms. It’s also effective against worms in the intestine.
Relieves Asthma:
Because of its anti-inflammatory qualities, asafoetida aids in the relief of respiratory problems such as asthma, dry cough, and bronchitis. It can also be used to treat phlegm and chest congestion. Asafoetida has anti-viral and anti-bacterial effects. Mix a pinch of hing and dry ginger powder with honey for a fantastic respiratory treatment, especially during the changing seasons.
Lowers Blood Pressure:
Asafoetida is a potent blood thinner that can help you decrease your blood pressure. It includes the essential element coumarin, which increases blood flow in the body and reduces the risk of clotting. Hing is high in potassium, which counteracts the effects of sodium and so helps to keep blood pressure in check. Hing also relaxes the arteries and blood vessels, allowing blood to circulate freely throughout the body.
Reduces Menstrual Pain:
Menstrual discomfort can be relieved by asafoetida. It assists in smoothing the process of blood flow to various body parts because of its natural tendency to thin blood. This relieves cramping in the lower abdomen and back during menstruation. It also encourages the production of the hormone progesterone in the body, which aids blood flow and relieves period symptoms.
Treats Headache:
The anti-inflammatory characteristics of hing aid in relieving headaches by lowering inflammation of the blood vessels in the head, which relieves pressure on them. Hing’s anti-viral properties might also help you get rid of the flu virus. All you have to do is boil some water with a pinch of asafoetida. To get the best benefits, drink this solution a couple of times each day.
Cures Indigestion:
Asafoetida’s antioxidant qualities can aid in the treatment of indigestion. Hing is a digestive stimulant and helps regulate bowel motions since it is high in dietary fibre. It promotes liver functioning to release more bile salts by increasing acid production in the stomach.
This aids in the digestion of carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids, which in turn aids in the reduction of hunger and indigestion. Drinking water with a pinch of hing might also help relieve heartburn quickly. Hing has laxative effects and aids in the prevention of constipation.
Helps Diabetic Patients:
Asafoetida has been shown to help pancreatic cells secrete more insulin, resulting in stable blood sugar levels.
Treats Nerve Disorder:
The properties of asafoetida activate the nerves in the body. It is particularly beneficial in the treatment of convulsions, hysteria, and other neurological diseases.
Fights Free Radicals:
Hing’s high antioxidant qualities protect the body’s cells from damaging free radicals. With their anti-carcinogenic properties, they are known to help reduce the number of cancerous cells in the body.
Reduces Acne:
Acne is a common skin condition that we all experience from time to time. Acne can be reduced by using asafoetida mixed with fuller’s earth and rose water on the diseased area. Its anti-inflammatory characteristics aid in the prevention of acne, while its anti-bacterial capabilities aid in reducing rashes and pimples on the skin.
Improves Skin:
Asafoetida increases the delivery of oxygen to the facial tissues, giving your skin a healthy shine. Asafoetida prevents tyrosine formation in our bodies, resulting in fairer, brighter skin.
Asafoetida’s moisturizing effects are ideal for dry skin. It improves the appearance of dullness and pigmentation in the skin. Asafoetida’s anti-ageing characteristics make it an excellent candidate for use as the principal component in a wrinkle-fighting face mask.
Restores pH Balance:
Hair follicles emerge from the scalp. When the scalp’s health deteriorates, the hair roots become weaker as a result. As a result, hair loss and damage occur.
Asafoetida helps to restore and maintain the scalp’s normal PH level. It also protects the scalp from perspiration, oil, and acne. It treats acne, oil, dandruff, and dryness on the scalp in a natural way. As a consequence, hair strength, texture, and quality increase overall.
Conditions Hair:
Hair conditioning masks can also be made with asafoetida. It efficiently traps moisture in the hair follicles. This excellent feature transforms it into a deep moisturizing lotion that effectively combats hair dryness and frizz.
Controls Hair Fall:
Asafoetida enhances hair texture. It also protects the hair from unnatural and excessive hair fall. As a result, it is used to treat baldness in men and thin hair in women. Asafoetida’s wonderful hair follicle strengthening and dandruff-controlling advantages must be look forward to since it regulates hair loss and thickens hair.
Asafoetida Precautions
For the most part, asafoetida is a safe substance to take. However, those with the following medical histories should avoid consuming asafoetida in their meals.
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Do not take it before surgery:
Because asafoetida has blood-thinning characteristics, you should not consume it before surgery. It has the potential to increase the risk of bleeding during and after surgery.
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Stomach Problems:
If you currently have an infection or another GI problem, asafoetida might cause irritation in your GI tract.
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High blood pressure:
If you’re currently taking medicine for high blood pressure, asafoetida might make it harder to keep your blood pressure under control.
If you want to learn more about Asafoetida or Hing, read this post by Vasant Masala: All you should know about Hing- The Food of Gods.
