by – Deeksha Sarin
Gas and bloating can undoubtedly give you a hard time. A hearty meal is often accompanied with the constant uneasy feeling, which can further give rise to various indigestion problems.
Gas and bloating can undoubtedly give you a hard time. A hearty meal is often accompanied with the constant uneasy feeling, which can further give rise to various indigestion problems. If you have been suffering from the same and are looking for some respite, then we’re here to help. There are a lot of kitchen ingredients that can come to great help in keeping indigestion at bay. One such common ingredient is asafoetida (or hing).
Hing is a staple of Indian cuisine. Not only does it enhances the taste and flavour of the dish, but is also replete with many health benefiting properties. As per the book, ‘Healing Spice’ by Bharat B. Aggarwal, Ph. D with Debora Yost, “In a study in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, scientists in the Middle East reported that the spice relaxes the muscles of the gastrointestinal tract. Two other studies found that regular indigestion of the spice can help relieve the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, including intestinal cramping, bloating and gas.”
The asafoetida powder comes in two colours; light brown and yellow. The yellow is slightly milder because it’s coloured with turmeric, a golden-yellow spice. Yellow asafoetida blends more easily with other ingredients. To make the most of this spice, you can add it in your curries or even consume it in the form of hing water. Hing works wonderfully in aiding digestion, which can further up the metabolic rate to a great extent. Just add a half teaspoon of hing in warm water and consume it on an empty stomach to keep bloating and gas at bay.
So, the next time your digestive system sends you uneasy signals, bring hing to your rescue and ward off the indigestion blues.
Let’s look at asafoetida’s health and beauty benefits that it has long been known for!
Health Benefits
1. Helps Reduce Bloating And Other Stomach Problems
Asafoetida or hing is an age-old medicine for stomach problems including gas, bloating, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), intestinal worms and flatulence; thanks to its anti-spasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties that help alleviate such health issues. Consume a dash of hing on a daily basis by adding it into gravies and dals. Another option is to dissolve some hing in water and drink it daily.
2. 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.
3. May Lower Blood Pressure Levels
Asafoetida is known to be a natural blood thinner and may help in lowering blood pressure levels. It is power-packed with coumarin, a compound that aids in improving blood flow, thereby preventing the formation of clots.
4. May Relieve Menstrual Pain
Periods are a nightmare for most women; however, asafoetida may come to your rescue by alleviating the menstrual pain and cramps in the lower abdomen and back. Being a natural blood thinner, it helps blood flow smoothly without hampering any part of your body. It also boosts progesterone secretion that promotes easy blood flow, thus providing relief from pain. Mix a pinch of asafoetida, fenugreek powder and a pinch of salt in a cup of buttermilk and consume it during periods.
5. Reduces Headaches
Asafoetida has anti-inflammatory properties that reduce inflammation of the blood vessels in the head, which in turn reduces headaches. All you need to do is to heat a pinch of asafoetida in some water. Drink this solution a couple of times in a day to see effective results.
6. Can Heal Insect Bites And Stings
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.
Beauty Benefits
1. It May Help Reduce Acne
Its anti-inflammatory properties work together to reduce acne production. Whereas, its anti-bacterial properties inhibit the growth of pimples and rashes. All you need to do is to add multani mitti and rose water along with a dash of hing in a bowl. Mix the ingredients and apply it on the affected area.
2. May Help Bring A Glow On Your Face
Asafoetida helps increase the supply of oxygen to facial tissues that gives your skin a radiant glow. Mix asafoetida with water or rose water to form a paste; you can add some sandalwood powder too. Apply this on your face regularly to get effective results.
3. Acts As A Good Hair Conditioner
Asafoetida can do wonders for dry and frizzy hair; thanks to its moisturising properties. Make a hair mask using yogurt, almond oil and hing and apply on your hair. Leave it for an hour before washing it off with lukewarm water.
Go on and add asafoetida or hing in your daily diet and ensure a healthy you!
Disclaimer: All information, data and material has been sourced from multiple authors and is for general information and educational purposes only and are not intended to replace the advice of your treating doctor.
The views and nutritional advice expressed are not intended to be a substitute for conventional medical service. If you have a severe medical condition or health concern, see your physician.
