Asafetida, also known as hing, is a latex gum extracted from several species of a perennial herb, Ferula. It is available in the market as a solid brick or smaller pieces, as well as in tablet or powder form.

This potent-smelling spice is commonly used in Persian and Indian cooking for flavoring, food preservation and fragrance. Due to its strong odor, it is also called Devil’s dung. From a nutritional perspective, asafetida provides protein, fiber, carbohydrates, calcium, phosphorous, iron, niacin, carotene and riboflavin.

CULINARY USES OF HING
Use in minute quantities, adding directly to cooking liquid, frying in oil, or steeping in water. Asafoetida is used mostly in Indian vegetarian cooking, in which the strong onion-garlic flavour enhances many dishes. It is used mostly in south and west India, though it does not grow there. It is used in many lentil dishes (often to prevent flatulence), vegetarian soups and pickles. It is also suited to many fish dishes. Asafoetida is an important ingredient of the snack called cheewra – a mixture of grains, dried fruits, and spices. It can be added to flavor fish and vegetable dishes. A pinch of it can be fried in hot oil before the rest of the ingredients are cooked.

Storage
It is vital to keep asafoetida in airtight containers as its sulfurous odour will effect other foods and spices. It is most commonly available as a powder or granules that can be added directly to the cooking pot. It is also sold in lumps that need to be crushed before using. This is a very powerful spice and even in its ground state lasts well over a year if stored properly, away from light and air.

Precaution
As it has a stong flavor if added in excess it can subside all other flavours in the recipe and make it unpalatable.

 It helps you to tackle indigestion
Hing has been used since ancient times as ahome remedy for indigestion and other stomach problems. Its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties alleviate upset stomach, intestinal gas, intestinal worms, flatulence and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

 It is useful in treatment of numerous women ailments
The presence of anti-inflammatory compounds in hing is responsible for providing quick relief from menstrual cramps, irregular periods and dysmenorrhoea. Apart from this, this herb aids in the treatment and fastens your recovery from candida infection and leucorrhoea
(thick white/yellow coloured discharge from the vagina).

 It is used to combat respiratory disorders
Being a potent respiratory stimulant and expectorant, hing helps release phlegm and relieve chest congestion naturally. To get rid ofdry cough, whooping cough and bronchitis, consume a mixture of hing, honey and ginger.

 It lowers your blood sugar levels
Do you want to lower your blood sugar levels? Well, start adding hing to every food your cook to reap in its anti-diabetic effects. Hing stimulates the pancreatic cells to secrte more insulin which in turn decreases your blood sugar levels. Apart from this, there are few foods that might help you out to keep your diabetes in control.

 It helps to control high blood pressure
Hing is packed with coumarins, compounds that aid in improving your blood flow and thinning of blood thereby prevent blood clotting. Additionally, this spice lowers your blood cholesterol levels as well as triglycerides in the body, which in turn might increase your risk of hypertension.

It plays a key role in relieving pain
Did you know that hing can work wonders in fighting pain associated with menstruation, aching tooth, migraine and headache? This spicy herb is actually loaded with powerful antioxidants and pain relieving compounds which alleviate pain. To reap its benefits, mix a pinch of hing powder to a glass of warm water and drink it to relieve headache and migraine. However, for aching tooth make a thick paste of hing with lemon juice and apply this on the affected area.

It protects against cancer
As hing is known to be a powerful anti-oxidant, this herb when consumed on a regular basis is known to protect the body cells from free radicals. The compounds in turn can increase your risk of cancer. Also, the anti-carcinogenic activity of hing plays a significant role in hindering the growth of malignant cells thereby protecting against cancer. It provides relief from various skin ailments

Due to its powerful anti-inflammatory agents, hing is added to many skincare products. It acts as an effective home remedy to deal with skin ailments like corns and calluses and burning sensation of the skin. This spice exerts a cooling effect when applied on the skin along with inhibiting the growth of bacteria responsible for skin ailments.

How to use it
•    Add half a teaspoon of hing powder to a glass of warm water and drink this solution on an empty stomach to reap its health benefits.

•    Alternatively, you can also add 2 – 3 small pieces of hing (or hing powder) to buttermilk and drink it.

•    Dissolve a spoonful of hing in a cup of hot water. Now, steep a cloth in the solution and use it for fomentation.

•    Finally, the best way to use this spice is to add this herb while cooking as it will impart a unique flavour and taste to food.