Ferula foetida, Apiaceae
Introduction to Hingu
Hingu, commonly known as Hing or Asafoetida, is one of the most powerful digestive herbs in Ayurveda. It has been used in Indian households and Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years to treat gas, indigestion, stomach pain, and nervous disorders.
In classical Ayurvedic texts such as Bhavaprakasha Nighantu, Hingu is described as a strong medicine for balancing Vata and Kapha dosha and improving digestive fire (Agni).
Because of its strong aroma and medicinal value, Hingu is called the “Protector of Digestion” in Ayurveda.
Botanical Information
- Botanical Name: Ferula asafoetida
- Family: Apiaceae
- Common Names:
- Hindi: Hing
- Sanskrit: Hingu
- English: Asafoetida
- Urdu: Hing
Plant Description
Hingu is obtained from the resin (gum) of the roots of the Ferula plant. This plant grows mainly in:
- Iran
- Afghanistan
- Central Asia
- Parts of India
The milky latex from the roots is dried to form Hing resin, which is later powdered and used as medicine and spice.
Ayurvedic Properties of Hingu
According to Ayurveda, Hingu has powerful therapeutic qualities.
Rasa (Taste)
- Katu (Pungent)
- Tikta (Bitter)
Guna (Quality)
- Laghu (Light)
- Tikshna (Sharp)
- Snigdha (Slightly oily)
Virya (Potency)
- Ushna (Hot)
Vipaka (Post-digestive Effect)
- Katu (Pungent)
Dosha Effect
Hingu balances:
✔️ Vata
✔️ Kapha
❌ May increase Pitta if overused
So, it is mainly used in Vata-Kapha disorders.
Chemical and Active Compounds
Hingu contains many medicinal compounds, such as:
- Ferulic acid
- Sulphur compounds
- Resin
- Gum
- Essential oils
- Antioxidants
These give Hing its strong smell and healing power.
Health Benefits of Hingu
1. Improves Digestion
Hingu is best known for digestive health.
Benefits:
- Reduces gas and bloating
- Improves appetite
- Relieves indigestion
- Prevents stomach cramps
It strengthens digestive fire (Agni).
2. Relieves Gas and Acidity
Hingu is a natural carminative (removes gas).
- Treats flatulence
- Reduces acidity
- Controls burping
- Prevents abdominal pain
That is why it is used in most Indian dishes.
3. Helps in Constipation
Hingu improves bowel movement.
- Softens stool
- Reduces dryness
- Improves intestinal function
It is helpful in mild constipation.
4. Supports Respiratory Health
Hingu is useful in respiratory problems.
Benefits:
- Reduces cough
- Clears mucus
- Helps in asthma
- Improves breathing
It works as an expectorant.
5. Improves Nervous System
In Ayurveda, Hingu is considered good for nerves.
- Reduces anxiety
- Controls nervous weakness
- Improves focus
- Reduces stress
It strengthens nervous tissues.
6. Helps in Menstrual Problems
Hingu is useful for women’s health.
Benefits:
- Reduces menstrual pain
- Regulates periods
- Relieves cramps
- Improves circulation
It is often used in traditional remedies.
7. Antibacterial and Antifungal
Hingu has natural antimicrobial properties.
- Fights infections
- Protects gut health
- Improves immunity
- Prevents food poisoning
8. Supports Heart Health
Hingu helps in improving blood circulation.
- Reduces cholesterol
- Prevents blood clotting
- Improves heart function
It supports overall cardiovascular health.
Uses of Hingu in Ayurveda
Hingu is used in many Ayurvedic medicines such as:
- Hingvashtak Churna
- Hingu Taila
- Hingu Vati
- Panchakola Churna
It is also used in home remedies and cooking.
Forms of Hingu Available
1. Raw Hing Resin
Pure but very strong.
2. Hing Powder
Most commonly used.
3. Hing Tablets (Vati)
Easy to consume.
4. Hing Oil
Used externally for pain.
Dosage of Hingu
Always consult an Ayurvedic doctor before long-term use.
General Dosage
| Form | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Powder | 50–250 mg |
| Tablet | 1 tablet |
| Decoction | As advised |
Hingu is used in very small quantity because it is highly potent.
Best Time to Take Hingu
- For digestion → After meals
- For gas → With warm water
- For constipation → At night
- For cramps → As prescribed
Home Remedies Using Hingu
For Gas and Indigestion
Mix:
- A pinch of Hing
- Warm water
Drink after meals.
For Stomach Pain
Mix:
- Hing + Ghee
Apply on navel area.
For Cough
Mix:
- Hing + Honey
Take once daily.
For Toothache
Apply:
- Hing paste on affected tooth.
Side Effects of Hingu
Excess use may cause:
⚠️ Burning sensation
⚠️ Acidity
⚠️ Mouth irritation
⚠️ Headache
⚠️ Increased Pitta
Avoid overdose.
Precautions
✔️ Do not use in excess
✔️ Avoid during pregnancy
✔️ Use pure Hing
✔️ Avoid in ulcers
✔️ Consult doctor if on medicine
Hingu in Modern Research
Modern studies show that Hingu has:
- Anti-inflammatory effects
- Digestive support
- Antioxidant activity
- Antimicrobial properties
This supports its traditional Ayurvedic use.
Importance of Hingu in Daily Life
Regular use of Hing in food:
- Improves digestion
- Prevents gas
- Enhances taste
- Protects gut health
- Supports immunity
That is why Hing is called “Kitchen Medicine” in India.
Conclusion
Hingu is a powerful natural medicine gifted by nature. It plays a major role in improving digestion, relieving gas, strengthening nerves, and balancing Vata-Kapha dosha. When used in proper quantity, it helps in maintaining overall health and wellness.
From kitchen spice to Ayurvedic medicine, Hingu remains an essential part of Indian tradition.
Vernacular names
Assamese : Hing
Bengali : Hing
English : Asfoetida
Gujrati : Hing, Vagharni
Hindi : Hing, Hingda
Kannada : Hing, Ingu
Kashmiri : Eng
Malayalam : Kayam
Marathi : Hing, Hira, Hing
Oriya : Hengu, Hingu
Punjabi : Hing
Tamil : Perungayam
Telugu : Inguva
Urdu : Hitleet, Hing
Medicinal Uses
- Dysmennohea: Intake of 100ml
of buttermilk with a pinch of
Asafoetida(Hing), 1/2 teaspoon
of Fenugreek(Methi) powder and
little salt twice daily for 3 days is
beneficial.
- Toothache: Mix ½ teaspoon of
Asafoetida(Heeng) powder in 2
teaspoons of lime juice and heat
the solution slightly. Dip a small
cotton ball in the solution and
place it on the aching place for
20-30 minutes to get relief. - Headache: Prepare the paste of
1 part of hingu, 1 part of dry
ginger, 1 part of camphor, 2 parts
of tailed pepper by adding some
milk. External application of this
fine paste on the forehead to
cure tension headaches as well as
migraine. - Flatulence: Mix 1gm of dry
ginger powder, a pinch of Hing,
little black salt added in 100ml
of warm water or butter mik and
consume twice daily. - Indigestion: Take 5gms of
powder prepared from equal
quantity of dried ginger, long
pepper, curry leaves, ajwain,
black pepper, Cumin and
Asafoetida(Heeng) with a little
ghee and salt and taken with
the first bolus of food is useful in
indigestion and flatulance etc. - Piles: Regular intake of 100 ml of
buttermilk with a pinch of hing
twice or thrice a day is highly
beneficial in piles.
