Add a Pinch of This Pungent Spice for Better Gut, Skin, Hair, and More
Do you find it hard to digest legumes (rajma, chana, beans), lentils (dal), and cruciferous veggies (broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower)? Do these foods cause a lot of gas and discomfort? Before you start calling out to the Google gods for an answer to your embarrassing problem of expelling gas around the clock or villainizing these foods, here is one lifestyle change you can make to ease your discomfort. Add asafoetida (hing) to your lifestyle.
Did you know?
Asafoetida has been traditionally used in the Indian household for a range of issues from gas, bloating, indigestion, constipation, irritable bowel syndrome (ISB), and lung-related issues.
Yes, certain lentils, legumes, beans, or sulfur-rich veggies may cause gas because of their antinutritional properties or how they are cooked. But just a pinch of asafoetida can help you digest them well without feeling bloated.
Before demonizing these foods, we need to understand that many homes do not follow the basics of cooking, which can increase your vulnerability to digestive issues. Don’t blame the food. Check the health of your gut.
Your kitchen pharmacy is loaded with a magical masala box. When you add ethically sourced and quality spices in the right quantity to your food preparations, you not only enhance their nutritive quality but also make it easier for your digestive system to break down foods better. Asafoetida’s carminative properties do exactly this for tough pulses and legumes.
The Potent Powers of Hing
– Anti-inflammatory
– Antispasmodic
– Carminative
– Flavorsome
– Antiviral
– Antifungal
– Antidiabetic
– Antihypertensive
Let’s dive into some of them today.
The Underrated Benefits of Asafoetida/Hing
Hing for acidity, bloating, flatulence, and irritable bowel syndrome
Asafoetida is a lifesaver when it comes to picking a natural digestive aid. The humblest, most non-glamorous of all condiments, it arrives in a powdered form as a pinch-additive in curries and tadka, breathing a light, flavorful feel into your meal. Since it is alkaline in complexion, it prevents acid reflux that might happen due to an intake of oily, rich, heavy food intake. It is a natural cure for bloating, flatulence caused due to heavy ingredients added to food.
If you experience Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), hing is a godsend owing to its antispasmodic properties.
Add a pinch of asafoetida to your food preparations. Or simply add a pinch of hing to a glass of lukewarm water and have it 30 minutes after your meals.
Hing for colic
In India, the practice of applying a dot of asafoetida in water on the navel to relieve a newborn baby of colic has been practiced for years. Take a tsp of hing and mix it with water till it becomes a paste. Then, rub it gently over the naval area in a circular motion. In most cases, babies experience relief immediately.
Hing for congestion, asthma, pneumonia, bronchitis, and other respiratory issues
The spice acts as an effective expectorant in Ayurveda and Unani systems of medicine. Applying a paste of asafoetida in water on the chest brings out the locked-up phlegm, relieving congestion.
Are you struggling with asthma, pneumonia, bronchitis, breathlessness, inflammation, or other lung-related issues? You can try the same remedy. Mix one tsp of asafoetida in warm water until it forms a paste. Apply this to your chest evenly close to the breast bone. Leave it on for two-three hours. Then wash or wipe off with a wet towel gently. Hing has highly anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic effects on the body and works on controlling lung issues.
Have respiratory issues? Add hing to your daily diet. You can also mix honey with a dash of hing and dry ginger powder for relief.
Hing for blood sugar levels
The spice is a clever multitasker, activating the pancreatic cells into secreting insulin, and helping to normalize your blood sugar levels.
Hing for menstrual cramps
If your menstrual cramps spell a horror story every month, try ingesting warm water with hing swirled in. The spice carries anti-inflammatory properties and works its magic by sapping away the pain. Asafoetida acts as a natural blood thinner, helping the smooth flow of blood to ease away those cramps. Take a pinch of it and ½ tsp of ground methi (fenugreek) seed powder. Mix it well in a glass of buttermilk or warm water. Sip slowly
Hing for high blood pressure
Because it acts as a natural blood thinner, asafoetida improves circulation and may lower blood pressure too.
Hing for your scalp and skin
Did you know that asafoetida is a superb scalp exfoliator and a trusted acne-buster? Roll into face packs for a glowing complexion. Its anti-allergen properties make it an excellent antidote for healing insect bites and stings.
HING ON
- Use the natural, raw, crystalline hing, or get the powder from a trusted source. Shop for quality hing here.
- A pinch works beautifully, avoid going overboard.
- Sprinkle onto gravies and Indian dishes as the master touch when you serve food
The bottom line
Let us be honest. Most people have stopped using the goodness of our traditional spices. Hing or asafoetida has always existed in our traditional Indian cooking, which is why I always say that Indian food, if cooked the right way and within the framework of nature, is one of the healthiest cuisines in the world.
Hing has been used as a traditional medicine for centuries. But remember it is not a magic spice. Only sprinkling it over your dishes isn’t going to transform your gut or respiratory health overnight. Your approach to fixing your gut issues, IBS, colic pains, or asthma is to make a 360-degree change. Your nutrition, sleep, movement, and emotional health – in short, lifestyle matters.
Disclaimer: If it suits you, do it. If it doesn’t, do not. This is not a replacement for any medical advice, medicine, or treatment. Always keep your medical expert in the loop.
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