Hing (Ferula narthex) – Uses, Benefits & Side Effects

Hing (Ferula narthex)  to cure a wide range of ailments. It is also regarded as the primary spice utilized in Indian cuisine. Gum resins are made by solidifying the fluid obtained from cutting the herb’s roots into small pieces. It smells really strong, bad, and disagreeable. Because of its antiviral, carminative, antibiotic, antibacterial, sedative, anti-inflammatory, and diuretic properties, it can help with a number of major health problems.

This herb falls under the categories of deepaneya, shwashara, katukskandha, and sanjnasthapana herbs in Ayurvedic texts. It is utilized to balance the vata and kapha doshas, although the body’s pitta dosha is elevated by its heated potency and piercing quality.

Description

Hing (Ferula narthex) reaches a height of five to eight feet. The plant has a sturdy, hollow, and succulent stem. The leaves of trip innate are beautifully split.

Botanical Name:

Ferula narthex

Family:

Apiaceae

Leaves:

The leaves are finely split into segments that resemble threads because they are tripinnately divided. The lower leaves are larger than the apical leaves, which are smaller.

Flowers:

Usually yellow in hue, the blooms are grouped in huge, umbel-shaped clusters.

Fruits:

The fruits are only 8 mm in length and 1/2 mm in width.

Stem:

It has a sturdy, succulent, hollow stem.

Habitat:

A species of plant known as Ferula narthex is indigenous to Kashmir, northern Pakistan, Tajikistan, and Afghanistan. Despite being cited as the origin of asafoetida frequently, one investigation claimed that its essential oil was devoid of sulfur-containing components that are typical of asafoetida.

Parts Used:

  • Stem
  • Leaves
  • Flowers

Dosage:

  • Powdered resins – 0.3 to 1gm
  • Tincture – ½ to 1 teaspoon daily
  • Tea – 1-2 cups

Chemical Constituents

The plant Hing (Ferula narthex)  includes a variety of substances in its roots, including arazinotanol, ferulic acid, essential oil, pinene, azolene, mucilage, and basorin.

Other Language Names of Hing (Ferula narthex)

Tamil name – Perungayam

Malayalam name – Rungayam

Farsi name – Rungayam

Farsi name – Angajah, Angoj

English name – Devil’s dung, Food of god

Afghan name – Kama-i-anguza

Turkish name – Seyan tersi

Kannada name – Hingu

Marathi name – Hing

Hindi name – Heeng, Hing

Telugu name – Inguva

Bengali name – Hing

Italian name – Assafetida

Spanish name – Asafetida

Gujarati name – Badharani

Arabic name – Hilteel

French name – Assa foetida, Ferulr perisque

German name – Asafotida, Stinkender asant

Scientific Classification

Kingdom Plantae
Family Apiaceae
Order Apiales

Ayurvedic Properties

Hindi/Sanskrit

  • Rasa -Katu
  • Guna -Laghu, Snigdha, Teekshan
  • Virya -Ushna
  • Vipaka -Katu

English

  • Taste -Pungent
  • Physical Property-Light, Unctuous, Piercing
  • Potency- Hot
  • Metabolic Property (After Digestion)-Pungent

Hing (Ferula narthex) Uses

  • Hing, ajwain, and soap are used to produce a vati that is used to cure intestinal and amashya (stomach) irritation, constipation, and abdominal distention. Hing wastak Churn and Hing karpoor vati are employed in all of these problems.
  • It is a blessing for women’s health and is used to treat irregular menstruation, heavy menstrual blood flow, and period pain. It promotes a smooth menstrual blood flow and increases the progesterone hormone.
  • Intestinal worms, constipation, and abdominal distention can all be treated with hing suppository.
  • High concentrations of coumarins found in hing are utilized to prevent blood clotting. This herb’s anticoagulant properties aid the body’s defense against elevated cholesterol and are particularly beneficial in lowering elevated blood pressure.
  • Headaches and migraines are a very prevalent ailment. Hingu is used to treat headaches and lessen blood vessel irritation.
  • Malaria is also treated with it. Hing is utilized to treat this condition in addition to meals.

Hing (Ferula narthex) Benefits

Powerhouse of Iron:

One of the key nutrients in hing, iron, has the ability to effectively purify blood. It raises the blood’s hemoglobin and red blood cell counts. Additionally, it decreases fatigue, heals anemia, enhances focus, and strengthens the body’s immunity in general.

Relaxes Menstrual Pain:

The agony and copious bleeding that accompany menstruation can make most women feel like they are living in a nightmare. Asafoetida helps by lessening back and abdominal pain associated with menstruation.

Helps Relieve Asthma:

Hing (Ferula narthex) may also aid in the relief of respiratory conditions. Asthma Relief AidBecause of its anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antibacterial properties, hing may also aid in the relief of respiratory conditions like bronchitis, asthma, dry cough, and others. It also aids in phlegm release and congestion relief in the chest.

Diabetes Management:

Hing regulate the pancreas cells’ secretion of insulin, which lowers blood sugar levels and manages diabetes.

Reduces Headache:

The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory qualities of hing help the brain’s pulsing blood vessels to rest. Moreover, hing is an antidepressant that eases headaches brought on by stress and persistent migraines.

Great Hair Conditioner:

The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory qualities of hing help the brain’s pulsing blood vessels to rest. Moreover, hing is an antidepressant that eases headaches brought on by stress and persistent migraines.

Hing (Ferula narthex) Side Effects

Digestive issues:

When taken in excess, hing can result in gas, bloating, diarrhea, and cramping in the stomach.

Skin irritation:

Hing can cause rashes, itching, and redness on the skin.

Headaches and dizziness:

Large doses of hing might cause headaches and dizziness in certain persons.

Allergic reactions:

Rarely, hing can cause allergic responses that result in lip and mouth edema.

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Conclusion

This powder has been used traditionally to treat digestive disorders and has many other health advantages. This fragrant herbal component has anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, antiviral, analgesic, and carminative qualities that help with a number of health issues.

FAQS

Does hing have any negative side effects?

Studies have shown that hing extracts are safe to use on a daily basis. Excessive dosages of asafoetida can result in headaches, anxiety, stomach issues such gas and diarrhea, and mouth swelling.

Is It Possible to Eat Hing Raw?

Hing is a spicy, bitter spice that should not be eaten fresh due to its powerful fragrance. It is generally advised by several experts to be consumed after dilution. You can include it in your regular diet by adding it to various curries and veggies after mildly diluting it, or you can drink it with warm water. It has been observed that hing’s effects increase when it is slightly tempered with ghee or oil.

What are the benefits of eating hing daily?

Because hing is high in carbs, it increases metabolism. It greatly helps to support heart health, maintain intestinal health, and enhance cognitive function. It has potent mood-regulating properties and aids in the prevention of obesity.