India’s Favourite Spice:

Do you want to know why this indispensable spice, which is a favourite in every Indian household, given a ray of hope to Indian farmers, and what are its health benefits? If yes, then don’t waste your time any further; jump onto the blog to find out which spice we are talking about and its valuable health benefits. 

Did you know India’s most favorite spice was not grown in India but was imported from Afghanistan, Iran, and Uzbekistan? Any guesses which spice is it? It is Hing or asafoetida a. Quite a revelation, right? As asafoetida is grown in Afghanistan and Iran’s desert region, Indian scientists have planted a hing sapling in Himachal Pradesh in Lahaul and Spiti district, hoping that this will be the beginning of India producing hing. India imported nearly 1,500 tonnes of asafoetida at a whopping cost of $130M. 

Owing to its pungent smell, hing is colloquially called by various names in different languages. For example, in French, it is called merde du Diable, meaning ‘Devil's shit.’ In English, it is sometimes called ‘Devil's dung.’

The wild hing will be grown by Indian farmers on the wastelands of Lahaul and Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh, where the farmers only grew potatoes and peas. The farmers don’t generally generate much income by growing potatoes and peas, but the hing plantation has become a ray of hope for the farmers to generate an adequate income. 

Uses of hing:

Asafoetida is a staple ingredient for people who don’t use garlic or onion in their food. It is a digestive aid and is used for its medicinal properties like treating hepatitis, bronchitis, asthma, and cough. 

Hing is also useful in treating headaches, menstrual cramps, insect bites, and stings.

Hing is used in almost every dish of Indian cuisine. From dals to dhoklas to vada pav, hing is added with other spices like turmeric or cumin to give the sought-after umami flavor to the food.

Hing can be used to treat cold by applying the paste of hing mixed with water on the chest and under the nose to get relief from cold.

These were some of hing’s medicinal uses that we are aware of, but do you know it also has benefits for skin and hair? Well, yes, it does!

1. Reduces acne:

Yes, you heard it right; hing has anti-bacterial properties that inhibit the production of pimples. You can make an anti-acne face mask with fuller’s earth, rose water, lemon, and a pinch of hing. This face mask will help in the reduction of acne.

2. Conditions hair:

Woah! We didn’t know that hing acted as a good hair conditioner as well. It can treat dry and frizzy hair with its moisturizing properties. You can make a hair mask using asafoetida, curd, and almond oil and keep it for an hour. Wash it with lukewarm water.

3. Reduces hair fall:

This spice is full of surprises and a gift that keeps on giving!. Hing tends to strengthen each hair cell, and therefore we can win a battle against hair fall with hing. You only need to mix hing powder with the shampoo you use, and you may see the results for yourself.

Side effects of hing:

As we all know, every coin has two sides, so does hing. Pregnant women shouldn’t consume hing as it may cause miscarriage along with mothers who are breastfeeding, and young children.

Because of hing’s blood-thinning properties and lowering blood pressure, patients taking medication for blood pressure and blood-thinning should avoid intake of hing. 

Overdose of hing can cause damage to the nervous system and cause convulsions.

The bottom line:

Asafoetida should be used in minimum amounts and as it adds flavor to all your dishes.

All in all, hing can be added to your daily diet in small amounts to promote your overall health, be it skin, hair, or medical health. But remember, just like too much honey is also poison, so do not overdose yourself with this potent spice.