Hing is a type of spice that is a dark brown color with a resin-like quality. It comes from the root of ferula, a type of herb that is a relative to carrots, celery, and parsley. Learn more about hing spice and its benefits below.
More about Hing Spice
Hing spice in Los Angeles, CA and elsewhere is a type of herb that is grown mostly in India, though it can also be found in Afghanistan and Iran. Its appearance is reminiscent of a large fennel plant. The herb is made by extracting the gum from the plant, then processing it into a coarse yellow powder. Hing becomes very fragrant when it is added to clarified butter or hot oil. Other uses in dishes include just adding it directly to a dish. It is often used to make sambhar, pickles, and dal, a type of popular vegetarian dish in India.
Hing’s Benefits
This spice has many benefits. It is used to treat people suffering from bloating, constipation, gas, and acidity; it has anti-inflammatory properties and readily promotes good digestion. This spice is also effective in treating respiratory ailments, as it can remove phlegm and chest congestion. It is also effective in improving skin moisture and texture.
Another positive benefit provided by hing is the ability to improve one’s mood and lessen the chances of depression. One more positive benefit is that hing has been shown to reduce the amount of free radicals in the body, which is a precursor to cancer.