Asafoetida

Asafoetida (Hing / हींग) is a sulfurous smelling gum-resin that’s extracted from Furula plants. It’s traditionally ground into a powder and used either for its proposed medicinal qualities or as a spice to add a savory flavor by mimicking the taste of onions, garlic, egg, and even meat. It’s a staple ingredient in Indian cooking, commonly used along with turmeric in lentil dishes like dal, and a variety of vegetable dishes. It is also used for breathing problems including ongoing (chronic) bronchitis, H1N1 “swine” flu, and asthma. Asafoetida is rich in antioxidants and may provide multiple health benefits, particularly for digestion problems including intestinal gas, upset stomach, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and irritable colon.