Used in most of the Indian homes and famous for its peculiar odour, Heeng (English-asafoetida, botanically-Ferula narthrex) is a resin of a plant which grows in the higher ranges of Kashmir, parts of Afganistan and Iran. Ancient texts described it as Heengu and several centuries of its constant use has bestowed upon it the peculiarity of a tempting spice and trusted medicine.

Used in most of the Indian homes and famous for its peculiar odour, Heeng (English-asafoetida, botanically-Ferula narthrex) is a resin of a plant which grows in the higher ranges of Kashmir, parts of Afganistan and Iran. Ancient texts described it as Heengu and several centuries of its constant use has bestowed upon it the peculiarity of a tempting spice and trusted medicine.
Heeng is bitter and pungent in taste and light, sharp, unctuous and hot in effect. While aggravating pitta it pacifies vata and kapha. Its chemical composition consists of gum, ash and a volatile oil. Heeng also contains protein, fibre and minerals which include a substantial amount of calcium and traces of iron.
Ayurvedic texts have categorised Heeng as deepniya and sanjna-sthapaka (appetiser and restorer of consciousness). It is reputed as a drug which expels wind from the stomach and counteracts spasmodic disorders. Heeng also acts as a stimulant on the nervous and respiratory system. It is an expectorant, a killer of intestinal worms and an emmenagogue (that promotes the menstrual discharges).
Heeng is used mainly in kapha and vata diseases. It is the drug of choice in gas trouble, distention of abdomen and colic. As a respiratory stimulant and expectorant, it is given in productive cough. As a nervine stimulant, ayurvedic texts recommend its use in a number of ailments like hysteria, paralysis, convulsions and syncope.
 Medicinal Benefits of Heeng
•    Taking two times a day with warm water half a teaspoonful of Heeng, crushed ajwain and vidang (all in equal parts) reduces flatulent dyspepsia. The same combination is a simple and effective remedy to expel  intestinal worm problems. Heeng is very useful to women, especially after childbirth as it helps in digestion and relieves one of gas and distension.
•    Taking 250 mg of Heeng mixed in one teaspoonful each of betel juice and honey works well in respiratory disorders like asthma, bronchitis and cough.
•    Heeng is a known antidote of opium and counteracts its effect if given in the same quantity to the patient. In hysterical fits, the patient is made to inhale Heeng besides being given various other medicines which include it as an essential ingredient.
•    Taking 2 gm of the famous Heengwasthtak Churna before meal with warm water helps in digesting heavy and fried food. Similarly, Rajapravartini Vati, which  contains Heeng, is a drug of choice to treat painful and scanty menstruation.
Caution
As a spice, Heeng is an essential ingredient in preparations like pickles, soups, vegetables and pulses. Raw Heeng is nauseous  and unsafe. Therefore, before its medicinal and other routine uses, it should be fried in desi ghee. Heeng should also be used with care in patients suffering from severe acidity, hemorrhagic disorders, piles and hypertension.
Nowadays, it is difficult to obtain unadulterated Heeng, as wheat floor and gum of keekar tree are mixed into it. Spurious or adulterated Heeng sinks and settles if put in a glass of water whereas pure Heeng, without leaving sediments, slowly but completely dissolves in the water, turning it into  a milky liquid. Pure Heeng also gets burnt when put to a flame.

Dr. R. Vatsyayan
Sanjivani Ayurvedic Centre,
Ludhiana.