Ayurvedic Cuisine · Spices Asafoetida (Hing · Assafetida) This aromatic substance, which is the gum extract of a tree, is a stimulant, relieves spasms, is a good expectorant and is a natural laxative. A pinch of asafoetida cooked with lentils helps digestion. It also helps relieve the formation of gas in the large intestine. powder commercial packages