Hing Essential Oil

Hing Essential Oil (Asafoetida, Ferula assa-foetida): Steam-Distilled Pungent Aroma Oil for Spice Blends, Perfumery and Massage Oils

Hing essential oil, also called asafoetida oil, is steam distilled from the gum resin of Ferula assa-foetida and has an intensely pungent, sulphurous, onion and garlic-like scent. RV Organica supplies it in sizes from 100 ml to 25 kg, made in India, for tiny-dose use in perfumery, spice-scented blends, soap and diluted massage oils. It is extremely strong, so it suits experienced makers who measure it by the drop.

Hing essential oil is the aromatic oil steam distilled from the dried gum resin of Ferula assa-foetida, the plant behind the spice known as hing or asafoetida. RV Organica's hing essential oil is a pale yellow to amber liquid, slightly viscous, with a specific gravity of 1.025 g/ml and a FEMA number of 2108, produced in India and packed at our facility in Nimbri, Panipat, Haryana, with a COA and MSDS available for each batch.

What is hing essential oil and how is it made?

Hing is the dried milky sap of a giant fennel-like plant, collected from the roots and hardened into a resin. Steam distillation of that resin can yield a good share of oil, up to about 17 percent in published work, and the result is a thin to medium liquid that carries the full smell of the spice. It does not smell like a typical essential oil. Think of raw onion, garlic and cooked sulphur, softened by a resinous, slightly sweet back note.

That smell comes from sulphur compounds. Published analyses show that (E)- and (Z)-1-propenyl sec-butyl disulphide together can make up more than half of the oil, with smaller amounts of monoterpenes such as beta-pinene and (Z)-beta-ocimene. The exact balance changes with the gum and the distillation, so the COA for your batch is the figure to rely on.

How do you use hing essential oil in blends and massage oils?

Use it one drop at a time. For a massage or body oil, start with a single drop in 30 ml of carrier oil, roughly 0.2 percent, and judge the result before adding more. Pick a base from our carrier oils or look at our body massage oils for finished blends. Patch test first. The scent clings to skin, hands and containers, so use dedicated tools.

To soften the smell, blend it with stronger sweet or warm oils. Fennel seed oil, clove bud essential oil and other spice oils help, and galbanum, frankincense, myrrh, cedarwood, black pepper, ginger, coriander and lavender also sit well beside it. We do not claim the oil treats any condition.

Can you use hing essential oil in perfume, soap and a diffuser?

In perfumery, hing works only in traces, where a savoury, resinous touch can add depth to spicy and incense-style accords. Mix a diluted solution first and test it on a blotter, not neat. In soap, make a small test batch, because strong sulphur notes can carry through to the finished bar and may not suit everyone. A melt and pour base is the easiest way to test.

Most people find hing too strong for a home diffuser, and the smell lingers in a room for a long time. If you try it, use one drop in a well-ventilated space. For any finished product, check the current IFRA standards for your category.

What are the specifications of hing essential oil?

The botanical name is Ferula assa-foetida and the oil is steam distilled from the gum resin. The country of origin is India and the FEMA number is 2108. It is a pale yellow to amber liquid that may be slightly viscous, with a specific gravity of 1.025 g/ml, a refractive index of 1.522 and a flash point above 62°C. The acid value is up to 4.0 mg KOH/g, and the shelf life is two years. It dissolves in alcohol and fixed oils but not in water. The scent is intensely pungent, sulphurous, onion-garlic and resinous. A COA and MSDS are available, and we suggest reading both before you formulate.

How should you store hing essential oil?

Keep it tightly closed in a cool, dark place, away from heat and direct sunlight, in amber glass. The smell travels, so store it apart from your other oils and wipe the bottle neck after each use. Stored well, it keeps for two years.

Is hing essential oil safe to use?

It is for external use only, so do not swallow it. Dilute it heavily before skin contact, patch test first, and keep it away from the eyes. Avoid it during pregnancy and keep it away from young children and pets. If you are nursing or under medical care, check with your doctor first. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Can you buy hing essential oil in bulk?

Yes. Sizes run from 100 ml for testing up to 25 kg for perfumers, soap makers and cosmetic brands. Each batch is checked before dispatch, and the COA and MSDS can be shared for your paperwork. For other quantities, email info@rvorganica.com or call +91 8937003005.

About RV Organica

RV Organica is the brand of RV International, an essential oil manufacturer and supplier working from Nimbri, Panipat, Haryana 132104. We supply essential oils, carrier oils, fragrance oils, soap bases and candle supplies to home users, small makers and wholesale buyers across India. Our facility holds ISO 22000, Halal and Kosher certification and follows HACCP, and we are a registered MSME. For samples, documents or bulk quotes, email info@rvorganica.com or call +91 8937003005