Hingota

(Desert Date)
Sanskrit: हिंगोट • Botanical: Balanites roxburghii Planch.

Hingota (Desert Date) is a thorny tree found in dry and arid regions of India. The tree grows up to 20 feet or more. The fruit and seed oil are the main medicinal parts. The oil from seeds is purgative and anthelmintic. The fruit pulp is bitter and used in skin diseases and worm infestations. The bark is used as a fish poison in some regions. The seed oil contains saponins and diosgenin. It is used externally in skin diseases and internally as a purgative. Dose: Oil 5-10 drops; fruit decoction 1-2 tola. Verse: 22.

Ayurvedic Properties

Taste (Rasa)
Bitter (Tikta), Pungent (Katu)
Quality (Guna)
Light (Laghu), Sharp (Tikshna)
Potency (Virya)
Hot (Ushna)
Post-digestive (Vipaka)
Pungent (Katu)
Key Constituents
Saponins, Diosgenin, Fixed oil
Also Known As
English: Desert Date, Soapberry Tree
Sanskrit: इङ्गुदी, तापसवृक्ष, नगरद्रुम
Hindi: हिंगोट, हिंगन

What is Hingota (Hingtree / हिंगोट)?

Hingota (Desert Date) is a thorny tree found in dry and arid regions of India. The tree grows up to 20 feet or more. The fruit and seed oil are the main medicinal parts. The oil from seeds is purgative and anthelmintic. The fruit pulp is bitter and used in skin diseases and worm infestations. The bark is used as a fish poison in some regions. The seed oil contains saponins and diosgenin. It is used externally in skin diseases and internally as a purgative. Dose: Oil 5-10 drops; fruit decoction 1-2 tola. Verse: 22.

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 5

Therapeutic Actions (Karma)

  • Krimighna (anthelmintic)
  • Kushtaghna (anti-dermatosis)
  • Vishaghna (anti-toxic)

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 5

Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Ayurvedic treatments should be pursued under the guidance of a qualified practitioner (BAMS/MD Ayurveda). Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment. Content is sourced from classical Ayurvedic texts and may not reflect the latest medical research.