Hingu

Sanskrit: हिंगु Botanical: Ferula narthex Boiss.; Ferula foetida Regel

One of the most important kitchen spices and medicines. Especially used in Vata disorders and digestive problems. Dissolved in warm oil or ghee. Two types: Hingu (stronger) and Hingupatri (milder).

Ayurvedic Properties

Taste (Rasa)
Pungent (Katu)
Quality (Guna)
Light (Laghu), Unctuous (Snigdha), Sharp (Tikshna)
Potency (Virya)
Hot (Ushna)
Post-digestive (Vipaka)
Pungent (Katu)
Key Constituents
25% (Volatile oil (4-20%, mainly Disulphides and Terpenes), Resin (40-65%), Gum)
Also Known As
Sanskrit: हिंगु, जतुक, रामठ, बाह्लीक, सहस्रवेधि
Hindi: हींग

What is Hingu / Asafoetida?

One of the most important kitchen spices and medicines. Especially used in Vata disorders and digestive problems. Dissolved in warm oil or ghee. Two types: Hingu (stronger) and Hingupatri (milder).

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 1

Therapeutic Actions (Karma)

  • Deepana (one of the best digestive stimulants)
  • Pachana (digestive)
  • Vatanulomana (normalizes Vata direction)
  • Shula hara (relieves colic)
  • Krimighna (anthelmintic)
  • Hridya (cardiac tonic)
  • Kapha-Vata Shamaka
  • Shwasa-Kasa hara

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 1

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.