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

Overview

Asafoetida (Hingu), known in Chinese as A Wei (Ferula asafoetida, Umbelliferae), is a powerful digestive agent derived from the resin exudate of the root. Its rasa is pungent, with a heating virya and pungent vipaka. It pacifies Vata and Kapha while increasing Pitta, and acts on plasma, blood, muscle, bone, marrow, and nerve tissues across the digestive, nervous, respiratory, excretory, and circulatory systems.

Asafoetida's primary strength lies in removing food stagnation from the gastrointestinal tract. It is effective in breaking up impacted fecal matter, clearing accumulations from excessive eating of meat or junk food, and destroying worms—particularly round worms and thread worms. It cleanses the intestinal flora while strengthening Agni (digestive fire), dispels intestinal gas, relieves cramping and pain, and subdues high Vata. Its properties are similar to garlic but stronger and more malodorous.

Its actions include stimulant, carminative, antispasmodic, analgesic, anthelmintic, aphrodisiac, and antiseptic. Externally, asafoetida can be applied as a paste for abdominal pain, arthritic pain, and painful joints. As a cooking spice, particularly for lentils and beans, it makes food lighter and more digestible. It is indicated for indigestion, flatulence, abdominal distention, colic, constipation, arthritis, rheumatism, whooping cough, convulsions, epilepsy, asthma, and paralysis. Precautions include high fever, hyperacidity, rash, urticaria, and pregnancy. Dosage is low: 100 to 250 mg as powder.

Source: The Yoga of Herbs, Section B: Special Oriental/Ayurvedic Herbs

Ayurvedic Properties

Property	Value
Rasa (taste)	Pungent
Vīrya (energy)	Heating
Vipāka (post-digestive)	Pungent
Guṇa (quality)	Unctuous, heavy, penetrating
Doṣa effect	VK<, P
Dhātu (tissue)	Plasma, blood, muscle, bone, nerve
Srotas (channel)	Digestive, nervous, respiratory, excretory, female reproductive

Therapeutic Actions

Dı-panı-ya: Digestive
Pacaka: Toxin digestive Śu-lapraśamana Alleviates intestinal spasms Śva-sa Helps breathing
Kr. mina-: śaka Vermifuge
Anulomana: Redirects the flow of apanavata downwards
A-rtavajanana: Promotes the flow of the menses
Vedana-stha-pana: Analgesic
Biomedical: Digestive, carminative, anthelmintic, antispasmodic, analgesic, emmenagogue, expectorant

Properties and Uses

Asafoetida is an aromatic substance, a gum extract from a tree. It is a stimulant that also relieves spasms. It is a good expectorant and natural laxative.

A pinch of asafoetida cooked with lentils helps digestion. It enkindles agni, removes toxins and relieves pain. It also relieves gas in the large intestine.

If there is pain in the ear, a little asafoetida wrapped in a piece of cotton may be placed in the ear. Its odor will relieve the pain.

Source: Ayurveda: The Science of Self-Healing, Chapter XIII: Kitchen Pharmacy (Medicinals)

Safety & Contraindications

Contraindications: High pitta; inflammatory conditions of the liver and brain; pregnancy

Safety: No drug–herb interactions are known.

Dosage & Combinations

Dosage: Use a low dose – 100mg–1g per day or 1–3ml per day of a 1:3 @ 75% tincture.

Combinations:

Ginger, cardamom, fennel for digestion and increasing agni.
Vasa, pippali for spasmodic cough and especially whooping cough.
Arjuna, haritaki for heart problems with pain.
Ashoka, turmeric for dysmenorrhoea.
Vacha, pippali for nervous disorders and epilepsy.
Nutmeg, ashwagandha for fertility. Chapter 6 PLANT PROFILES

How to Use Hingu by Condition

Explore how Hingu is used for specific health concerns — with dosage, preparation methods, and classical references for each.

Hingu for Conjunctivitis

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Hingu for Constipation

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Hingu for Ear Disorders

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Hingu for Epilepsy

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Hingu for Gas and Flatulence

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Hingu for Heart Disease

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Hingu for Indigestion

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Hingu for Irritable Bowel Syndrome

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Hingu for Liver Disorders

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Hingu for Parasites and Worms

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Hingu for Yeast Infections

▶ Classical Text References (7 sources)

References in Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan

being pungent and salty in taste are not good to semen, ojas (essence of the tissues ), hairs and eye (vision) 151 ह गु वातकफानाह शूल नं प त कोपनम ्॥१५२॥ कटुपाकरसं यं द पनं पाचनं लघु । Hingu (asa foetida) mitigates vata, kapha, cues distension of the abdomen and colic, aggravates pitta, pungent in taste and at the end of digestion, enhances taste, hunger, digestion and is easily digestible.
— Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan, Annaswaroopa Food

Katu Gana – group of pungents:कटुको ह गु म रचकृ मिजत प चकोलकम ् कुठे रा या ह रतकाः प तं मू म करम ् Hingu- Asa foetida Maricha – Black pepper, Krimijit – Vidanga, Panchakola – Chitraka, Pippalmoola, Pippali, Chitraka and ginger, leafy vegetables such as Kutheraka and others (mentioned in verse 103 of chapter 6 earlier), Pitta (bile of animals), Mutra (urines), Arushkara etc.
— Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan, Rasabhediyam Tastes, Their

21-24 योषकटवीवरा श ु वड गा त वषाि थराः ह गुस ौवचलाजाजीयवानीधा य च काः नशी ब ृह यौ हपुषा पाठामूलं च के बुकात ् एषां चूण मधु घ ृतं तैलं च सदशांशकम ् स तु भः षोडशगुणैयु तं पीतं नहि त तत ् अ त थौ या दकान ् सवा ोगान यां च त वधान ् ोगकामलाि व वासकासगल हान ् बु मेधा म ृ तकरं स न या ने च द पनम ् Powder of Vyosha- (Trikatu – pepper, long pepper and ginger), Katvi, Vara (Triphala), Shigru (drum stick), Vidanga (False black pepper – Embelia ribes), Ativisha, Sthira (Desmodium gangeticum), Hingu – (A
— Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan, Dvividha Upakramaneeya

The wound should be fumigated with the smoke of Guggulu, Aguru, Siddhartha, Hingu (Asa foetida), Sarjarasa, Patu (Salt), Sadgrantha(Acorus calamus) or leaves of Nimba (neem), mixed with ghee;
— Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan, Shastrakarma Vidhi

For preparing Teekshna Kshara – alkali of strong potency the admixture should be similar to that of previous – alkali of medium potency and also the paste of Langalika, Danti, Chitraka, Ativisha, Vacha, Svarjika, Kanakaksiri, Hingu, sprouts of Putika, Talapatri and Bida salt and alkali prepared as usual and used after a lapse of seven days.
— Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan, Kshar-AgniKarma Vidhi

Source: Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan, Annaswaroopa Food; Rasabhediyam Tastes, Their; Dvividha Upakramaneeya; Shastrakarma Vidhi; Kshar-AgniKarma Vidhi

References in Charaka Samhita

[12] Ingredients: oil cake (pinyaka), sauvarchala (a type of salt), hingu (Ferula asafoetida (L)), mustard (Brassica nigra (L)), trikatu officinale (Roscoe), maricha- Piper nigrum (Linn), pippali- Piper Longum (Linn.
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 26: Three Vital Organs Treatment (Trimarmiya Chikitsa / त्रिमर्मीयचिकित्सा)

Ingredients: 1 part-hingu (Ferula asafoetida (L)) 2 parts- vacha (Acorus calamus Linn) 4 parts- chitraka (Plumbago zeylanica Linn) 8 parts-kushtha (Saussurea lappa) 16 parts-swarjikshara 32 parts- vidanga (Embelia ribes Burm.
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 26: Three Vital Organs Treatment (Trimarmiya Chikitsa / त्रिमर्मीयचिकित्सा)

, hingu- asafoetida Linn, pedunculata Roxb.
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 26: Three Vital Organs Treatment (Trimarmiya Chikitsa / त्रिमर्मीयचिकित्सा)

Source: Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 26: Three Vital Organs Treatment (Trimarmiya Chikitsa / त्रिमर्मीयचिकित्सा)

References in Charaka Samhita

), hingu (Ferula narthex Boiss.
— Charaka Samhita, Sharira Sthana — Human Body & Embryology, Chapter 8: Guidelines for Lineage (Jatisutriya Sharira / जातिसूत्रीय शरीर)

If the patient suffers from edema and pain in the peri-anal region, and if there is suppression of the digestive power, then he should be treated with the combination of powder of trikatu [(Sunthi (Zingiber officinale), pippali (Piper longum)and maricha (Piper nigrum)], pippalimool (Piper longum), patha (Cissampelos parrira), hingu (Ferula narthex), chitraka (Plumbago Zylanica), sauvarchala (one kind of salt), pushkarmool(Inula racemosa), jeera (Cuminum cyminum), Pulp af bilva (Aegle marmelos),
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 14: Hemorrhoids Treatment (Arsha Chikitsa / अर्शचिकित्सा)

Chitraka, pippalimoola, two kshara (yavakshara and sarjikshara), salt, trikatu, hingu, ajamoda and chavya are mixed together and trichurated with either matulunga svarasa or dadima svarasa and tablets are prepared.
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 15: Digestive Disorders Treatment (Grahani Chikitsa / ग्रहणीचिकित्सा)

Kalinga, hingu, ativisha, vacha, sauvarchala and haritaki with warm water is useful in vomiting, arshogranthi (analpolyp with pellet stool) and pain in abdomen.
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 15: Digestive Disorders Treatment (Grahani Chikitsa / ग्रहणीचिकित्सा)

Marichadyam choornam contains one kudava (192 gm) of maricha, kunchika, ambashtha (patha), vrikshamlah, ten pala (480 gm) of amlavetas, half pala (24 gm) each of sauvarchala, bidha, pakya, yavakshara, saindhava, sathi, pushkaramoola, hingu and hingushivatika (vamsapatri).
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 15: Digestive Disorders Treatment (Grahani Chikitsa / ग्रहणीचिकित्सा)

Source: Charaka Samhita, Sharira Sthana — Human Body & Embryology, Chapter 8: Guidelines for Lineage (Jatisutriya Sharira / जातिसूत्रीय शरीर); Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 14: Hemorrhoids Treatment (Arsha Chikitsa / अर्शचिकित्सा); Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 15: Digestive Disorders Treatment (Grahani Chikitsa / ग्रहणीचिकित्सा)

References in Sharangadhara Samhita

Hingvashtaka Churna: Hingu (asafoetida — Ferula assa-foetida), Saindhava (rock salt), Shunthi (dry ginger — Zingiber officinale), Krishna Jiraka (black cumin — Nigella sativa), Pippali (long pepper — Piper longum), Yamani (Trachyspermum ammi), and Maricha (black pepper — Piper nigrum) — these eight ingredients constitute Hingvashtaka.
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 3: Churnakalpana (Powder Preparations)

— Hingu (asafoetida) six Shana, and the five salts (Pancha Lavana) — two Aru salts included.
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 4: Gutikakalpana (Tablet/Pill Preparations)

After purification, form it into a disc (Chakra-like shape), coat it with Hingu (Asafoetida — Ferula foetida).
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 12: Rasadishodhana-Maranakalpana (Mercury and Rasa Preparations)

Alternatively, a paste of garlic (Lashuna, Allium sativum), or Hingu (asafoetida, Ferula assa-foetida) with neem may be used.
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Uttara Khanda, Chapter 11: Lepa Vidhi (Topical Paste Application)

Asafoetida's strong odor also repels insects.
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Uttara Khanda, Chapter 11: Lepa Vidhi (Topical Paste Application)

Source: Sharangadhara Samhita, Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 3: Churnakalpana (Powder Preparations); Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 4: Gutikakalpana (Tablet/Pill Preparations); Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 12: Rasadishodhana-Maranakalpana (Mercury and Rasa Preparations); Uttara Khanda, Chapter 11: Lepa Vidhi (Topical Paste Application)

References in Sharangadhara Samhita

Hingvashtaka Churna: Hingu (asafoetida — Ferula assa-foetida), Saindhava (rock salt), Shunthi (dry ginger — Zingiber officinale), Krishna Jiraka (black cumin — Nigella sativa), Pippali (long pepper — Piper longum), Yamani (Trachyspermum ammi), and Maricha (black pepper — Piper nigrum) — these eight ingredients constitute Hingvashtaka.
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 3: Churnakalpana (Powder Preparations)

— Hingu (asafoetida) six Shana, and the five salts (Pancha Lavana) — two Aru salts included.
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 4: Gutikakalpana (Tablet/Pill Preparations)

After purification, form it into a disc (Chakra-like shape), coat it with Hingu (Asafoetida — Ferula foetida).
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 12: Rasadishodhana-Maranakalpana (Mercury and Rasa Preparations)

One Shana (3g) of potent medicine, a Yava-measure of Hingu, and one Masha of Saindhava for Nasya.
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Uttara Khanda, Chapter 8: Nasya Vidhi (Nasal Therapy)

Masha, Atmagumara, Bala, Arubu, Karohi, and Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) decoction with Hingu and Saindhava.
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Uttara Khanda, Chapter 8: Nasya Vidhi (Nasal Therapy)

References in Sushruta Samhita

Also with saindhava, hingu (asafoetida), triphala, madhuka, paundarika (white lotus), anjana (antimony), tuttha (copper sulfate), and tamra (copper).
— Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra, Chapter 11: Kaphabhishyanda Pratishedha Adhyaya (Chapter on Treatment of Kapha-type Conjunctivitis)

A paste (utsadana) containing Vacha (Acorus calamus) and Hingu (asafoetida) is beneficial in Skanda seizure.
— Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra, Chapter 29: Skandapasmarapratishedha

Devadaru (Cedrus deodara), Vacha, Hingu (asafoetida), Kushtha, Girikadambaka, Ela (cardamom), and Harenuka should always be used for fumigation.
— Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra, Chapter 32: Putanapratishedha

White mustard (Siddharthaka), Vacha, Hingu (asafoetida), Kushtha, along with Bhallataka (Semecarpus anacardium) and Ajamoda (celery seeds) are beneficial for fumigating the child.
— Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra, Chapter 36: Naigameshapratishedha

For a weak patient with a distended, painful abdomen, an application should be made with Daru (Devadaru), Haimavati, Kushtha (Saussurea lappa), Shatahva (dill), Hingu (asafoetida), and Saindhava (rock salt).
— Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra, Chapter 39: Jvarapratishedha

Source: Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra, Chapter 11: Kaphabhishyanda Pratishedha Adhyaya (Chapter on Treatment of Kapha-type Conjunctivitis); Uttara Tantra, Chapter 29: Skandapasmarapratishedha; Uttara Tantra, Chapter 32: Putanapratishedha; Uttara Tantra, Chapter 36: Naigameshapratishedha; Uttara Tantra, Chapter 39: Jvarapratishedha