Ayurvedic Properties
- Taste (Rasa)
- Sweet (Madhura), Bitter (Tikta)
- Quality (Guna)
- Unctuous (Snigdha), Heavy (Guru)
- Potency (Virya)
- Hot (Ushna)
- Post-digestive (Vipaka)
- Sweet (Madhura)
- Key Constituents
- Mercuric sulphide (HgS), traces of other minerals
- Also Known As
- English: Cinnabar, Mercuric Sulphide
Sanskrit: हिंगुल, दरद, चूलिका, म्लेच्छ
Hindi: हिंगुल, हिंगलू
What is Silver Amalgam/Hingula (Hingula / Cinnabar / हिंगुल)?
Hingula (Cinnabar) is the natural ore of mercury — a red mineral composed of mercuric sulphide. It is an important source of mercury for Rasa Shastra preparations. Hingula Bhasma is used in skin diseases, worm infestations, and wounds. It is also the source from which mercury is extracted through sublimation. Four types are described based on origin and quality. It must be properly purified before use. Verses: 103-106.
Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 7
Therapeutic Actions (Karma)
- Rasayana (rejuvenative)
- Kushthahara (anti-skin disease)
- Krimighna (anthelmintic)
- Vranaropana (wound healing)
Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 7
How to Use Hingula by Condition
Explore how Hingula is used for specific health concerns — with dosage, preparation methods, and classical references for each.
▶ Classical Text References (1 sources)
References in Sharangadhara Samhita
Now the method of purifying Hingula (cinnabar — mercuric sulphide, HgS): Triturate Hingula (Darada) with goat's milk (Meshi Kshira) and acidic liquids (Amla Varga) seven times with careful effort.
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 12: Rasadishodhana-Maranakalpana (Mercury and Rasa Preparations)
The method of extracting mercury from Hingula: Triturate Hingula with lemon juice (Nimbu Rasa) or Nimba (Azadirachta indica) leaf juice for one Yama (approximately 3 hours).
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 12: Rasadishodhana-Maranakalpana (Mercury and Rasa Preparations)
After triturating the Hingula, subject it to Urdhva Patana (upward distillation), similar to the method used for mercury.
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 12: Rasadishodhana-Maranakalpana (Mercury and Rasa Preparations)
Source: Sharangadhara Samhita, Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 12: Rasadishodhana-Maranakalpana (Mercury and Rasa Preparations)
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.