Overview

Hingula is one of the herbs traditionally used in Ayurveda for weakness & debility. 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.

How Hingula Helps with Weakness & Debility

According to Ayurvedic pharmacology, Hingula has specific properties that make it valuable for addressing weakness & debility:

Potency (Virya): Ushna (hot)
Post-digestive (Vipaka): Madhura (sweet)
Taste (Rasa): Madhura (sweet), Tikta (bitter)
Qualities (Guna): Snigdha (unctuous), Guru (heavy)

Other Herbs for Weakness & Debility

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Abhrak Mica (complex aluminium silicate)

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Almond Prunus amygdalus Batsch.

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Aloe Vera Aloe barbadensis Mill. (Syn. A. vera Tourn. ex Linn.)

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Amla Emblica officinalis

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Arka Holostemma rheedianum Spreng.

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Ashoka Saraca indica

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Ashwagandha Withania somnifera dunal

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Bada Gokhru Pedalium murex Linn.

See all herbs for weakness & debility on the Weakness & Debility page.

▶ Classical Text References (1 sources)

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.