Overview

Hingula is one of the herbs traditionally used in Ayurveda for skin disorders. 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 Skin Disorders

According to Ayurvedic pharmacology, Hingula has specific properties that make it valuable for addressing skin disorders:

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

Other Herbs for Skin Disorders

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Acacia Acacia concinna DC.

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Agarwood Aquilaria agallocha Roxb.

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Alexandrian Laurel Ochrocarpus longifolius Benth. & Hook. f.; Calophyllum inophyllum Linn.

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

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Alum Potash Alum

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Amla Emblica officinalis

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Annatto Bixa orellana Linn.

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Apamarga Achyranthes aspera Linn.

See all herbs for skin disorders on the Skin Disorders 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.