Hing (Ferula Assa-Foetida)
Know the therapeutic uses and benefits of Hing (Ferula Assa-Foetida). It is also known as Devil’s Dung, Kayam, Heeng, Perungayam, Ingu, Hengu, etc.
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ShareHing (Ferula Assa-Foetida) – A Analgesic Agent
Introduction
Hing commonly known as Hingu or Devil’s dung belongs to the largest genus of family Apiaceae and is botanically known as Ferula foetida, Ferula assa-foetida and ferula asafoetida. In India, Hingu is used as a flavoring ingredient because of its odor. Hingu exhibits a unique flavor to barbeque and fried meat. As per Ayurvedic classical texts, it is a Sangyasthapana, Krimi ghana Dravya, etc, and also used profusely as an analgesic agent. Hingu is also famous as an antidote to Ahiphena (opium). Hingu has a sulfurous odor and a bitter taste and remedy for flatulence. Its formulation like Hingwastak Churna and Hingwadi Vati is very famous among the Ayurvedic Vaidyas. Hingu is heat generating, digestive, taste promoter, penetrating, and reduces Vata and Kapha. Its Niryasa (oleo- gum resin) part is used that is extracted from the stem and rhizomes of the Hingu plant. Recent research revealed that Hingu consists of coumarins, alpha-pinene, polyanthin, mogoltadone, etc due to which it exhibits carminative, diuretic, anti-fertility, hypertensive, antioxidant, anti-tumor, anti- spasmodic activities, etc.
Basonym of Hing (Ferula Assa-Foetida)
हिंगु हिनोति शीघ्रं गच्छति नासाम, वर्धते च स्वगुणे: हिमं कफ वा हेतु गच्छति इति वा |
Hingu, which will be perceived quickly by nose because of its penetrating quality, increases by itself and alleviates Kapha Dosha and cold.
Synonyms of Hing (Ferula Assa-Foetida)
- According to Habitat
बाह्लीक- बाह्लीक देशे जाता ।
Available in Bahilka Desha (Punjab province of Pakistan).
- According to Morphology
जतुक – जायते प्रादुर्भवति वृक्षस्य रसरूपेण इति जतु जतुक॑ वा |
Hingu is a resinous exudate from the plant.
- According to Properties
उग्र गन्धा यस्य सा ।
Hingu has a very strong odor.
जन्तुघ्न – It kills worms.
जन्तुनाशक – It destroys worms.
सहस्रवेधि – It has a very strong odor that cannot be covered by any means..
Regional Names of Hing (Ferula Assa-Foetida)
- Asafoetida, Devil’s dung (English)
- Hallatail, Hietitil (Arab)a Kula)
- Hing (Hindi)
- Ingu, Hingu (Kannada)
- Kayam (Malayalam)
- Hing (Marathi)
- Hing (Punjabi)
- Bagharani (Gujrati)
- Ingu (Telugu)
- Perungayam (Tamil)
- Yang (Can.)
- Angoj (Pers.)
Botanical Name of Hingu
Ferula foetida Linn. or Ferula asafoetida Linn. or Ferula Assa-Foetida
Ferula means giant funnel.
Foetida means foul smell.
Family – Apiaceae (Shatpushpa Kula)
Ayurveda Reference for Hing (Ferula Assa-Foetida)
Scientific Classification of Hing (Ferula Assa-Foetida)
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Class | Dicotyledons |
| Subclass | Polypetalae |
| Series | Calyciflorae |
| Order | Umbellales |
| Family | Apiaceae |
| Genus | Ferula |
| Species | foetida |
Classification of Hingu as per Charaka and Sushruta
Charaka: Swasha Hara Mahakshaya, Krimi Ghana Maha Kashaya, Sangya Sthapana Mahakshaya.
Sushruta: Haritkyadi Gana.
Hingu’s Description in Brihtrayi as Bahlika
Charaka Samhita: C. S. Chi. 23/ 102, C. S. Chi. 30/ 91
Sushruta Samhita: S. S. Ka. 6/ 3
Vagbhata: A. H. U. 34/ 46
Hingu’s Description in Brihtrayi as Ramatha
Sushruta Samhita: S. S. U. 51/16
Vagbhata: A. H. U. 3/ 56
Hingu’s Description in Brihtrayi
| Charaka | Shusruta | Vagbhata (Ashtang Hridya) |
| C. S. Su. 2/ 28 | S. S. Su. 11/ 13 | A. H. Su. 6/ 152 |
| C. S. Su. 4/ 6, 37, 48 | S. S. Su. 38/ 21, 36 | A. H. Su. 10/ 30 |
| C. S. Su. 23/ 14, 19 | S. S. Su. 39/ 6 | A. H. Su. 14/ 25 |
| C. S. Su. 24/ 49 | S. S. Chi. 46/ 221, 228 | A. H. Su. 15/ 23, 34 |
| C. S. Su. 25/ 39 | S. S. Sa. 2/ 11 | A. H. Su. 29/ 25 |
| C. S. Su. 27/ 29 | S. S. Chi. 10/ 57 | A. H. Su. 30/ 21 |
| C. S. Vi. 8/ 149, 158 | S. S. Chi. 4/ 32 | A. H. Sa. 1/ 16, 88 |
| C. S. Sa. 8/ 59, 70, 76, 93 | S. S. Chi. 5/ 21, 25, 28 | A. H. Sa. 2/ 41, 42 |
| C. S. Chi. 2- 4/ 18, 20 | S. S. Chi. 6/ 9, 13 | A. H. Chi. 1/ 62, 161 |
| C. S. Chi. 3/ 304 | S. S. Chi. 8/ 17, 38 | A. H. Chi. 3/ 4, 12, 56 |
| C. S. Chi. 5/ 68, 78, 84, 85, 142, 144, 162, 165 | S. S. Chi. 11/ 8, 10 | A. H. Chi. 4/ 7, 27, 51, 54 |
| C. S. Chi. 7/ 108 | S. S. Chi. 14/ 10, 13, 14 | A. H. Chi. 5/ 51 |
| C. S. Chi. 9/ 40, 56, 61, 63, 70, 75, 79 | S. S. Chi. 15/ 19, 21 | A. H. Chi. 6/ 28, 30, 50 |
| C. S. Chi. 10/ 24, 25, 32, 35, 46 | S. S. Chi. 28/ 25, 102 | A. H. Chi. 8/ 24, 34, 36, 81 |
| C. S. Chi. 12/ 42 | S. S. Chi. 40/ 4 | A. H. Chi. 9/ 7, 12, 106 |
| C. S. Chi. 13/ 156 | S. S. Ka. 5/ 63 | A. H. Chi. 10/ 11, 15, 53 |
| C. S. Chi. 14/ 63, 72 | S. S. U. 11/ 6 | A. H. Chi. 19/ 31, 37 |
| C. S. Chi. 15/ 95, 100, 104, 108, 173, 186, 188 | S. S. U. 23/ 4 | A. H. Chi. 21, 31, 36 |
| C. S. Chi. 17/ 86, 100, 103, 107, 139, 142 | S. S. U. 29/ 5 | A. H. Chi. |
| C. S. Chi. 18/ 35, 46, 51, 52, 112, 113, 122 | S. S. U. 32/ 6 | A. H. Chi. Ka. 4/ 11 |
| C. S. Chi. 19/ 31 | S. S. U. 36/ 7 | A. H. U. 1/ 45 |
| C. S. Chi. 23/ 55, 69, 79, 95, 101 | S. S. U. 39/ 129, 192, 195 | A. H. U. 9/ 25 |
| C. S. Chi. 26/ 12, 19, 21, 23, 60, 64, 82, 151, 183, 221, 224 | S. S. U. 40/ 35, 37, 43, 47, 50, 179 | A. H. U. 13/ 23, 69 |
| C. S. Ka. 7/ 14, 52, 61 | S. S. U. 42/ 27, 29, 32, 39, 69, 98, 120, 121, 127, 128 | A. H. U. 16/ 7, 53 |
| C. S. Si. 9/ 23, 24 | S. S. U. 43/ 12 | A. H. U. 25/ 58 |
| S. S. U. 44/ 25 | A. H. U. 30/ 12, 27 | |
| S. S. U. 47/ 25, 38 | A. H. U. 35/ 21 | |
| S. S. U. 50/ 24 | A. H. U. 39/ 24, 161 | |
| S. S. U. 51/ 28, 46, 54 | A. H. U. 40/ 48 | |
| S. S. U. 52/ 13, 20 | ||
| S. S. U. 55/ 46, 51 | ||
| S. S. U. 56/ 14, 15 | ||
| S. S. U. 57/ 7 | ||
| S. S. U. 60/ 39, 46, 47 | ||
| S. S. U. 61/ 31 | ||
| S. S. U. 62/ 27, 30 |
Historical Background of Hingu
In Vaikhanasa Dharma Sutra (1/7/1-3) it is mentioned that Hingu is one of the substances forbidden during Vanaprastharama. Panini also quoted Ramatha in his works. Even Bahlika is described in Paippalada Samhita. Charaka quoted it as the best among Chedaniya as well as Dipaniya drugs (C. S. Su. 25). F. foetida is indigenous to the plains of Kandahar, Eastern Persia & Western Afghanistan. Hingu is obtained as an exudate of the decapitated rhizome or root of a plant about four years old. The stems are cut close to the root and asafetida exudes in blobs or drops from the part left in the ground. The accumulated Niryasa (exudation) of Hingu is scraped off at intervals. Out of the two kinds of asafetida (Hingu) known in commerce, one turns Rakta (red) and then Bhur (brownish) when a fresh surface is exposed to Vayu (air) and the other remains Shveta (white) or pale buff. The latter variety is supposed to be derived From P. rubricaulis.
Controversial Studies – Bapalalji believes that Hingupatri and Vamsapatti (Baspika) are synonymous according to some commentators. But Bhavamisra considers both as separate plants. The plant Hingupatri is considered by many authors as Nadi Hingu i.e., Gardenia gummifera Linn. The author is also of the same opinion to conclude that “Hingupatri” may not have any relation with Hingu as is the case with Nimba Niryasa which is famous as Hinguniryasa.
External Morphology of Hing (Ferula Assa-Foetida)
- Habit – Hingu is a tall perennial herb that has a carrot shaped rhizome.
- Root – Fusiform
- Stem – 5- 8 ft. tall.
- Leaves – Pubescent when young, lower leaves are 30-60 cm long, ovate shaped. Cauline sheaths are large, from which inflorescence comes out. Secondary and tertiary pinnate are decurrent, entire, or very irregularly crenate- serrate.
- Inflorescence – Terminal compound umbel.
- Fruit – 8 x 5 mm, having vitae, reddish-brown.
Flowering and fruiting time
Autumn / spring and another season.
Distribution of Hing (Ferula Assa-Foetida)
Persia and Afghanistan. It is found in Kashmir in India. The gum resin is collected during summers. The drug material (commercial) is gum-resin which consists of tears or flat pieces yellowish in color, fractures purely white, which on exposure becomes bright pink and finally dirty yellow. The asafetida has an intense alliaceous-like smell and bitter taste and acrid.s running longitudinally. The transversely cut portion is greenish yellow and shows a thick woody surface, characterized by an array of several medullary rays, radiating from a well-defined centrally placed pith. On break, it becomes short pieces and powdery. Doesn’t have any particular dour and has a slightly bitter taste.
Varieties of Hing (Ferula Assa-Foetida)
As such, there are no varieties mentioned for Hingu but depending on the material sold in the market it is of two kinds.
- Black
- White
Different Species are Used for Hingu along with Ferula foetida
- Ferula alliaceae
- Ferula jaeschkeana occurs in Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh in India.
- Ferula thomsoni
- Ferula galbaniflua
- Ferula sumul
- Ferula suaveolens
- Ferula persica
The Useful Part of Hing (Ferula Assa-Foetida)
Niryasa (Exudate) – Niryasa (Exudate) the mass will be gummy or waxy and will have different sizes and shapes. The surface is smooth, dull, opaque, or vitreous, ranging from light brown to chocolate in color, when we break it becomes pieces exposing a waxy surface with numerous cavities, more often filled with glossy resinous material, thin pieces are translucent. Has a strong aromatic odor, and tastes pungent and bitter.
Adulteration in Hingu
Usually, pebbles, mud, leaves, and gum acacia are the things used as an adulterant.
Collection of Hingu
The collection is done by laying bare the rootstock to a depth of 4-5 cm of those plants which have not reached their flowering stage. Then it is cut off as a slice from the top of the rootstock, from which at once a milky juice starts exuding, which is not collected. The root then is covered over by a domed structure called ‘Khora’ formed of twigs and covered with clay, leaving an opening towards the north, thus protecting the exposed root from the rays of the sun. After six weeks, a thick gummy, reddish substance appears in more or less irregular lumps upon the exposed surface of the root, which is scraped off with a piece of iron hoop or removed along with a slice of root and at once placed in a leather bed, the tanned skin of a goat.
Impure Hingu (Asudha Hingu): Wheat and gravel are mixed with it to increase the weight, so it contains less Hing. If impure Hingu is dissolved in water, it settles at the Tala (bottom). Does not burn completely on fire. It also differs in smell and taste. Ashudha Hingu should not be used in medicine.
Pure Hingu (Shudh Hingu): When dropped in water, it slowly dissolves with a white edge and water turns milky white without a residue at the bottom. It should burn completely in the fire. It should be white with a sharp smell.
Process of purification of Hingu: There are two methods of purification of Hingu:
- Abharjit
- Bharjit.
Abharjit: In this process, 1 part of Hingu is dissolved in 8 parts of water and then dried on low flame in a ghee layered iron pot.
Bharjit: In the second process, Hing is roasted in cow ghee till it becomes dry and rough.
Important Phytoconstituent of Hing (Ferula Assa-Foetida)
Gum-resin contains essential oil, ferulic acid, and Sulphur compound. The essential oil contains kinene, organic disulphide, and umbelliferon. The. oleo-resin gum yields oil of 6 to 17 percent which contains allyl persulphate, its oil is responsible for specific intense dour. The gum contains Asa resin tannol 65 percent gum resin substance 25 percent, alkaline and salts 3-4 percent; and acetic acid, malic, and valerianic acid, besides ferulic acid.
Recent Research on Hing (Ferula Assa-Foetida)
- The properties of essential oils obtained from Ferula asafetida oleo-gum resins (OGRs) were collected in three collections times on 15 June (OGR1), 30 June (OGR2), and 15 July (OGR3) 2011 were investigated. Essential oil from OGR1 constituted high levels of (E)-1- propenyls sec-buty1 disulfide (23.9%) and 10-epi-y- eudesmol (15.1%). Essential oil from OGR2 constituted high levels of (Z)-1-propenyl sec-butyl disulfide (27.7%). Kavoosi G, Rowshan V. Chemical composition, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of essential oil obtained from Ferula asafetida oleo- gum- resin: Effect of collection time. Food Chem. 2013 Jun 15; 138 (4): 2180 -7. doi: 10. 1016/ j. food chemistry. 2012.11.131. Pub 2012 Dec 29.
- The study aimed to evaluate the activity of asafetida against the in vitro growth of Blastocystis sp. Asafetida as powder-form (Ap) and oil-form (A) extracts at concentrations of 2, 4, 8, 16, and 20 mg/ml and 5, 10, 25, 40, and 50 mg/ml, respectively were incubated with isolates of Blastocystis sp. subtype 3 for 24, 72 and 144 h and compared to the reference antiprotozoal drug metronidazole at concentrations of 10, 100 and 500 pg/ ml. These findings demonstrate the potential of phytomedicine asafetida as a potent natural alternative for the treatment of Blastocystis sp. infection. El Deeb HK, Al Khadrawy FM, Abd El-Hameid AK. Inhibitory effect of Ferula asafetida L. (Umbellifers) on Blastocystis sp. subtype 3 growth in vitro. Parasitol Res. 2012 Sep; 111 (3): 1213-21. Doi: 10. 1007/ 500436- 012- 2955- 1. Epub 2012 May 15.
- Memory loss is universal and is the first symptom to manifest in the majority of patients suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. This study is designed to investigate the effect of Ferula asafetida linn. (F. foetida) extract on learning and memory in rats. The memory-enhancing potential of F. foetida can be attributed to acetyl-cholinesterase inhibiting and antioxidant properties. Hence, dietary usage of F. foetida is beneficial and can also be employed as an adjuvant to existing anti-dementia therapies. Vijayalakshmi, Adige S, Bhat P. Chaturvedi A, Bairy KL, Kamath S. Evaluation of the effect of Ferula asafetida Linn. gum extract on learning and memory in Wistar rats. Indian J: Pharmacology 2012 Jan; 44 (1): 82- 7. doi.: 10. 4103/ 0253- 7613. 91873.
- The Ferula genus (Umbelliferae) is a rich source of gum- resin and is much utilized in folklore medicine. This study is designed to examine the antioxidant and antihemolytic activities of Ferula foetida Regel flower, stem, and leaf extracts. This study showed remarkable antioxidant and antihemolytic activities in Ferula foetida. Biological effects may be attributed to the presence of phenols and flavonoids in the extract. It is very promising for further biochemical experiments. Nabavi SM, Ebrahimzadeh MA, Nabavi SF, Eslami B, Dehpour AA. Antioxidant and antihaemolytic activities of Ferula foetida Regel (Umbelliferae). Eur Rev Med Pharmacology Sci. 2011 Feb; 15(2): 157-64.
- Based on in vitro studies, the role of F. asafetida in the proportion of hydrogen to Co is formed by the gas-producing microorganisms in the intestines rather than aiding the digestive process (Bhat et al., 1954).
- Asafetida produced slight inhibition of Stap. aureus and Shigella sonnei (Subramanyan et al., 1957).
- Luteolin inhibited the proliferation of human carcinoma of the larynx (Hep-2) and sarcoma-180 cells, and the inhibitory concentration of 21.0 ug/ml was close to that of the anticancer drug plumbagin (10.0 mg/ml). (Ind. J. Pharmacol. 1994, 26, 266)
- The essential oil showed significant protective action against the fat-induced increase in plasma fibrinogen and decrease in coagulation time and fibrinolytic activity on alimentary hyperlipidemia. Serum cholesterol was also slightly lowered (Ind. J. Med. Res. 1975, 63, 707).
- Luteolin exhibited anti-polio virus activity which was comparable to that of ascorbate-stabilized quercetin (J. Gen. Virology 1988, 69, 1749).
- Luteolin and its 7-glucoside showed anti-inflammatory activity against dextran and yeast-induced rat paw edema and cotton pellet inflammation. They also showed anti-ulcer activity against reserpine and phenylbutazone-induced ulcers (Farmatsiya 1979, 29, 39).
- The acuteness of the sense of hearing is diminished by continued ingestion of asafetida (Hinsdale, 1922).
- It exerted a distinct sedative effect as determined by the rat as the experimental animal (Macht & Ting, 1921).
Rasa Panchaka of Hing (Ferula Assa-Foetida)
| Rasa (Taste) | Katu (Pungent), Tikata (Bitter) |
| Guna (Virtue) | Laghu (Light), Teekshna (Sharp) |
| Virya (Potency) | Ushna (Hot Potency) |
| Vipaka (Post-Digestion) | Katu (Pungent) |
Dosha Karma of Hing (Ferula Assa-Foetida)
Vata Kapha Shamaka, Vata Hara because of its Ushana Virya, and Kapha Hara because of Katu, Tikta Rasa, and Ushna Virya.ka. Pitta Shamaka because of Tikta Rasa. Kapha Shamaka because of Ushana Virya and Tikta Rasa.
Karma (Actions) of Hing (Ferula Assa-Foetida)
Sangya Sthapana, Vedana Sthapana, Uttejaka, Aksepahara, Dipana, Pacana, Rocana, Anulomana, Shula Prasamana, Krmighna, Hrdya, Jantughna, Kapha Nihsaraka, Svasahara, Mutrajanana, Vajikarana, Artavajanana, Katupoustika, Balya, Jvaraghna, Sitaprasamana, Caksusya Kaphanihsaraka (Chedana), Svasahara.nd Chedana.
Prayogarha Vyadhi (Therapeutic Indication) of Hing (Ferula Assa-Foetida)
Udaravikara, Shula, Adhmana, Anaha, Agnimandya, Gulma, Vibandha, Udavarta, Krmiroga, Vatajanya Hriddroga, Hridrava, Hrcchula, Kasa, Ajirna Kasa Kukkurakasa, Svasa Phuphusasotha, Vatavikara, Paksaghata, Ardita, Sanjnanasa, Murcha, Vatavyadhi, Grdhrasi, Aksepaka, Apatantraka, Vatika Mutraghata, Bastisula, Rajahkrcchra, Garbhasayasuddhi, Klaibya, Kandu, Visamajvara, Sitajvara, Sannipatajvara, Krmidanta.
Aamyik Paryog (Therapeutic Uses) of Hing (Ferula Assa-Foetida)
Visham Jwara (Malarial fever): Quartan fever is checked by snuffing Hingu mixed with old ghee. (Vaidya Jeevana., 1/ 53)
An abdominal tumor (Gulma): Hingu is the chief ingredient in the following formulations:
- Hingvadi Churna and Gutika. (Charaka Samhita. Chikitsa Sthana.5. 79- 84)
- Hingutriguna Taila. (Ashtanga Hridya Chikitsa Sthana. 14/ 39)
Shula (Colic): Decoction of Sunthi, Eranda, and Barley added with Hingu and Puskaramula or Hingu and Sauvarcala relieves colic. (Vrinda Madhava. 26. 8- 9)
Unmada (Insanity)
- Ghee cooked with Hingu, Hinguparni, Haritaki, and Brahmi or with Brahmi, Hjingu, and Charaka is useful. (Charaka Samhita Chikitsa Sthana. 9/ 57)
- Hingvadya Ghrta (Gada Nigreha. 5. 2. 53)
Madatya (Alcoholism): Sauvarcala mixed with Hingu and Marica should be given with wine and sour gruel till the patient regains consciousness. (Charaka Samhita Sutra Sthana. 24/ 49)
Danta Krimi (Caries): In dental caries, slightly heated Hingu should be kept. (Vrinda Madhava. 58/ 37)
Karna Shula (Earache):
- Hingu is the Mukhya Ghataka (main ingredient) in Hingvadi Taila. (Charaka Samhita Chikitsa Sthana. 26/ 215)
- Sarshapa Taila (Mustard oil) cooked with Hingu, Tumburu, and Sunthi should be filled in the Karna (ears) in case of (Karna Shool) earache and Karn Kshveda (tinnitus). (Vrinda Madhava. 59/ 16)
Udavarta: Hingugragandhadi Churna (Charaka Samhita Chikitsa Sthana. 26/ 22) contains Hingu as the chief ingredient.
Vataryadhi (Vataja disorder): Hingu is the chief ingredient in Hingvadi Gutika (Sushruta Samhita Chikitsa Sthana. 5/ 2)
Benefits of Hing (Ferula Assa-Foetida)
- The gum is bitter, hot, and pungent; it is digestible, stomachic, laxative, analgesic, anthelmintic and carminative. It increases appetite, and it checks vitiation or increment of Kapha and Vata. It is prescribed to cure dyspepsia and a good remedy for diseases of the heart; it is used in abdominal tumors, ascites, jaundice, and caries of the teeth. It may increase biliousness (in excess use) due to the nature of its properties.
- The gum-resin is a strong antispasmodic, expectorant, and anthelmintic, it is a nervine stimulant and a feeble laxative.
- It is useful in hysteria and hysterical affections, it is variously used in spasmodic affections, such as asthma, whooping cough, angina pectoris, flatulent colic, and allied ailments.
- Hingu is very effective in children in case of pneumonia and bronchitis.
- The gum resin is used as a condiment being a common aromatic spice of the resinous category. It is quite efficacious in flatulent colic. The gum resin is locally applied to ringworm as a paste.
- It is prescribed for the treatment of snakebites. The gum- resin is boiled in coconut milk and applied to snake-bite lesions. Edible-frying condiments culinary-spice.
Benefits of Hing (Ferula Assa-Foetida) on Different Systems of Body
- External uses: Hingu is Shool Nasahaka (Analgesic), Vata alleviating and stimulant properties help in Apana Vayu Nishkashana (flatulence) by topical application. Castor oil + Hingu douche (Matra Basti) is also effective. 15 Gunja Hingu + 10 tola water in douche is given in helminthiasis. Hing is applied locally on the Janan Indriya (genitalia) in Bandhyatva (impotency). Its topical application is useful in cough and breathlessness. Hingu water is applied to reduce the swelling and pain of guinea worms.
- Nervous system: It is a stimulant, analgesic, sangnyasthapak and anticonvulsant by its Ushna Veerya. Hingu is useful in PakshaGhata (paralysis), Ardita (facial palsy), torticollis, sciatica, and Apasmara (epilepsy).
- Digestive system: Stimulates appetite, and digestive and improves taste because of pungent and Ushna properties. Snigdha and Tikshna gun helps to improve peristalsis and relieves colic pain and intestinal worms. It is useful in loss of appetite, flatulence, tumor, pain, constipation, and intestinal parasites. Roasted Hingu should be used for treating digestive disorders. It is given at the beginning of a meal in hypogastric pain and the middle of the meal in epigastric (Saman Vayu) conditions. A thin paste of Hingu is applied to the abdomen in flatulence in infants and middle-aged patients.
- Circulatory system: Cardiac stimulant, in Vataj cardiac disorders, pericardial effusion, cardiac pain – Karpurhingu Vati is very useful in such conditions.
- Respiratory system: Being Tikshna, antibacterial, and Kaphavatahar, it is useful in asthma, and cough, All the synonyms in the Grantha should congruently fit a plant, that only makes a definite identification for pneumonia, chronic cough, whooping cough; Karpur- Hingu Vati or raw hingu is used in respiratory conditions.
- Urinary system: In Kaphavataj dysuria, it acts as a diuretic. Asafoetida is excreted through Mutra (urine), therefore useful in Vataj Mutra Kricha (dysuria) and Basti Shula (urinary bladder pain).
- Reproductive system: It is an aphrodisiac by its Ushna and Tikshna property. Therefore, it is useful in impotency. Helps ovulation. It helps to clean the uterus in postpartum conditions.
- Satmikaran: It is a Tikta and Balya (bitter tonic and increases strength). In general debility, it increases Kshudha (appetite) and reduces weakness by this property.
- Skin: It vitiates blood. As Hingu contains Sulphur, it acts as a stimulant to the skin. It is used in itching. Hingu is excreted through the skin.
- Temperature: Febrifuge, Sheeta Prashaman, preventive in typhoid and useful in malarial fever.
- Excretion: Through bronchi, skin, and kidneys.
Matra (Therapeutic Administration and Dosage) of Hing (Ferula Assa-Foetida)
- Churna (Powder): 125- 500 mg
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Classical Reference of Hing (Ferula Assa-Foetida)
Bhava Prakasha Nighantu Haritakyadi Varga- 100
Synonyms
सहस्रवेधि जातुकं बाल्हीकं हिंगु रामठम् |
Bhava Prakasha Nighantu Haritakyadi Varga- 101
Properties and Actions
हिंगु उष्णं पाचनं रुच्यम तीक्ष्णं वातबलासनुत् |
शूलगुल्मोदरानाह कृमिघ्न पित्त वृर्द्धनम |
Dhanwantri Nighantu Shatpushpadi Varga, 37
Properties and Actions
हिंगु उष्णं कटुकं हृद्यं सर वातकफौ कृमीन् |
हन्ति गुल्मोदराध्मान बन्ध शूल हदामयान् ||
Kaiydeva Nighantu Aushadi Varga, 1210- 1211
हिंगु उष्णं तिक्त कटुकं रसे पाके च दीपनम |
लघु वात कफानाह शूल गुल्मा अग्निमांद्य जित् |
पाचनं कृमि हद्रोग कासश्वासोदरा्तिनुत् ||
Raja Nighantu Pipplyadi Varga, 74
हृद्यं हिंगु कटु उष्णं च कृमि वातकफापहम् |
विबन्धाध्मान शूलघ्नं चक्षुष्य॑ गुल्मनाशनम |
Priya Nighnatu Haritkyadi Varga, 151
अत्युष्ण॑ हिंगु कटुकं पित्तल॑ कफवातनुत् |
दीपन॑ जठरा आध्मानं शूलघ्न॑ चेतनाप्रदम ||
Charaka Samhita Sutra Sthana, 25
हिंगु निर्यासश्छेदनीय दीपनीयानुलोमिक वातकफशमनातां श्रेष्ठ: |
Charaka Samhita Sutra Sthana
वातश्लेष्म विबंधघंम कटु उष्णं दीपनं लघु |
हिंगु शूलप्रशमनं विद्यात् पाचन रोचकम् ||
Charaka Samhita Sutra Sthana, 26/ 222, 223, Chakra Dutta, 6/ 2
हिंग्वादि तैलम्
हिंगु तुम्बरु शुण्ठीभिस्तैल॑ तु सार्षप पचेत् ||
एतद्धि पूरणं श्रेष्ठ कर्णशूलनिवारणम् ||
अग्निमांद्य चिकित्सायाम्
हिंगुवष्टक चूर्णम् ।
Chakra Dutta
कृमि दन्ते
हिंगु सोष्ण तु मतिमान् कृमिदन्तेषु प्रदापयेत् |
Shodhala Nighnatu
हिंगु द्रोणपुष्पा वा रसेनाश्चित लोचन: |
अचिरात् कामला व्याधि नरो विजयते ध्रुवम् ||
Chakra Dutta Aamvata Chikitsa, 25- 24
आमवाते हिंग्वादि चूर्णम्
Bhava Parkasha Udavarta Adhikara, 31- 37, Chakra Dutta, 28- 12
उदावर्त्ते हिंग्वादी फल वर्ति
हिंगु माक्षिक सिन्धूत्थे: पिष्टे वर्ति विनिर्मिताम् |
घृताभ्यक्तां गुदे न्यस्वेदुदावर्तत विनाशिनीम् ||
Bhava Parkasha Udavarta Adhikara, 32/ 28- 30
उदावर्ते हिंगवादि चूर्णम्
Chakra Dutta, Sula Chikitsa, 26/ 12, 18. 5
शूल चिकित्सायां हिंगु योगा:
हिंग्वष्टक चूर्णम्
हिंग्वादि वटी
हिंग्वादि चूर्णम
Chakra Dutta, 26/ 72
प्लीहाजन्य शूले हिंग्वादि चूर्णम्
Charaka Samhita Chikitsa Sthana, 26- 12
उदावर्त चिकित्सायां हिंगु योगा:
हिंग वाग्रगन्धादि चूर्णम्
Chakra Dutta, 28- 8
हिंग्वादि चूर्णम् इत्यादय: ।
Shusruta Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana, 5/ 28
वातव्याधौ
हिंग्वादि गुटिका |
Chakra Dutta, Hrid Roga Chikitsa, 31- 37
हृद्रोग (हच्छूल) चिकित्सायां हिंग्वादि चूर्णम्
Vaidya Jeevana, 1- 53
विषम ज्वरे – चातुर्थक ज्वरे
चतुर्थको नश्यति रामठस्य घृतेन जीर्णेनयुतस्य नस्यम् |
Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana, 5/ 79/ 84
गुल्मे
हिड्ग्वादि चूर्णम, हिड्ग्वादि गुटिका च।
Ashtanga Hridya Chikitsa Sthana, 14/ 32
हिंगु त्रिगुण तैलम्।
Vrinda Madhava, 58- 37
दन्तरोगे- क्रिमिदन्तेषु
हिंगु सोष्ण तु महिमान् क्रिमिदन्ते प्रदापयेत |
Charaka Smahita Chikitsa Sthana, 9/ 57
उन्मादे
हिंगुना हिंगु पर्ण्या च सकायस्थावय: स्थवा।
सिद्ध सर्पिहित॑ तद्वंद वय: स्थाहिंगुचोरकै: ||
Charaka Samhita Sutra Sthana, 24- 49
मदात्यये
तद्वत् सौवर्चलं दद्याद युक्त मद्याम्ल कांजिकै।
हिंगूषणसमायुक्त यावत् संज्ञा प्रबोधनम् ||
Vrinda Madhava, 26- 8/ 9
शूले
हिंगू पुष्करमूलाभं हिंगू सौवर्चल: वा |
विश्व एरण्डपत्रक्वाथ: पीत: शूलनिवारण: ||
तट्वद रुबयवक्वाथो हिंगु सौवर्चलान्वितः |
हिंगु रामठमत्युग्रं जन्तुघ्न॑ भूतनाशनम् |
Dhanwantri Nighnatu
अगूढगन्धं बाह्लीकम जरणं सूपधूपनम् ||
हिंगूष्ण॑ कटुक॑ हद सर वातकफौ कृमीन् |
हन्ति गुल्मोदराध्मानबन्ध शूल हदामयान् ||
Dhanwantri Nighnatu
हिंगु पत्री तु कबरी पृथ्वीका पृथुला पृथु: |
वाष्पिका कटुतिक्तोष्णा हद्या वातकफापहा |
कृमिप्लीह विबन्धा अर्श गुल्महद्वस्तिशूलनुत् ||
Shodhala Nighnatu
हिंगों रामठमत्युय्ं उग्रं जन्तुघ्नं भूतनाशनम् ।
अगूढगंध॑ बाह्लीकम जरणं सूपधूपनम् ||
सहस्रवेधि रक्षोघ्न॑ विबन्धाजीर्णनाशनम् ।
………..मेदोघ्नं शूलनाशनम् |
वोषकाण देशजं श्रेष्ठ ततो न्यूनगुणं परम् ||
हिंगु वातकफानाह शूलघ्नं पित्तकोपनम् ।
कटुपाकरसं रुच्य॑ दीपनं पाचनं लघु ||
पित्तास्त्र कोपि स्निग्ध उष्णं विबंधाजीर्णनाशनम् |
बोष्काणदेशजं श्रेष्ठ ततो न्यूनगुण परम् ||
Specific Formulation of Hing (Ferula Assa-Foetida)
- Hingvastaka Churna for Agni Mandya, Gulma
- Hingu Triguna Taila for Udara Roga, Gulma
- Ayaskriti for Prameha and Pandu
- Chitrakadi Vati for Agnimandya
- Hingvadya Taila for Kriccha Aartava and Yoni Shula
- Hingvadya Ghrita for Unmada
- Hingwadya Gutika for Vatja Shula
Contraindication and Side Effects of Hing (Ferula Assa-Foetida)
30-day study was conducted on Hingu on people groups, and it was found that Hingu in 250 dosages twice a day is well tolerated by human beings. Hingu is safe when taken in dosage typically found in foods. In a few cases Hingu may result in swelling of lips, intestinal gas, headache, convulsion, blood disorders, headache, anxiety, etc. Avoid use of Hingu during pregnancy and lactation. Methemoglobinemia was reported in infants due to intake of Hingu for 5 weeks.
Suggestive Reading Regarding Hing (Ferula Assa-Foetida)
- Sher, Hassan & Kunwar, Ripu & Bussmann, Rainer & Zambrana, Narel & Rahman, Ikram. (2021). Ferula assa-foetida L. Ferula narthex Boiss. Apiaceae. 10. 1007/ 978- 3- 030- 45597- 2_102- 1.
- Hanchinamane, Nataraj & Gundakalle, Dr. (2010). COMPARATIVE PHARMACOGNOSTIC AND PHYTOCHEMICAL STUDY OF DIFFERENT MARKET SAMPLES OF ASAFOETIDA (Ferula narthex Bioss). International Journal of Ayurvedic Medicine; Vol 1, No 2 (2010): July-September 2010. 1.
- Mala KN, Thomas J, Syam DS, Maliakel B, Krishnakumar IM. Safety and Efficacy of Ferula asafoetida in Functional Dyspepsia: A Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Study. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2018 Aug 26; 2018: 4813601. doi: 10. 1155/ 2018/ 4813601. PMID: 30224930; PMCID: PMC 6129344.
- Alam M, Khan A, Wadood A, Khan A, Bashir S, Aman A, Jan AK, Rauf A, Ahmad B, Khan AR, Farooq U. Corrigendum: Bioassay-Guided Isolation of Sesquiterpene Coumarins from Ferula narthex Bioss: A New Anticancer Agent. Front Pharmacol. 2016 Nov 22; 7: 444. doi: 10. 3389/ fphar. 2016. 00444. Erratum for: Front Pharmacol. 2016 Feb 16; 7: 26. PMID: 27881964; PMCID: PMC 5118459.
- Bashir, Shumaila & Alam, Mahboob & Bashir, Ahmad & Aman, Akhtar. (2014). Antibacterial, Anti-fungal, and Phytotoxic activities of Ferula narthex Boiss. Pakistan journal of pharmaceutical sciences. 27. 1819- 1825.
- Bagheri SM, Yadegari M, Porentezari M, Mirjalili A, Hasanpor A, Dashti RM, Anvari M. Effect of Ferula asafoetida oleo gum resin on spermatic parameters and testicular histopathology in male Wistar rats. J Ayurveda Integr Med. 2015 Jul- Sep; 6 (3): 175- 80. doi: 10. 4103/ 0975- 9476. 146552. PMID: 26604552; PMCID: PMC 4630691.
- Bagheri SM, Dashti-R MH, Morshedi A. Antinociceptive effect of Ferula asafoetida oleo-gum-resin in mice. Res Pharm Sci. 2014 May-Jun;9 (3): 207-12. PMID: 25657791; PMCID: PMC 4311286.
- Roshy JC, Ilanchezhian R. Experimental evaluation of Hingusauvarchaladi Ghrita and Saptavartita Hingusauvarchaladi Ghrita with special reference to their anticonvulsant activity. Ayu. 2010 Oct;31 (4): 500- 3. doi: 10. 4103/ 0974- 8520. 82037. PMID: 22048547; PMCID: PMC 3202270.
- Fatehi M, Farifteh F, Fatehi-Hassanabad Z. Antispasmodic and hypotensive effects of Ferula asafoetida gum extract. J Ethnopharmacol. 2004 Apr; 91 (2-3): 321- 4. doi: 10. 1016/ j. jep. 2004. 01. 002. PMID: 15120456.
- Bagheri SM, Yadegari M, Mirjalily A, Rezvani ME. Evaluation of Toxicity Effects of Asafetida on Biochemical, Hematological, and Histological Parameters in Male Wistar Rats. Toxicol Int. 2015 Jan- Apr; 22 (1): 61- 5. doi: 10. 4103/ 0971- 6580. 172258. PMID: 26862262; PMCID: PMC 4721178.
- Niazmand, Razieh & Razavizadeh, Bibi. (2020). Ferula asafoetida: chemical composition, thermal behavior, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of leaf and gum hydroalcoholic extracts. Journal of Food Science and Technology. 58. 10. 1007/ s13197- 020- 04724- 8.
- Bagheri, Seyyed & Yadegari, Maryam & Zare-Mohazabiye, Fatemeh & Momeni-Asl, Hanieh & Mirjalili, Aghdas & Anvari, Morteza & Behpour, Malihe. (2018). Effect of Ferula assafoetida oleo-gum-resin on gastric ulcer in indomethacin-ulcerated rats. Journal of Current Research in Scientific Medicine. 4. 42. 10. 4103/ jars. jcrsm_48_17.
- Bhatnager, Richa & Nirwaan, Reena & Suneja, Amita. (2015). Antibacterial activity of Ferula asafoetida: a comparison of red and white type. Journal of Applied Biology and Biotechnology. 018- 021. 10. 7324/ JABB. 2015. 3204.
- Sood, Ruchi. (2020). Asafoetida (Ferula asafoetida): A high-value crop suitable for the cold desert of Himachal Pradesh, India How to Cite. Journal of Applied and Natural Science. 12. 607- 617. 10. 31018/ jans. v12i4. 2418.
- Kumar, Ravi & Kumar, Pawan & Kumar, Ashok & Chauhan, Ramesh & Singh, Satbeer & Singh, Sanatsujat. (2022). Heeng (Ferula assafoetida): An Immunomodulator Plant.
- Upadhyay, Prabhat & Singh, Sonia & Agrawal, Gopal & Vishwakarma, Vishal Kumar. (2017). Pharmacological activities and therapeutic uses of resins obtained from Ferula asafoetida Linn.: A Review. International Journal of Green Pharmacy. 11. S240- S247.
- P, Dr & Padigapati, Dastagiri. (2021). The effectiveness of the Ferula asafoetida in the treatment of dyspeptic disorders. International Journal of Homoeopathic Sciences. 5. 160- 166. 10. 33545/ 26164485. 2021. v5. i4c. 465.
- Murali, M., Ragini Kumari, Kirti Soni, & Sujeet Kumar. (2021). THERAPEUTIC ACTION OF HINGU IN RESPIRATORY SYSTEM: A LITERARY REVIEW. International Journal of Ayurveda and Pharma Research, 8 (12), 37- 42.
- Iranshahi, Milad & Iranshahi, Mehrdad. (2010). Traditional uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacology of Asafoetida (Ferula asafoetida oleo-gum-resin)—A review. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 134. 1- 10. 10. 1016/ j. jep. 2010. 11. 067.
- Mahendra, Poonam & Bhandari Bisht, Shradha. (2012). Ferula asafetida: Traditional uses and pharmacological activity. Pharmacognosy reviews. 6. 141- 6. 10. 4103/ 0973- 7847. 99948.
- Patwardhan K, Pathak J, Acharya R. Ayurveda formulations: A roadmap to address the safety concerns. J Ayurveda Integr Med. 2017 Oct-Dec; 8 (4): 279- 282. doi: 10. 1016/ j. jaim. 2017. 08. 010. Epub 2017 Nov 7. PMID: 29122454; PMCID: PMC 5747514.
- Vijayasteltar L, Jimmy IJ, Joseph A, Maliakel B, Kuttan R, I M K. Beyond the flavor: A green formulation of Ferula asafoetida oleo-gum-resin with fenugreek dietary fiber and its gut health potential. Toxicol Rep. 2017 Jun 30; 4: 382- 390. doi: 10.1016/ j. to rep. 2017. 06. 012. PMID: 28959663; PMCID: PMC 5615140.
- Maurya SK, Seth A, Laloo D, Singh NK, Gautam DN, Singh AK. Śodhana: An Ayurvedic process for detoxification and modification of therapeutic activities of poisonous medicinal plants. Anc Sci Life. 2015 Apr-Jun; 34 (4): 188- 97. doi: 10. 4103/ 0257- 7941. 160862. PMID: 26283803; PMCID: PMC4535066.
- Homayouni Moghadam F, Vakili Zarch B, Shafiei M. Double edged effect of gum-resin of Ferula asafoetida on the lifespan of neurons. Iran J Basic Med Sci. 2013 Apr;16 (4): 660- 3. PMID: 24250948; PMCID: PMC 3821887.
- Niazmand R, Razavizadeh BM. Ferula asafoetida: chemical composition, thermal behavior, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of leaf and gum hydroalcoholic extracts. J Food Sci Technol. 2021 Jun; 58 (6): 2148- 2159. doi: 10. 1007/ s13197- 020- 04724- 8. Epub 2020 Aug 17. PMID: 33967312; PMCID: PMC 8076422.
- Amalraj A, Gopi S. Biological activities and medicinal properties of Asafoetida: A review. J Tradit Complement Med. 2016 Dec 20; 7 (3): 347-359. doi: 10. 1016/ j. jtcme. 2016. 11. 004. PMID: 28725631; PMCID: PMC 5506628.
- Amin, Adnan & Hanif, Muhammad & Rafey, Abdul & Zaib, Sumera & Bakhsh, Sattar & Ramzan, Muhammad & Zaman, Ali & Rehman, Fazal. (2020). Sesquiterpene Coumarins from Ferula narthex 15-LOX, α-Glucosidase Inhibition and Molecular Docking Studies.
- Choudhary, Shailja & Kaurav, Hemlata & Chaudhary, Gitika. (2021). Hing (Ferula asafoetida). A Review Based Upon its Ayurvedic and Pharmacological Properties. International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences Review and Research. 68. 10. 47583/ ijpsrr. 2021. v68i02. 006.
- Gundakalle, M.B. & Kulkarni, Y.R. & Torgal, S. S. (2012). Screening of antiepileptic activity of hingu (Ferula narthex Bioss) on albino rats. International Journal of Research in Ayurveda and Pharmacy. 3. 399- 400.
- Bussmann, Rainer & Batsatsashvili, Ketevan & Kikvidze, Zaal & Moazzami Farida, Seyed Hamed & Ghorbani, Abdolbaset & Zambrana, Narel & Khutsishvili, Manana & Maisaia, Ineza & Sikharulidze, Shalva & Tchelidze, David. (2019). Ferula assa-foetida L.Apiaceae. 10. 1007/ 978- 3- 319- 77088-8_ 59- 1.
- Mahendra P, Bisht S. Ferula asafoetida: Traditional uses and pharmacological activity. Pharmacogn Rev. 2012 Jul; 6 (12): 141- 6. doi: 10. 4103/ 0973-7847. 99948. PMID: 23055640; PMCID: PMC 3459456.
- Amin A, Tuenter E, Cos P, Maes L, Exarchou V, Apers S, Pieters L. Antiprotozoal and Antiglycation Activities of Sesquiterpene Coumarins from Ferula narthex Exudate. Molecules. 2016 Sep 26; 21 (10): 1287. doi: 10. 3390/ molecules 21101287. PMID: 27681714; PMCID: PMC 6274357.
- Yaqoob, Dr & Dr.Irshad A., Nawchoo. (2016). Distribution and Taxonomy of Ferula L.: A Review. 5. 15- 23.
- Alam M, Khan A, Wadood A, Khan A, Bashir S, Aman A, Jan AK, Rauf A, Ahmad B, Khan AR, Farooq U. Bioassay-Guided Isolation of Sesquiterpene Coumarins from Ferula narthex Bioss: A New Anticancer Agent. Front Pharmacol. 2016 Feb 16; 7: 26. doi: 10. 3389/ fphar. 2016. 00026. Erratum in: Front Pharmacol. 2016 Nov 22; 7: 444. PMID: 26909039; PMCID: PMC 4754424.
References
- Agnivesha, Charaka, Dridhabala. In: Charaka Samhita, ed. Vaidya Jadavaji Trikamji Aacharya., editor. Varanasi: Chaukhamba Sanskrit Sansthan; 2009.
- Sushruta. In: Sushruta Samhita, Sutra Sthana, ed. Vaidya Jadavji Trikamji Acharya., editor. Varanasi: Choukhambha Orientalia; 2005.
- Vagbhata. In: Ashtanga Hrudaya, 9th ed. Anna Moreshwar Kunte, Krishnashastri Navarre, Harishastri, editors. Varanasi: Choukhambha Orientalia; 2005.
- Bhavamishra. In: Bhava Prakasha Nighantu, Haritkyadi Varga 11th ed. part 2. Brahma Shankara Mishra., editor. Varanasi: Choukhambha Bharati Academy; 2009.
- Bhavprakasha, commentary by Bulusu Sitaram, forwarded by K.C.Chunekar
- Sharma PV, Kaideva Nighantu. Aushadhi Varga. Chaukhamba Orientalia, Varanasi; 2006:
- Tripathi I., Raja Nighantu, Pipplyadi Varga, Chaukhamba Krishnadas Academy; Varanasi; 2010
- Dhanwantri Nighantu, Shatpushpadi Varga, Chaukhamba Krishnadas Academy; Varanasi.
- Priya Nighantu by P. V. Sharma, Haritkyadi Varga Chaukhamba Krishnadas Academy; Varanasi.
- Vaidya Manorma, Chaukhamba Orientalia, Varanasi.
- Vrinda Madhava
- Dr. Gyanendra Pandey, Dravyaguna Vigyana, reprint 2012, Chaukhamba Krishnadas Academy
- K. Niteshwar Dravyaguna Vigyan, reprint 2017.
- Dr. J.L.N. Sastry and Dr. B.S. Sastry, Dravyaguna Vigyana, Chaukhambha Orientalia, Varanasi.
- Chakrapanidatta, Chakradatta with the vaidaya Prabha hindi commentary by indra deva tripathi, chaukambha sanskrita sansthan, varanasi 2nd Edition, 1994.
Ayurveda is an Indian system of medicine that is popular since ancient times. Dr. Gupta’s IAFA® has been conducting research studies to find out different phytoconstituents of herbs and their action in the body. Such knowledge acquired by our experts is used in the preparation of medicines and providing the treatment facilities safely and effectively. IAFA® is the provider of safe and effective treatment for a wide range of diseases, mainly allergic diseases all based on Ayurveda.
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