Hingu (Ferula foetida)
Hingu – Ferula foetida
Hingu, commonly known as Asafetida or Devil’s dung is one of most commonly found herb in India. It is widely used as an antimicrobial, anthelmintic and antiallergic agent. The name Hingu means that it will be perceived quickly by nose because of its penetrating quality. It is otherwise called Janthughna or Janthunasaka which means it kill worms.
Dr.Gupta’s IAFA have been studying on readily available herbs for the purpose of alleviating allergic condition. Our experts studied on Hingu and proven the plant’s therapeutic activities like Anthelmintic, Carminative, Nurvine stimulant, Antimicrobial, Antiepileptic, Anthelmintic, Contraceptive, Diaphoretic, Antiallergic actions etc. Hingu can be used in various conditions like alcoholism, insanity, earache etc. Essential oils obtained from Hingu are potent antimicrobial and antioxidants in nature. Gum extract of this herb shows promotive effect on learning and memory. The phenols and flavanoids present in flower, stem and leaf extract of Hingu shows antioxidant and antihaemolytic activities.
Action of Hingu – Ferula foetidain Allergies
IAFA experts have successfully proven the antiallergic property of the plant Hingu. The plant contains 40-65% resin, 20-25% gum and 4-20% volatile oil. Resin mainly contains asaresinotanol and volatile oil contains butyl propanyl disulphate, disulphides, trisulphides, pinene, terpenes etc. These phytoconstituents aids the antiallergic and antimicrobial property of Hingu. It can be effectively used against allergic reactions in the form of Hingu powder.
Vernacular names and Classification
| Botanical Name | Ferula foetida |
| Family | Apiaceae |
| Native Names | |
| Sanskrit Name | सहस्रवेधि, जतुक, बारीक, हिङ्गु, रामठ |
| Hindi Name | Hing |
| English Name | Asafetida, Devil’s dung |
| Malayalam Name | Kayam |
| Kannada Name | Ingu, Hingu |
| Marathi Name | Hing |
Ayurveda reference of Hingu – Ferula foetida
Morphology of Hingu – Ferula foetida
- A tall perennial plant.
- Carrot-shaped rhizome stems 1.5-2.4 meters.
- Leaves pubescent.
- Fruit 8 by 5 mm.
Geographical distribution of Hingu – Ferula foetida
It is cultivated in Persia, Iran and Afghanisran. In India it is found growing in Kashmir and Punjab.
Phytoconstituents of Hingu – Ferula foetida
The plant contains 40-65% resin, 20-25% gum and 4-20% volatile oil. Resin mainly contains asaresinotanol and volatile oil contains butyl propanyl disulphate, disulphides, trisulphides, pinene, terpenes etc.
Parts used of Hingu – Ferula foetida
- Gummy exudate
Dosage of Hingu – Ferula foetida
- Powder(churna)- 125-500 mg
Medicinal Properties of Hingu – Ferula foetida
- Kasa hara – relieves cough
- Sulahara- relieves pain
- Dipana – carminative
- Swasahara – relieves asthma
- Pacana – digestant
- Krimighna – useful in worm infestations
- Chakshushya – promote vision
- Rucya – useful anorexia
- Hridrogahara – useful in heart diseases
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– Dr. Sahil Gupta (B.A.M.S., M.H.A.)
Ayurvedic Allergy Specialist
CEO & Founder of IAFA®
Home remedies of Hingu – Ferula foetida
Ayurveda is not only a treatment system but also a lifestyle. The treatment system provided by Ayurveda uses herbs that are commonly seen around. Hingu is one of the commonly seen herb and is used in different diseases like,
- In Alcoholism (Madatyaya) – Salt is mixed with Hingu and Piper nigrum and given with wine and sour gruel.
- In Insanity (Unmada) – Ghee processed with latex and leaves of hingu and leaves of Cardamom is used.
- In Ear ache (Karna sula) – Oil is processed with Hingu and used in ear ache.
- As Digestant (Pacana) – Powder of Hingu is mixed with honey and taken will promote digestion.
- In Cough (Kasa) – The gummy exudate of Hingu is heated and powdered. It is then taken to cure cough.
- As a carminative (Deepana) – Vidanga powdered and taken before food. It can act as a carminative.
- In abdominal distension (Anaha) – Powdered Hingu is mixed with hot water and taken.
- In indigestion (Ajirna) -Hingu is powdered and taken after food.
Article Written By: Dr. Sahil Gupta, Ayurvedic Allergist
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