Hingwashtak Churna
Hingwashtak Churna is a classical Ayurvedic churna, a fine herbal powder. Listed in the Ayurvedic Formulary of India (AFI) Part I. Bhaishajya Ratnavali (Agnimandya / Ajirna Rogadhikara). Also referenced in Yoga Ratnakara and Sharangdhara Samhita (17th century).
| Also known as | Hingwashtak Churna, HingwashtakChurna |
|---|---|
| Pharmacopoeia status | Listed in the Ayurvedic Formulary of India (AFI) Part I. Referenced in multiple state Ayurvedic pharmacopoeias across India. One of the most commonly prescribed digestive churnas in clinical Ayurvedic practice. |
Names and identification
| Language | Name |
|---|---|
| English | Hingwashtak Churna |
Where is it described in the classical texts?
Bhaishajya Ratnavali (Agnimandya / Ajirna Rogadhikara). Also referenced in Yoga Ratnakara and Sharangdhara Samhita (17th century). The name ‘Ashtak’ signifies the eight primary ingredients.
How does it work?
- Carminative action: Asafoetida (Hing) contains ferulic acid and volatile sulfur compounds that reduce intestinal gas formation and promote gas expulsion.
- Digestive enzyme stimulation: Trikatu (black pepper, long pepper, ginger) stimulates secretion of digestive enzymes including pepsin, lipase, and amylase.
- Antispasmodic effect: Volatile oils from cumin and ajwain relax intestinal smooth muscle, reducing cramping and colic.
- Antimicrobial action: Ferulic acid and thymol (from ajwain) provide broad-spectrum activity against gut pathogens (E. coli, S. aureus).
- Gastroprotective mucosal defense: Ginger compounds protect gastric mucosa against NSAID-induced and ethanol-induced ulceration.
Which traditional uses are supported by research?
- Functional dyspepsia and indigestion (validated by RCT showing 45% symptom improvement)
- Flatulence and bloating (validated by animal study showing 30% reduction in intestinal gas volume)
- IBS symptom management (validated by preliminary clinical evidence of pain, bloating, and stool consistency improvement)
- Gastroprotection (validated by mucosal protection in ibuprofen and ethanol-induced ulcer models)
What do recent clinical trials show?
5 further claims previously listed here could not be traced to a published paper and have been removed. Classical formulations are researched largely in journals that PubMed does not index, so an absence here reflects the reach of the index rather than the state of the evidence.
Recent safety updates
- Generally safe at recommended doses. May cause stomach irritation in some patients, particularly those with gastric sensitivity.
- Contains rock salt (Saindhava Lavana); patients with hypertension and kidney-related diseases should use with caution and medical supervision.
- Not advised during pregnancy. Should not be taken without medical advice for prolonged periods. Those on blood pressure or cardiac medications should consult physician.
What is it made of?
Key Active Markers
- Derived from constituent herbs (see individual herb profiles)
- Standardized on primary bioactive markers
Analytical Methods: HPLC fingerprinting, TLC (identity), LC-MS/MS (marker quantification)
Dosage forms and preparation
Dosage Forms: Churna (fine powder), Capsules (modern), Tablets (modern)
Standard Dosage: 1-3 g twice daily with first morsel of food or before meals, as per AFI Part I
Bioavailability: Identical to Hingvashtak Churna. Rapid-acting carminative and digestive stimulant with high bioavailability of volatile oil components.
Optimal Timing: Immediately before meals or with first morsel of food
Shelf Life: 2 years from date of manufacture as per ASU guidelines for Churna
Storage: Store in airtight containers in a cool, dry place. Sealed packaging due to strong aroma. Temperature not exceeding 30°C.
Marker Compounds: Piperine, 6-Gingerol, Cuminaldehyde, Ferulic acid, Thymol
Quality Parameters: Loss on drying (<8%), total ash, acid-insoluble ash, particle size (pass sieve #85), piperine content by HPLC, cuminaldehyde, ferulic acid, volatile oil content, HPTLC fingerprint, microbial limits, heavy metals
Vehicle (Anupana): With first morsel of food, or with warm water/buttermilk
Synergistic Combinations
- Chitrakadi Vati
- Agnitundi Vati
- Lavanbhaskar Churna
- Shankha Vati
Composition
As given in the Ayurvedic Formulary of India, Part I, entry 7:37 (HINGVASTAKA CURNA), which cites Bhaisajyaratnavali. Agnimandyadirogadhikara; 37.. Names, parts and quantities are transcribed as printed and checked row by row against the book. Manufacturers' versions of a classical formulation can differ from the formulary.
| # | Ingredient | Part | Quantity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sunthi | rhizome | 3 g |
| 2 | Marica * | fruit | 3 g |
| 3 | Pippali * | fruit | 3 g |
| 4 | Ajamoda * | fruit | 3 g |
| 5 | Saindhava lavana * | 3 g | |
| 6 | Sveta jiraka * | fruit | 3 g |
| 7 | Krsna jiraka | fruit | 3 g |
| 8 | Hingu-suddha | exudate | 3 g |
* The scanned text was damaged at this row and the name was read from the entry's own Sanskrit verse.
Consult a qualified vaidya before acting on anything here. Ayurvedic practice is prescribed to a person, not to a condition: the same dravya is given, withheld or substituted depending on your constitution, your agni, the season and what else you are already taking. A page cannot know any of that. Self-prescribing from a reference is how the wrong preparation, the wrong dose or the wrong anupana gets used.
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